Ruger Red Label

gvw3 · 09-07-2012, 06:12 AM

Anyone know anything about these OU shotguns? I was thinking about buying one. Looks clean at $900.

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

Helix_FR · 09-07-2012, 07:09 AM

I've owned my red label trap sporter (its a shorter barrel and was discontinued in 99) since 1994. Never a bit of problems. I shot competition trap all through college with it and its still my only go to shotgun when it comes to busting clay birds. I paid 900 for mine back in 94 so thats a good deal you have.

Bindernut · 09-07-2012, 09:10 PM

As already mentioned, $900 these days is a good price for a Red Label.

They're a beautiful shotgun...right up there in quality with the Beretta and Miroku Browning O/Us.
Used to be semi-popular with the local trap shooters and I know a couple guys that had/have em. Back when I was in high school, the off-the-rack gun didn't fit me and I couldn't have afforded one anyway so stuck with my lowly old 870 for my trap shooting.

Every now and then I still get the itch for an O/U and after reading LD's recommendation of the CZs I wish I could find one locally to try out.

09-07-2012, 06:12 AM	#1
gvw3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago IL Area Contributor Posts: 3,241	Ruger Red Label Anyone know anything about these OU shotguns? I was thinking about buying one. Looks clean at $900. __________________ Criminals advocate stronger gun laws to foster a safer work environment. This limits their exposure to risk. -->

09-07-2012, 06:59 AM	#2
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,710	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

09-07-2012, 07:09 AM	#3
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,617	Re: Ruger Red Label I've owned my red label trap sporter (its a shorter barrel and was discontinued in 99) since 1994. Never a bit of problems. I shot competition trap all through college with it and its still my only go to shotgun when it comes to busting clay birds. I paid 900 for mine back in 94 so thats a good deal you have. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

09-07-2012, 09:10 PM	#4
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,432	Re: Ruger Red Label As already mentioned, $900 these days is a good price for a Red Label. They're a beautiful shotgun...right up there in quality with the Beretta and Miroku Browning O/Us. Used to be semi-popular with the local trap shooters and I know a couple guys that had/have em. Back when I was in high school, the off-the-rack gun didn't fit me and I couldn't have afforded one anyway so stuck with my lowly old 870 for my trap shooting. Every now and then I still get the itch for an O/U and after reading LD's recommendation of the CZs I wish I could find one locally to try out.