Rich. In the case of a non firing replica I can understand it but can't we all agree that it should be made clear that welding barrels is only for guns that will never be fired. They should be made incapable of firing. If I did any welding on a barrel it would be to weld up the bore. Breach plugs that are threaded in and then welded on Black powder guns only would probably be OK but I can't see any need to do so.
By the way. The definition of an alternate method is a method that achieves the same results. Welded springs are not equal to forged or cast springs. They are very inferior. Thy do not look the same and they do not perform the same. How would you like to buy a $5000.00 gun with a welded main spring.
Personally I am only interested in producing the highest quality.