its a sad day when this historical Piece is destroyed, it is true its worth way more money as a dewat than a functioning machine gun, no way should any gun be welded to the degree our laws have in place any and all guns can be made inert in a more appreciated way but they that make the laws decide how its done.
could the gun be parted out? if its just the receiver could one not have the receiver cut? it would defiantly be unserviceable and maintain the original details after which time could it not be reassembled as a parts kit and be displayed?
just curious, see lots of old dewats with torch cuts on receiver and all other components unwelded