Just 2 dozen attemps?
Should you attempt TR2 no scratch in the future, beware of the mighty goldfish in Temple of Xian. I was stuck on this level for nearly 2 weeks, because I was also doing pistols only. It was madness. I just couldn't get it right for so long despite KNOWING it was possible to avoid it.
Good luck with the VCI levels. I feel Escape with the Iris especially is going to be a challenge.