I shot it and it didn't blow up. I have the one with a low serial number under 800,000. Checked the shells and receiver after every shot and all was well.(Gee, I love living dangerously!) Put both military surplus and commercial loaded ammo through it. That 30.06 sure has a lot of punch! (Bruised my shoulder slightly.) It shot very well and was very accurate at the 100 yard target and was a pleasure to shoot it. I definitely will be shooting it again.