Ruger Red Label 20 GA 3” chamber 26” Over Under OU Shotgun MFD 1980

SOLD FOR: $1,275.00

WOA#: WY240516ML013

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: Red Label

Serial Number: 400-02888

Year of Manufacture: 1980 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)

Caliber: 20 GA, chambered for 3” Shells

Action Type: Top Lever, Break Action Over/Under Shotgun with Ejectors and mechanical single selective trigger. Auto Reset Safety.

Markings: The top receiver tang is marked with the serial number, “400-02888”. The underside of the receiver is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. / —U.S.A—”. The left side of the block is marked with “20 GA. 3” CHAMBERS” and a proof mark. The bottom of the mono block is serial matching, hand-scribed “2888”. The underside of the forend wood and the grip cap is marked with a Gold Ruger phoenix medallion and a red Ruger phoenix medallion. The buttpad is marked with the ruger phoenix. The right side of the bloc is marked “SKEET  /  SKEET”.

Barrel Length: 26” Vent ribbed barrel.

Choke: Fixed SKEET over SKEET.

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.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The furniture is two-piece wood with checkered capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a red rubber buttpad. The forend is checkered thin standard forend. The forend has a few very minor shallow compressions. The stock shows scattered marks and a crack that runs from the upper tang to the lower tang on the right hand side with a small chip missing that has been filled in. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has worn smooth and has some nicks out of the rubber. Overall, the furniture is in FAIR condition because of the crack. If not for the crack it would rate in Very Good Condition considering its age. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of the stock’s condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: Both smooth bores are mirror bright and there is no erosion.  In this writer’s opinion the bores both rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrels and the receiver have some very faint surface scratches and several small nicks in the finish. There is also minor operational wear on the inside of the action. All the markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good to Very Good 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: The Ruger Red Label is a celebrated over-under shotgun that has earned a reputation for reliability, quality craftsmanship, and accessible pricing since its introduction by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 1977. Among the various configurations available, the 20-gauge version with 26-inch barrels and fixed skeet chokes stands out as an ideal choice for skeet shooting and upland bird hunting. This particular configuration offers several advantages. The 26-inch barrels provide a good balance between maneuverability and swing, making the shotgun easy to handle in tight shooting environments such as skeet fields or dense cover during hunts. The 20-gauge chambering further enhances its handling by reducing weight and recoil, which makes the shotgun comfortable to shoot, even during extended sessions. The fixed skeet chokes, designed for close-range shooting, provide a wide shot spread that is particularly effective in skeet shooting. This feature allows shooters to effectively engage fast-moving targets at close distances, making it a popular choice for both competitive and recreational shooting. In summary, the Ruger Red Label in 20 gauge with 26-inch barrels and fixed skeet chokes is a versatile and reliable shotgun that excels in both skeet shooting and upland hunting. Its balance of handling, build quality, and shooting performance makes it a valuable addition to any enthusiast’s collection. Please see our high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.