Thank you, you've all been very kind!
It seems you are pretty new to and unsure about firearms. I suggest finding a good beginner's training class in your area. A lot of the gun shops, if they don't run a class themselves, will point you in the right direction.
These classes will teach safety, operation of your firearms, use of your firearms, a bit of laws, storage of your firearms and ammo, maintenance of your firearms. Be sure to get into a class that will put you on the range for some real-experience time.
These classes usually aren't too expensive and can be a life-saver, literally.
As far as keeping your firearm and your ammo/magazines separated, it is fine for now, considering you aren't familiar with them. But, once you take a class and are prepared to be armed and ready for self defense, you will want to keep these things together, as in a life and death situation, you only have split seconds to react. If you have children in the house, of course you will need to take that into consideration. There are lock-boxes that can go in your night stand and have either a thumb print scanner or a combination input to unlock and retrieve your firearm quickly if you need it. Also, if you have children in the house - when they are old enough that you are comfortable, have them take a children's firearm training/safety course, preferably one that you can accompany them to. Being there while they are in the class will create an association - a link between what they are learning and their environment at home. It will teach them respect of firearms which is much needed in any household with children.
Also, I will concur with keeping the Raven as a firearm for sentimental value. Purchase something more up-to-date for self defense. I will say that for a beginner, a revolver would be best. They are easy to operate, difficult to fire unless you mean to fire them (this is not to say they should be treated with any less respect), and they are easy to maintain. I'd suggest a .38 Revolver from Smith & Wesson, Colt, or another good name brand. You can find a used one for a great price, some places will have deals on new ones too. Try to get your new(er) firearm before you take the class. You will want the firearm you intend to keep and use if needed at that class.
With your being unsure about the Raven being loaded or not, get a cheap little pistol case for it, empty the magazine of any bullets in the magazine, leave those loose bullets at home. Place the Raven and the magazine as they are (separate) in the pistol case. When you go to your local gun shop to check it out, be sure to set the case on the counter - leave it closed and tell them that you aren't sure if it is loaded. Don't reach for the case/gun/magazine or grab at it - as that can set some people off. Let them open the case and handle the firearm, until they are sure it is unloaded.
And remember - Keep your fingers away from the trigger unless you intend to fire the firearm and always keep a firearm pointed down and in a safe direction.
It is a good idea to go over things in your head to prepare yourself how to react. What would you do if someone came in your house while you were there? What would you do if someone attacked you? What would you do if someone got in your face and started yelling at you or threatening you. These kinds of things, just to go over in your head will help to keep you from seizing up if the time comes. I can attest to this myself. I have had a lot of run-ins with creeps. All through school, on the streets and on the road. I used to cower and not know how to react being caught off-guard. Going through it in my head, I have been able to react tactfully, strategically and correctly in some of the situations that have come up since I started thinking about what I would do in those situations. I've taught myself that my firearm is a final option, as it should be, but is always there with me should that final option come. Engaging with idiots is not something you want to do. But, sometimes you have to hold your ground silently and readily. They usually leave after they realize you have no interest in bickering with them.
Good Luck!