A few more correct parts have made their way here. A carry handle is now on it, and the correct grip, stock, crown nut, and sling are on the way. I'll be engraving the 4 postion selector marks on it and removing the selector blocks from the reciever. And of course ceracoating the entire thing.
Specifically a spade grip/backplate. Seems everywhere I've checked doesn't have any in stock. Bowman has one, but only in a partial kit that I don't need all the other parts.
I'd only even slightly consider that if you're talking TIG welding it. That's a lot of heat to affect the temper of the barrel in a localized section. How do you plan to re-crown the barrel?
I'd say the idea of removing the front sight, reaming it out to fit the barrel, split the base, then...
If you're wanting to retain the front sight as is with bayonet lug, this isn't going to work without a lathe. The barrel profile is stepped at the end for the bayonet/sight. Then there's the crowning for the barrel after you've cut it.
If you didn't want the bayo lug, you could chop down...