Just throwing this in for any impressionable folks who might be coming across this now or at a later date:
Vintage firearms are wonderful things, they’re historically significant, they’re sometimes unique in today’s world of polymer pistols and rifles, and they’re for the most part an inexpensive way to get yourself a fun shooter (the inexpensive idea not being applied to most of the guns discussed in this particular thread) or functional shooter. That being said, while many of the basic designs remain intact from times since past our understanding of metallurgy, plastics and other design elements has increased tenfold and therefore so has the power of modern weapons. Many older guns cannot withstand the pressures generated by modern ammunition or have simply sat long enough to have become mechanically decrepit or were products of war torn regions who cranked out as many pieces as possible without regard to longevity or safety in the manufacturing process.
Any gun that one isn’t familiar with the origins of should be checked by a responsible and credible gunsmith before attempting to fire it, but even more so with older guns. They can make sure that the gun is safe, is in condition to be fired, and that you’re putting the right ammo in it. We get a bit freewheeling with our gun threads, but I know from all of these threads that most of the posters around here are responsible and safe as can be and this can’t go without mention. Ask anyone on the boards with a love of “antique” firearms and they’ll tell you the same.