I mail-ordered one of those Italian made Richland Arms guns back in 1968, just prior to the 68 ban on mail order. In fact last new post-1898 gun I bought which didn't have to have a form 4477 filled out. My Son has it now. It's not really ben shot all that much, but the only problem I ever had was a too soft recoil pad. Pad was so soft it was like holding it just off your shoulder to shoot, giving it Jumping room to pound you..
Miller,
I have noticed a few of the 707 Richland guns with red pads, and a few like mine with black pads. I can’t complain about recoil with miine, but, the pad is 50 years old, and may not be as pliable as when it was new. Mine still has luscious white line spacers, which, many of the used guns seem to have lost over the years. Mine is also just over 6 1/2 lbs.
It is not a light 20 in any case. I have not fired any 3” loads in my gun.
If the quality of your example is anything like mine, you got a hell of a buy in 1968. The checkering, engraving, and case colors are first rate on mine. There is very little out there to compare to it, today. Mine is cast neutral, and I find the gun well balanced, and excellent handling. If one can tolerate a beaver tail, and an open pistol grip, it is a superb game gun. I actually prefer a slim beaver tail on a 20, it gives my hand someplace to go.
I consider it a better than average machine made gun. The Spanish examples from the same era that I have seen are rough as hell, and nothing to aspire to. Still, a regular at my local Ruffed Grouse Society fun shoots has one that was sold new with two sets of barrels, the longer of the two sets was MIA when he bought it, and he has used the gun for thirty or so seasons, with no trouble at all. He shoots a mean round of skeet with it.
Best,
Ted
