Hi John! Good to hear from you! All good ideas to try, but with nice new barrels still costing around $100.00, it's probably best to spend the time elsewhere?

... Then, you also have a liability issue to consider as well, if it fails for ANY reason, the blame always go back to the modifier, as in, you become the factory! But, the input is sound and appreciated, it does seem such a waste... BUT...
I installed a new "MADE IN GERMANY" 4" 9mm barrel, and it is snug on closing to the -GO- gage, and it range tested perfectly?...
All the piercing issues disappeared... Everyone is happy now.... Best to all, til....lat'r....GT....