Ruger Shotguns
Ruger’s shotgun heritage is anchored by the Red Label—an American-made over/under that earned a devoted following during its original production run from 1977 through 2011. Reintroduced in December 2025 as the Red Label III, it marks Ruger’s return to the over/under shotgun market with a refined design that honors the original while incorporating modern manufacturing quality. For American shooters who want a domestically produced over/under at a competitive price, the Red Label III is a distinctive option in a category dominated by Italian and Turkish imports.
Read our Ruger Red Label III Buying Guide ↓
The Red Label: A Brief History
The original Ruger Red Label was introduced in 1977 as one of the few American-made over/under shotguns competing against established European brands. It was produced in 20 gauge and 12 gauge configurations and became known for its robust construction and competitive pricing relative to imported alternatives. Ruger discontinued the Red Label in 2011 citing production economics. The Red Label III, announced December 2025, returns to 20 gauge with a walnut stock, finely polished receiver, and updated internal geometry—a clear signal that Ruger sees continued demand for an American-made sporting shotgun at accessible pricing.
Red Label III Specifications and Features
The Red Label III is chambered in 20 gauge with 3″ chambers and is available in 28″ and 30″ barrel configurations. It features a classic walnut stock with traditional checkering, a finely polished receiver, and an overall length of approximately 45.5″ (28″ barrel) to 47.5″ (30″ barrel). The over/under configuration places the two barrels vertically, providing a consistent cheek weld and sight picture for both shots—an advantage over side-by-side doubles for target shooters who track moving birds. Choke tubes allow versatility across trap, skeet, sporting clays, and upland hunting applications.
Who Is the Red Label III For?
The Red Label III appeals to three distinct buyer groups. First, shooters who specifically want an American-made over/under and are willing to pay a modest premium over imported alternatives from Browning, Beretta, or Turkish manufacturers. Second, collectors and enthusiasts who appreciated the original Red Label and want the updated version. Third, sporting clays and upland bird hunters who want a quality 20 gauge over/under at a price point below the premium European tier. The 20 gauge chambering is well-suited for sporting clays and upland hunting where lighter payload and reduced recoil are advantages. See also: Ruger Red Label III Model Page and Over/Under Shotguns.
20 Gauge for Sporting Clays and Upland Hunting
The 20 gauge is one of the most versatile sporting shotgun chamberings, offering meaningful recoil reduction compared to 12 gauge while retaining sufficient pattern density for clay targets and upland game inside 40 yards. For sporting clays competitors who shoot high round counts in a session, the lighter recoil of a 20 gauge allows more comfortable extended shooting. For upland hunters pursuing quail, pheasant, dove, and grouse, the 20 gauge with quality hunting loads is fully capable on all common North American upland species. The 3″ chamber in the Red Label III allows heavier hunting loads when maximum pattern density is needed. See also: Over/Under Shotguns.
See also: Ruger Brand Overview • Ruger Pistols • Ruger Revolvers • Ruger Rifles • Ruger Carbines & PCCs