If its dated 1938, its a 1938 (made by Mauser)
Shooting any gun carries risks - but if you damage a numbered part its value is about half or less, which would be a shame. Of course some people on the forum will tell you that shooting a box here or there won't hurt, but since I just blew out a numbered part a few weeks ago, so it happens (that was on a ix-master shooter, so who cares).
I also made it where you will get notified when someone posts, in case you were not able to check here.
Be advised that it is unlikely never to have been fired, perhaps seldom if it belonged to some kind of guard, but then it would likely show years of carry. But anything is possible, just preparing you
Ed