I was removing a front site base from a Saiga AK-47 and definitely went too far on one of the holes. There are four holes around the barrel where I drilled into to remove the dimpled/pressed on factory FSB. None of them are through the barrel but I suspect one is very close. The obvious choice would be to get a new barrel. I was wondering, however, that since these holes aren't through, is there a way to fix it. Can I have them welded in? This area would be surrounded by a 24x1 front site base I was going to put on. Welded in holes that are then surrounded by a new front site base doesn't sound like the end of the world but I thought I would check with the experts.

I guess the alternative would be to just make it an SBR since its at about 15 inches down the barrel.

Thoughts and suggestions?