i don't see any welding on mine,all pins and screws. i have run about 250 shots through mine with no problems, i started with low powder loads about 90grs.and worked it up to 150 gr of 777 powder with 230 and 300 gr xtp's. to see what worked the best. the best group i got at 200 yards was with 150 gr powder load and a .451dia 45 cal. 230 gr full metal jacket, using a mmp sabot and a cci 209 primer. shooting from a benchwith the gun in a vice. the first 2 shots touched the third was 1/2 inch to the right. that was without cleaning . the best groups at 50 yards with the 230 grxtp hollow point and 90 grs of powder and cleaning after each shot (the cleaningwas only to run a dry patch through the gun without removing the crud ring) all 3 shots touched.