Gitarmac,
A couple of questions--If I remember right, the Red Lion is a semi-auto?
I am not adverse to plastic on a gun (witness an AR-15, Benelli M1, HK USP, etc.), but I hate to see it used to save a few pennies (the selector switch, trigger guard only, etc.).
How much is "wasn't very expensive"?
I hesitate to ask, but did you check to see if the magazine is plugged--my Rem. 870 only holds 3 rounds (1 in chamber, 2 in mag) with the factory plug in place, but holds 3 more in the mag when I remove the plug--most hunting shotguns are required by law to only have 3 shells max.
One more question--how would you compare the overall fit and finish to a comparable autoloader (such as a Rem 11-87 or Beretta AL390)?
Thanks,
AFARR