[AGE]

John,

The canon could probably be replaced with an undamaged one to make a shooter, but canons, themselves, are not cheap. Thor proved that the canon can be shot without using the grip frame.

Thor (Ted) or Hugh might be able to advise you from their experience which parts are case hardened, These probably include the receiver (especially the chamber area), the breach block, the toggle and the barrel. You could test them with a file to check the hardness, but that would mark them up if they aren't scarred up already.

I guess I wouldn't take a chance on shooting the gun if I had any doubts about it. However, I like an excuse to buy another gun (or maybe a couple of them), like "Honey, I left it out in the sun and it may have gotten too hot, maybe I need a new one."

Good luck, but be careful--these things aren't toys. Mine get shot,,a lot.