[KHawk]

I found a used pretty 45 cal BP Pennsylvania percussion type rifle at the local gun store today. Stampings are "Made in Italy" and "Blissfield Michigan". The asking price is $225. The gun has been shot, stored and probably not cleaned after the last shooting session. Is this a fair price? What is the history on this gun?
Thanks for your help.

[arcticap]

That doesn't sound like a fair price if the barrel wasn't properly cleaned after it was last fired. The only way to know for sure is to inspect the barrel very closely.
Use a magnifier to inspect the crown and look into the bore.
Either use a bore light, or insert a very tight fitting patch down the bore to feel for pitting and/or to detect rust.
The barrel should be uniformly tight and shouldn't have any loose spots as the tight patch is moved down the barrel, which would indicate that it's ringed [which is like being internally bulged].
Some barrels can be cleaned up, but some aren't worth the money or effort.
Take off the nipple and see if the flash channel is clear and to determine whether the gun is actually unloaded or not.

All that I could find out is that Richland was an importer of at least a Colt revolver & a Wesson rifle (and this model), and was doing business in 1980. They probably sold many other models but I don't know when they went out of business or how old your model is.
If the rifle is in great condition maybe it would be worth it. But it's hard to say what it's worth from where I'm sitting. Inspect the gun and use any flaws to justify making a lowball offer to see if the seller will budge on the price. If it has issues then it's probably only worth somewhere in between what you offer and what he's selling it for.
It's not worth nearly as much without a smooth and decent barrel.
Does it have a double set trigger?

[KHawk]

Arcticap, Thanks for the info. From the general appearance, I think that this gun is at least a 1980's vintage. We did drop a "mini" bore light down the bore and it appeared very dusty if not fouled. Probably hadn't been fired since the 80's. The barrel is not deformed or obstructed. There are double set triggers, and they do work. At this point I am trying to decide between this gun and a nice Hawken half stock. I like the style of the Richland but the Hawken is in better condition for less money. Thanks again.