Unless you are a master TIG welder and darn good with files the cost of having it done will all but match just the purchase of slide only off fleabay. IF you do repair, the repair will be obvious forever unless covered by Cerakote or some other form of coating. Repair plus coating would put the cost way above replacement cost. IMHO, just find a replacement slide. Give us the model of your handgun and we can also be looking in places you probably wouldn't know to look for a replacement.