Ruger Red Label 20-Gauge Over-Under Shotgun

Conceived as an affordable over-under for American sportsmen, the Ruger Red Label cost about the same as two blue-collar home mortgage payments in 1977 when it was first introduced. Built under the directive of Bill Ruger, it was a sleek, classic gun well suited for hunting upland game and busting clay birds.

Introduced in 20 gauge, early iterations were blued, with very nice walnut, fixed chokes, and 26-inch barrels. Two years later, in 1979, Ruger added 12-gauge guns, and eventually, barrels of 28 and 30 inches became available. Much later, in 1994, 28-gauge models were created.

Fixed chokes gave way to more modern, adaptable screw-in chokes in the mid-1980s. Eventually...

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