......enjoy the work a lot, and I originally thought that this would be a good candidate gun for me to hone some skills (as an aspiring amatuer gunsmith), especially since it is mechanically sound. I started having second thoughts which is why I started this thread.
That's it right there. In your own words, to lear on this gun is perfect. IF you mess it up, you're really not out a lot of $$...if you do it right the satisfaction of learning the process will keep you warm. I'd say go for the repair and see how it comes out. Then the next auction you see with a cheap cracked stock AYA (or whatever) you'll know you can make the repair and be able to bid with confidence. Either way credit to you for learning...I could not make a repair like that and have respect for thosat do!
