I thought exactly the same thing for my 1875,,The only thing stopping me is mine is nickel plated,,,A good welder could easily plug the cross bolt and weld it,,and also weld the small spot on the frame where it is scalloped out under the ejector rod..Then a bit of file and emory work and reblue and you would have a proper 1875...BTW--When it comes to being a nut about being historically correct,,I replaced the hammer on my USPFA ,,and three uberti hammers with the solid no safety replacement hammer..$$$$..But it was worth it to me by not having to look at that ugly safety slot on my guns!...