Apropos of an earlier thread, I have a turn off barrel, 0.42" bore with a 3.75mm x 15mm (approx) powder well. It is a cheaply made, mass produced pocket pistol from around 1840 which has a smooth bore with some pitting but nothing deep, proof marks are matching and from Birmingham.

Question is, should I fire it?

I would like make it clear that it is perfectly legal to do so here, initial testing would be in a secure and safe rig and my middle name is Danger!