Unless you ask permission to shoot the gun you should not assume that you can. Standard inspection is a visual inspection only unless you get precise clearance otherwise. I have seen more than one gun returned with buggered screws from a poorly preformed inspection. Most defects can be seen if you know what to look for. Function is the only thing that you can not see and requires a shooting demonstration.
The seller has to assume that you have the correct, safe, shells to shoot the gun. I have asked and been told no by some and yes by others. Most will go along if you let them know that you are only interested in shooting safe factory shell to check the gun point of aim or chokes, or function. But if they say no you should either agree and respect their wishes or pass on the gun.
I have seen a couple of guns that were returned after shooting when a non-shooting inspection was clearly agreed to by both parties. One was a new unfired gun in the box and the breech face was blemished from the shell and primers rubbing, plus the idiot did not bother to even clean the barrels. He still denied the fact that he had shot the gun. The seller showed me the gun just as he unpacked it. To say he was pissed would not come close to his near rage. That buyer could not buy crap from that seller ever again even if he paid in solid gold.
It all comes down to respect. Respect the sellers rights and wishes and he should allow you to test the gun is a safe manner. But remember that in most transactions the seller has both your money and his gun at some point. Screw around with the gun and it will be hard to get all of your money back. And rightlfully so, if you damaged the gun by your actions.
