YES dangerous but can be done SAFELY, I have repaired/rebuilt many over the years, ONE thing use a NEW caging bolt if you rebuild, just to cage, use the USED supplied bolt, If you need to replace the spring, there is a SPECIAL long release bolt/tool, plus a cage (retaining device) to use to contain a mishap. NO MATTER WHAT NEVER, NEVER get in line of either end, side work only while caged, also KNOW WHERE the spring or bolt will go if the gage becomes UNCAGED, a flying spring/bolt/part/ect. ricocheting off something will cause a lot of hurt and damage.
Now with all the above said, as cheap as rebuilt/new cans are these days, unless you are stuck somewhere and a rebuild is required to get going, just buy a new/rebuilt can, you will be ahead just in cost of your time let alone the rebuild hassle.