Inspect thoroughly before shooting and test chamber dummy rounds and functioning with mags, then switch to live ammo for non-shooting functionality. Then hit the range.

Our agency had dedicated inventory for blank fire only training. The firearms were modified so they would not be able to fire live. That was done in a couple of ways, one of which was to install a restriction device in the chamber or barrel.

Still a deal even if you add a new barrel.

Have fun!