Ruger Red Label 04266 28 Gauge Skeet O/U Over Under Double Shotgun MFD 1999
SOLD FOR: $2280
LSB#: 210324DL51
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Red Label (Model #04266)
Serial Number: 420-11241
Year of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: 28 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever, Break Action Over/Under Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The top receiver tang is marked with the serial number, “420-11241”. The underside of the receiver is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A. / —U.S.A—”. The left side barrel flat is marked “28 GA. 3” CHAMBERS”. The underside of the forend wood is marked with an inset gold Ruger phoenix medallion. The buttplate is marked with a Ruger phoenix logo.
Barrel Length: 28” with Vented Barrel Rib
Choke: Both barrels are Threaded, Skeet installed.
Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead fixed to the front of the barrel rib. The top of the rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Weight: 6lb, 2.7oz
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with checkered straight grip and forend, fluted straight comb, and serrated black polymer buttplate. The belly of the buttstock has a few minor drag lines and the right side of the buttstock has a few minor nicks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 1/2”, the drop at heel is 2 3/8”. The cast is off, just slightly. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows minor scuff wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel Assembly with Stainless Steel Receiver and Forend Iron
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrels show scattered minor scuffs and the mono block has taken on a distinct plum hue. Screws show minor tool marks with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Over/Under shotguns were a distinct improvement of traditional side by side double guns, mainly in terms of aiming and overall accuracy. At the time Ruger was bringing their Red Label to market, over/under double guns effectively a luxury item, out of reach of the average American consumer. Bill Ruger proceeded to do what Bill Ruger always did: saw the need of the market and filled it, investing serious time and money to doing it all in-house. As was often the case, Ruger filled the need with not just a comparable product, but one that defied expectations and added real value to the consumer. Of note is the utterly smooth receiver, free of any protruding screws or pins. This created a blank canvas for engravers. The Red Label shotgun cost in the late 70s $480.00 ($2,132.24 today, a painful reminder just how much further the US dollar used to go) and put in the hands of Joe Average a fine over/under double gun. Interestingly, what gave rise to the Red Label shotgun is ultimately what would lead to its fall: stiff competition. Only this time the competition came from a bevy of manufacturers in multiple countries—and the common wisdom is a war cannot be won on two fronts, let alone many. After a brief return in 2013 that saw Ruger attempt to simplify the design and manufacturing, Ruger quietly removed Red Label double guns from its roster. This example is from 1999 and is in overall Fine condition with minor wear mostly noticeable on the receiver. The bores are bright and clean, the lock up is solid, and mechanics are sound. Good luck and happy bidding!