UFAG, I encountered this problem years ago with 1/24 Black Knight Albatros DV5a vacu-form. The guns and the engine, for that matter, were not usable. So, I took a Tom's Model Work PE set had it enlarged to 1/24, had a PMT made and that's when I taught myself (with some help) to make my own photo-etch stuff. I think your guns are going to be beautiful. I'm watching You.
Pietro