Yes flinters can be shot off hand. I do it all the time. As for burning up, I am not sure what you mean about that.

Just remember that the vent hole needs to have some clearance to it when you shoot. I was shooting mine one afternoon and a friend was over. He seemed determined to sit on my right, where he could watch the lock. I told him twice to stay away from the side of that rifle, just for his protection. My fear was it would flash burn him with the rifle ignition.