Doug, I have to say that, that thought is something I had not considered. This gun is in tremendously good shape. I would however, feel better if the walls of the barrels were properly measured for safety reasons and peace of mind. I had contacted the HP White Company in Maryland. They do proof gun barrels at $500 a pop and at 20,000 psi. I asked if they would test to lower pressures and the answer was yes, to what ever pressure I wanted. I think a ball of string and some home-brewd shells would be cheaper. Thanks for the thought.