[Jim K]

I have fired a lot of 40-60 year old ammo and most of it fired just fine. If the gun and ammunition were kept in a cool, dry place (say a bedroom closet), I would expect it to fire with no problems, even if it were a self-loading pistol and the magazine was kept loaded all that time. (Magazine springs can take a "set" and fail, but most springs made in the U.S., Germany or England should have no problem.) With a revolver there would be (IMHO) of it not firing.

Now if it were stored down a well, or in a damp basement, or on a boat in salt water, things would likely be a lot different.

Jim