If had any concern that a barrel might rupture I would not shoot it. If Kevlar gloves are used for this purpose, a Kevlar facemask might be in order as well.

It begs the question though... How do you guys decide if an older gun is safe to shoot and do you fire it remotely first? I was thinking of putting one of my old hammer guns in a vise and pulling the triggers with a string a few times and then checking for bulges or other signs of deformation.

Any suggestions?