I agree - and not because I have any experience in 'hacked' guns but as a welder I understand the ramifications of poor work. Unless I knew the person who did it personally I would consider it essentially junk and move on. I notice you said 'welded back up and made to look sort of factory' which is NOT factory. '"master welder" means nothing to me unless I know of his work personally. I used to repair weld SS mold blocks for a guy I knew who produced EDM etched mold blocks for dental braces so I understand precision TIG welding. Move on - quickly!