You need to know the age of the gun. Use the serial number to research the date of manufacture. I'm not sure exactly when the mandatory steel shot laws came into effect but I know it wasn't in the 70's when I started duck hunting but it has been in effect at least 15 years. If it's older than 1990 I wouldn't. You can always ask a gunsmith or the manufacturer. I just checked. They stopped making that model in the early 70's so it's barrel is not approved for steel shot.
yes
Not recommended
Yes your Winchester model 1897 pump action shotgun can shoot buck shot through it.
Yes
Not recommended
yes
Can't be answered without knowing what it is choked.
None.
Ensure you look at the stamped shell gauge on the side of the receiver (12 or 20 Gauge). Should be able to take 2 3/4" and 3" shells.
If it is not choked to tight, yes.
Needs to be examined by a gunsmith.
http://www.wikihow.com/Shoot-a-Shotgun