Ruger Red Label 20 GA Over Under O/U Double Shotgun MFD 1978 1st Year Skeet
SOLD FOR: $1825
LSB#: 220112VH015
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Red Label
Serial Number: 400-00531
Year of Manufacture: 1978, the first year of production.
Caliber: 20, chambered for 3” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever, Break Action Over/Under Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The top receiver tang is marked with the serial number, “400-00531”. 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 with “20 GA. 3” CHAMBERS” and a proof mark. The mono block is serial matching, hand-scribed “531”. The underside of the forend wood and the grip cap are marked with an inset Ruger phoenix logo medallion. The buttpad is marked with a Ruger phoenix logo.
Barrel Length: 26” with Vented Barrel Rib
Choke: Both barrels are fixed Skeet.
Sights/Optics: There is a beaded brass blade fixed to the front of the barrel rib. The top of the rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Weight: 6lb 13.3oz
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with checkered straight pistol-grip and forend, fluted straight comb, and a textured orange rubber buttpad with black spacer. On either side of the forend wood there are clusters of light-to-moderate scrapes along with a few spots where the checkering is worn down or nicked. The buttstock has scattered light-to-moderate nicks and compressions, as well as a few more notable dings deeper into the wood; this wear is primarily on the lower areas of the wood. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 1/2”, the drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The cast is off. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has a bit of staining wear, is balding at the heel and toe, and is a little on the drier side. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are mostly bright and there is no erosion. Both barrels do have light stubborn fouling at either end.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 91% of its metal finish. The barrel assembly has light-to-moderate thinning/scuff wear where the steel meets the forend wood in addition to scattered light nicks and drag lines, some of which go through the finish. There is considerable thinning, minor surface oxidation, and clusters of minor scrapes at the tip of each barrel. The receiver has scattered minor nicks through the finish, spots of minor surface oxidation, a bit of light thinning on lower edges, and moderate operational wear under the safety. All markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is 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, especially in terms of overall accuracy. At the time Ruger was bringing their Red Label to market, over/under double guns were effectively luxury items, 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 and doing it all in-house. Ruger filled the need not just with a comparable product, but one that defied expectations and created real value for the buyer. At the time of their release Red Label shotguns cost $480.00—$2,132.24 in 2021 and $3,478.12 as of early 2022, a positively dreadful, painful reminder just how much value the US dollar has lost recently—and put in the hands of Joe Average a rather 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 it’s common wisdom that 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 process, Ruger quietly removed Red Label double guns from its roster. This example is from the first year of production, 1978, and is among the first 600 or so ever made. It is in overall Fine condition with very minor wear. The bores are in good shape, the lock up is solid, and mechanics are sound. Good luck and happy bidding!