Ruger Red Label 04026 20 Gauge Skeet Over Under Double Shotgun MFD 1999
SOLD FOR: $1655
LSB#: 210610PK17
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Red Label (Model #04026)
Serial Number: 401-12659
Year of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 3” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever, Break Action Over/Under Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The top receiver tang is marked with the serial number, “401-12659”. 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 “20 GA. 3” CHAMBERS”. The mono block is serial matching, hand-scribed “2659”. The underside of the forend wood and the grip cap is marked with an inset gold Ruger phoenix medallion. The buttpad is marked with a Ruger phoenix logo.
Barrel Length: 28” with Vented Barrel Rib
Choke: Both barrels are threaded, with 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, 1.2oz
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with checkered straight grip and forend, fluted straight comb, and textured black rubber buttpad. There are a few light drag lines on either side of the buttstock with the right side showing a more notable nick. There is a small white mark on the right side of the spacer. The forend wood is free of any notable wear or damage. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, the drop at heel is 2 1/4”. The cast is slightly off. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad is free of any notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued 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 94% of its metal finish. There is a more notable nick through the finish on the barrel rib about midway. There are a few light nicks and drag lines on the right side of the barrels. Stainless steel surfaces have scattered minor nicks most notable on the forend steel. 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 very minor wear. The bores are bright and clean, the lock up is solid, and mechanics are sound. Good luck and happy bidding!