What action should you take if your firearm has an unidentified age or origin?

When dealing with a firearm of unidentified age or origin, visiting a credible gunsmith is the most prudent action. A qualified gunsmith possesses the expertise and training necessary to assess firearms thoroughly. They can evaluate the firearm's condition, identify any potential safety concerns, and provide valuable insights about its maintenance and operational capabilities. This professional assessment is crucial, especially for older or unfamiliar firearms, as they may have unique safety issues that could pose risks to the user or others.

The other options, while they may provide some level of guidance, do not offer the same level of expertise. Consulting an experienced shooter may yield anecdotal advice, but it lacks the technical authority found in a gunsmith's assessment. Loading only with new ammunition might seem safe, yet it doesn’t address potential mechanical issues with the firearm itself, which could lead to dangerous malfunctions. Additionally, storing a firearm without using it, while safe for the moment, does not resolve any underlying uncertainties regarding its condition, leaving the user unprepared should the firearm be needed in the future.