[Ron Wood]

Actually, it can be "restored". Rare cut off Colt single-actions are routinely "restored" by welding on a section of original barrel. This preserves original markings on the orignal barrel and is done so skillfully by some restorers that it is very hard to detect except by x-ray or magniflux. It is an expensive proposition. However, beyond the expense, the worst part of this otherwise legtimate attempt to obtain the original configuration is that frequently these restorations are passed off as completely original, and now we are talking VERY high dollar fakery.