"Is it safe? Would you shoot it?"

Sounds a bit like a litigious question.

Nowadays people sue when they blow themselves up by poor use, overloading, getting plugs in barrels etc etc. Firearms makers face a lot of liability because of this and not just their own standards.

Is it safe?

Depends on the circumstances. Up to the user

Is it safe with factory loads?

I believe it is.

Would you shoot it?

Yes I have.

Or no I have never shot it.

Or I have never shot it. But I believe I would with proper loads.

Why not just ask the question:

Is is a shootable firearm or just a wall hanger?

I have a Martini-Cadet which I bought as a wall hanger. But I think, I believe I may be able to shoot it one day.

I have my old Grandfather's shotgun which might not be shootable safely, but we certainly did shoot it a lot. Twist spiral or damascus barrels, rattles a bit with rust tumbling around in between the barrels under the rib. I probably would still shoot it, but the proper ammo, not the usual stuff.

"The firearm is being sold as described. Let the buyer beware. "

A seller is not obligated to answer any other questions. Buy or not buy. The buyers choice. If it is true to description it is a proper sale.

Want to sue afterwards? "The firearm is being sold as described in writing. Let the buyer beware. "

Selling something which the owner KNOWS is unsafe and dangerous is something completely different. Unless sold as a wall hanger only. If someone then shoots it and is hurt, their problem.

I was given, a .410 single barrel shotgun of my grandfathers by my Uncle. A son of a cousin possibly wants it. I think it may be unsafe. I probably would not GIVE it to him if I think it is unsafe. He doesn't have a firearms licence. I may check it out by shooting it with a piece of string. I think it uses only .410 short shells not he longer ones. Can one still get the shorts? It is all a bit shaky however. I* only took it so my Uncle could get rid of it. Also acquired a couple of other firearms with it, the Mauser .22 RF and a 12-bore SbyS Stevens shotgun with one hammer missing.

A bit waffly comment.