Ruger's NEW Red Label III Shotgun: Return Of A Classic
On Christmas Eve, Ruger announced a new generation of the Red Label shotgun. The Red Label III is a 20-gauge over/under shotgun, made by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company. Let's take a look at all the details.
Ruger @ TFB:
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It has been more than a decade since the Red Label was on the market. The latest version features a pistol grip stock, matte rib, and hand fit between the barrels and the action. There are two models in this release, both in 20-gauge with the option of 28 or 30 inch barrels. Both have MSRPs of $3,299.
The Red Label III weighs 6.2 pounds with the 28-inch barrels, or 6.5 pounds with the 30-inch barrels. 5 choke tubes are included with the gun, and are threaded in the Tru-Choke pattern. We will probably get to see the new Red Label at SHOT Show 2026, so be sure to check back for full coverage from the show floor.
From the manufacturer:
- Receiver is precision machined and its hand-fitted locking system ensures a tight lockup and long-term reliability, even after thousands of rounds.
- Walnut stock measures 14 5/8" x 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" with a neutral cast and has approximately 24 lines per inch of checkering.
- Barrel assembly is brazed with matted vent rib.
- Bore diameter is .615 and is smooth plated for steel shot.
- Ideal sporting shotgun for upland game hunting, skeet and sporting clays, as well as waterfowling.
- Capable of shooting 2 3/4" and 3" shells.
- Five screw in Tru-Choke style choke tubes (Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified and Full) are included.
- Ships in a premium custom case for protection and safe storage.
AKA @fromtheguncounter on Instagram. Gun nerd, reloader, attorney, and mediocre hunter.
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Remember, the very first Red Labels were in 20 ga. The Old Man was a 20 ga person, and when your name is on the front door (and everything else) you CAN do what you damn well please. Too bad it took so long to get back here, but I LOVE mine, it's the best shooting shotgun I own. And I've got a 590-A1 for a defensive tool, along with an OLD Model 12 !
If you don't plan on taking ducks & geese at stupid long range, a 20 will do everything a HUNTER needs ! I'm 75, been using a 20 since I was about 8 yrs. old !
And.......boom out of production because nobody wants them. Just like the last time. $3300 and probably closer to $3000 street price is a tough market and the Ruger name has no value in that market.