first, the top lever, Britt guns are not made as most American, with the top lever right of center working back towards ctr. They are made to line up centered.
Shooting, yes this gun will most likely be very quick, excellent for snap shots.
Stock, besides the crack, I would check for oil soaked wood. Most dealers store guns stock down and if the action had an abundance of oil it has now migrated into the wood. I learned the hard way.

This ain't a dress rehearsal , Don't Let the Old Man IN