Jay: that is clearly a weld fracture, and looks to be between 2 rods (down the middle of a scroll), and not at the ribband edge weld. There also appears to be an impending fracture at 90 degrees almost forming a cross. It's possible this is the result of a repaired dent. Do you have the wall thickness measurement there?
The fracture looks to be about 10" from the breech and it is my opinion that no repair attempt should be made at that location.
Sorry for your let down (been there myself
), but thanks for posting. I added one of your images here, with an attribution
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/18015717
Can't make The Southern this year, but please say 'hi' to all the Parker fellas for me.