You should be OK with standard loads.
Yes your Winchester model 1897 pump action shotgun can shoot buck shot through it.
No
Not recommended
Not recommended
Yes
The Stevens 59A can shoot all size loads from #12 to slug. So in short, yes.
Have it checked by a gunsmith before you shoot it. If it checks out OK, then yes.
Needs to be inspected by a good gunsmith.
http://www.wikihow.com/Shoot-a-Shotgun
Yes.In all modern shells, the shot is packed in a plastic wad which keeps the shot in a tight group as it travels down the barrel. The shot never actually touches the sides of the barrel.So long as you don't try running magnum loads thru a gun that isn't rated for them, you won't have a problem.
NO !!!!!! damascus steel is not made to shoot with modern powders. It was made for black powder shotshells only. It would be very dangerous to shoot with todays loads . to much pressure in todays powders Maybe, but - - - In Europe, a lot of old shotguns from the top tier of gunmakers have been properly maintained for 100 or more years and reproofed regularly and are still in use with "modern" ammunition. Lacking a government proof-house in the US, I'd be very reluctant to fire any type of twist-steel barrel, even with black-powder equivalent loads.