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LDBennett · 09-07-2012, 06:59 AM

My son has one that he bought used in the early 1990's. I have cleaned it for him and it is indeed a nice O/U. They are bit pricey when new (for good reason) but at $900 used (if in excellent condition) kind of a deal compared to the newest ones at nearly $1500 the last time I looked.

I always wanted an O/U but was not prepared to pay for a new Browning or Ruger. The Brownings are even more expensive than the Rugers! Several years ago I shopped around for one in the under $1000 category. That year I happen to go to the Shot Show so I got to see them all in one place in one sitting, so to speak. I found two levels of O/U below $1000. The lower level is typified by Stoegers entry closer to $500, made in Europe. The next step was the CZ O/U's made in Turkey. The latter were much nicer than the former so I bought the CZ Canvasback in 12 gage. It has been an excellent gun...Very well made for fit and finish. The Ruger MAY BE only slightly better finished but it should be for $500+ more new. The CZ measures well in comparison.

In this $1000 or less market place I would choose a new CZ O/U before the used Ruger O/U unless the Ruger showed signs of little use and was near perfect.

LDBennett

09-07-2012, 06:59 AM	#2
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,718	Re: Ruger Red Label My son has one that he bought used in the early 1990's. I have cleaned it for him and it is indeed a nice O/U. They are bit pricey when new (for good reason) but at $900 used (if in excellent condition) kind of a deal compared to the newest ones at nearly $1500 the last time I looked. I always wanted an O/U but was not prepared to pay for a new Browning or Ruger. The Brownings are even more expensive than the Rugers! Several years ago I shopped around for one in the under $1000 category. That year I happen to go to the Shot Show so I got to see them all in one place in one sitting, so to speak. I found two levels of O/U below $1000. The lower level is typified by Stoegers entry closer to $500, made in Europe. The next step was the CZ O/U's made in Turkey. The latter were much nicer than the former so I bought the CZ Canvasback in 12 gage. It has been an excellent gun...Very well made for fit and finish. The Ruger MAY BE only slightly better finished but it should be for $500+ more new. The CZ measures well in comparison. In this $1000 or less market place I would choose a new CZ O/U before the used Ruger O/U unless the Ruger showed signs of little use and was near perfect. LDBennett