"the drum is in awful shape"


Not sure what this means. Are the threads for the nipple in good shape? You don't want that nipple to blow off and become a projectile. Is the fire channel clear? If not soak it in hot soapy water and poke around with a nipple pick. I have a long piece of piano wire that works well too.

If you answered yes to both of the above questionsI think I would go ahead and shoot it.I don't know of anyneed to remove the drum, for cleaning I remove the nipple andflush with hot soapy water, works well. I don't even mess with the clean out screw.

Hope you figure it out.