Maybe some not-so-young folks remember the handy and affordable Red Label shotguns: Ruger introduced them in 1977, initially in 20-ga, later in 12-ga and even 28-ga. The series was discontinued in 2011. After a 14-year hiatus, Ruger announces the return of “one of America’s most iconic over/under shotguns”: the new Ruger Red Label III is a 20-gauge over-and-under shotgun offered in both 28” and 30” barrel versions.
Ruger Red Label III, elevated craftsmanship
Intended for upland game hunting as well as waterfowling, skeet and sporting clays, the overhauled shotguns now come with a walnut stock with classic checkering pattern (24 lines per inch of checkering approx.) and a hand-rubbed oil finish. Stock measures 14 5/8" x 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" with a neutral cast. The alloy steel receiver is precision machined and, according to Ruger, its hand-fitted locking system ensures a tight lockup and long-term reliability, even after thousands of rounds. Barrel assembly is brazed with matted vent rib: bore diameter is .615 and is smooth plated for steel shot. Thanks to their 76-mm “Magnum” chambers, the Red Label III shotguns can shoot 2 3/4" and 3" shells. The single trigger is inertia operated and resets on recoil. The automatic tang safety has an integral first shot barrel selector.
The Ruger Red Label III is actually built by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company (CSMC), an American company specializing in fine firearms founded in 1975. As Ruger President and CEO, Todd Seyfert, said: “By teaming up with Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, we’re able to deliver a firearm that meets Ruger’s standards for durability and reliability while elevating the craftsmanship to a level that honors the legacy of the original. Its return also marks an important milestone for Ruger as we reestablish ourselves as a full-line manufacturer of firearms, reaffirming our commitment to providing a complete lineup of firearms to our customers.”
Quality has – quite literally – a price though, which for the Red Label III is $3299 irrespective of barrel length. The Ruger Red Label III shotguns ship in a premium custom case for protection and safe storage and come with five screw in Tru-Choke style choke tubes (Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified and Full).
