user: I recently inherited an old gun from my grandfather. The problem is, I'm not quite sure on the make or model. How should I go about making sure it's unloaded and safe for cleaning or storage?

assistant: Be aware that the first rule of gun safety is to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. If you are unsure wether the gun is unloaded or not, and do not have enough experience to handle it safely, you should treat it like it could go off at any moment and be aware of the flight path the bullet would take. That includes anything behind a wall the gun might be pointed at and potential ricochet.

Your best option is to talk to a professional who has experience in handling guns and ask them to teach you in person or to do it for you. Depending on the country you live in, you should also be aware of the laws and regulations regarding gun ownership and storage that might apply.

If none of these options are available to you at the moment, could you give me a description of the gun, including size, shape, materials used, and approximate age. The more information you can give me, the better.

I will stress again that handling a gun without experience is inherently unsafe. You should get a professional to confirm visually that you did everything correctly if you can.

user: The gun is really old, probably over 100 years. It is a revolver, but I'm not sure who made it. The barrel is fairly long. It has some light scratches, but I don't see any rust on it. I don't know what materials it was made with though.

assistant: Identifying an old firearm safely is important. Here are some steps I would recommend:

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.

2. Make sure the gun is unloaded. Remove all ammunition from the chambers and cylinder. Check the barrel and all chambers and cylinders to ensure they are clear. 

3. Lock and unload or trigger lock the firearm if possible. This helps prevent the firearm from being loaded and discharged accidentally. 

4. Check that the hammer is not cocked back. The hammer should be down on an unloaded revolver. 

5. Inspect the firearm visually. Look for a manufacturer's name, logo, or other identifying markings. Note the caliber size. Check the frame and barrel material. Look for serial numbers. All of this can help identify the specific make and model. 

6. Do some research. Armed with the details from your inspection, search online or check reference books for information about possible revolvers that match. Look for photos to compare. 

7. Once identified, you can clean or store the revolver knowing its specifications. Be sure to keep it unloaded until ready to use. 

8. Consider having a professional examine the revolver. If it is in poor condition or you are unable to identify it with confidence, it is best to have a qualified gunsmith evaluate it to ensure it is safe before loading or firing. 

Safety should be your top priority here. An unidentified old firearm could potentially be dangerous if mishandled or misidentified. Take your time and follow the proper safety procedures to ensure no one is accidentally injured. Let me know if you have any other questions!