I know my grandmothers both did it that way on occasion.
I would be very careful on the jars I picked, make sure that there is a clear way to tell if they are sealed and carfuly inspect every thing as I opened it. I think it is probably a bit more risky but I don't think you will kill yourself.
I try to follow all of the USDA guidelines but I think that they are way over board, it seams like every couple of years they say you can't can stuff at home that you can buy caned and that they said was fine before.
Do you know any one there who cans? See if you can do it with them first seance it is a new 'method' for you.