Ruger Red Label 04137 12 GA Stainless Over Under O/U Double Shotgun, 1999

SOLD FOR: $2635

LSB#: 220520WB054

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: Red Label (Model #04137)

Serial Number: 411-33417

Year of Manufacture: 1999

Caliber: 12, 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, “411-33417”. The underside of the receiver is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. / —U.S.A—”. The left side barrel flat is marked with “12 GA. 3” CHAMBERS” and a proof mark. The mono block is serial matching, hand-scribed “33417”. The underside of the forend and the grip cap is marked with an inset gold Ruger phoenix medallion. The buttpad is marked with a Ruger phoenix logo.

Barrel Length: 30” with Vented Barrel Rib

Choke: Both barrels are threaded; Modified over Full are currently installed.

Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead fixed to the front of the barrel rib and another smaller brass bead midway. The top of the rib is serrated to reduce glare.

Weight: 7 lbs. 13.2 oz.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered polymer with capped pistol-grip, fluted straight comb, and a black rubber buttpad. There are a series of light scratches on the top of the comb that also slightly continue onto the right side of the buttstock. There are some other faint draglines scattered about as well. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 7/16”, the drop at heel is 2 5/8”. The cast is neutral. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has some minor rub wear. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: Both bores are mostly bright and there is no erosion; both barrels show some light streaks of fouling.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal has intermittent light nicks as well as minor scuffs scattered about. The area of highest concentration can be viewed on the right side of the barrel set. All markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with no play. Please note, there is a fair bit of play in the vented rib. 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: Included are the two installed chokes.

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 in 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 1999 and is in overall Fine condition with very minor wear. The bores are in rather decent shape, the lock up is solid, and mechanics are sound. Please see our photos and good luck!

Ruger Red Label 04137 12 GA Stainless Over Under O/U Double Shotgun, 1999
Ruger Red Label 04137 12 GA Stainless Over Under O/U Double Shotgun, 1999