So, Dad gave me a family 16 guage shotgun that hasn’t been fired since the 1950’s. It’s been well kept and in a case, but what do I need to do before I fire it?
If it’s a break open they are simple weapons but inspect it very well.
Any stress cracks or bulges in the barrel? Does it meet properly and not shift or wiggle when closed? Is the firing pin in good shape and does it protrude sufficiently to set off the primer?
Check the stock for cracks and make sure any safeties work. I would suggest cleaning and oiling the weapon and the trigger mechanism too.
I had to do some research. I’d never heard of such a beast!
Inspection is key, if it looks wrong then make sure it is ok. If you want to come by Dms with it, Russell and I can make time to help you look it over.
I would inspect the hell out of it. Then use some snap caps to dry fire it a few times.
Since shotguns rely on the wadding to seal against the barrel and give the expanding gasses something to push against there is no headspace to check like you would on a rifle.
This is why you have multiple people simply telling you to inspect and inspect and inspect. it. 
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Brand? Model number?
And this is why I asked Thanks for all the great info!
@Nick, thanks! Are you going to be at the space today any time?
@Tapper, here are a few pictures. Says Winchester Model 12-16 Guage Mod. Pump action. Latest patent is 1913.
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Model 12 was one of the most popular shotguns ever made, and beloved by many older gunners. All modern steels. You can find year of manufacture online using the serial number.
Clean it well, make sure no visible damage, shoot the hell out of it. Unless there are visible cracks, or very deep pits, I wouldn’t worry about it.
A 12 in 16ga. should be a very nice field gun, with somewhat less recoil than a 12, but launching an ounce of shot, and typically with a very nice pattern. I had a 16ga double years ago, that was my go-to quail gun, and I wish I still had it.
Finding ammo for it will be a challenge. You can fix that with a Lee Load-all.
Resist the temptation to re-finish it. Worth more looking old.
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@Tapper Thanks! I actually have several boxes of shells, and Academy will ship them in TX
@TBJK Looks like Cabella’s may have snap caps
Yeah, grab a set a snap caps, they are the easiest we that we can dry fire and check the cycling of the weapon. I’ll be at DMS Sunday from 10am to about 6pm most likely. I might be around tonight as well. I’ll PM you my number and just text me when you are around. During the work week I’m just up the road and it isn’t a hassle for me to drop by after work, except for Mondays.
@Tapper 1927 
@Nick thanks! I’ll text you next time I’m up there.
What should I get for a general cleaning kit? I have the original cleaning rod, but that’s it.
A nylon brush works well. If you use anti-copper fouling type gun cleaner it will eat away at bronze/brass brushes. Boresnakes are good too.
If it is your only shotgun I like the idea of a bore snake. Kind of an all in one option.
we have hoppes and ed’s red as a cleaner. Based on when it was used, copper may not be an issue. We will take a close look.
one of these 3 brush sets is nice to have as well.
We don’t have bore brushes, bore mops, or a cleaning rod for shotguns currently in Hatchers. But, if you are on a tight budget, I can bring mine from home. If you wanted to maybe make a donation of a cleaning rod, brushes and mops for the committee to maintain, you would be able to use them when you needed and we could increase our offering to the rest of DMS as well.
Bore snake is the right tool, just buy some militec and soak the bristles, and it’ll clear powder and wad fouling. Have yet to see a shot gun with lead or copper fouling. A few pulls, and presto. I usually do it immediately after shooting, and this has worked well for me since the snakes showed up on shelves. For rifles, different story. I have a whole complicated regiment to remove copper foulingand avoid damaging the bore and crown. But pistols and shotguns, much easier to clean.
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Agreed, but with the amount of shelf space Hoppes has it’s best to avoid brass brushes if you aren’t sure of the cleaner being used.
If anyone’s at the space tonight, I’m hanging out and have a couple fresh bottles of Hoppes, a t-shirt destined for a bad end, and snap caps I found at Bass Pro
If not, I’ll sit here and pretend to know what I’m doing with an arduino 
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