Briggs 445777-0211-E1 replace nylon ring gear with metal?

I have a mower with a Briggs 24hp V-twin 445777-0211-E1 engine. Its nylon flywheel ring gear got stripped. Part number appears to be 499612.
I could order the same plastic part, but I wonder if there is an aluminum or steel ring gear available from any mfr that would fit? It seems like a bad design. The pinion gear on the starter is plastic, and that would strip out if there is a problem. Having it and the ring gear plastic is just week, as I have witnessed.
Any ideas? I see many metal ring gears or briggs engines, but how can I find one for this 445777?
Thanks