Ruger Red Label™ III Shotgun: The Return of An American Over-Under Classic

The History Behind The Ruger Red Label

Ruger first introduced the original Red Label over-under shotgun in 1977, offering American shooters a domestically produced alternative to expensive European over-unders. Over the decades, the Red Label earned a reputation for durability, clean lines, and dependable field performance.

Production ended in 2011 due to rising manufacturing costs, but the Red Label name never lost its following. Hunters, clay shooters, and collectors continued to request its return—prompting Ruger to reintroduce the platform in a refined and modernized form as the Red Label™ III.

Manufacturing Partnership with Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company

One of the most important upgrades to the Red Label™ III is Ruger’s partnership with CSMC, a company widely respected for producing premium double-barrel and sporting shotguns.

This collaboration ensures:

• Improved mechanical fit and finish
• Precision barrel regulation
• Enhanced internal tolerances
• Premium wood-to-metal fit

By combining Ruger’s design philosophy with CSMC’s shotgun expertise, the Red Label™ III reaches a quality level competitive with high-end sporting shotguns while maintaining Ruger’s reputation for reliability.

Gauge, Chambering & Barrel Options

20-Gauge Configuration

The Ruger Red Label™ III is currently offered exclusively in 20 gauge, a choice that emphasizes balance, reduced recoil, and versatility. The 20-gauge platform is ideal for upland hunting, sporting clays, and extended shooting sessions without fatigue.

Chamber Compatibility:

• Accepts 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells
• Handles light target loads to heavier hunting loads with ease

Barrel Length Options

• 28-inch barrels – Ideal for upland hunting and general field use.
• 30-inch barrels – Optimized for sporting clays and longer follow-through.

Stock, Receiver & Exterior Design

Premium Walnut Stock

The Ruger Red Label™ III is fitted with a premium, hand-finished walnut stock that reflects classic craftsmanship while supporting practical field performance.

The traditional cut checkering provides a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet or cold conditions. Its hand-rubbed oil finish not only enhances the natural grain and character of the walnut but also allows for easy maintenance and touch-ups over time.

The stock’s classic straight-line geometry is designed to promote natural pointability, helping the shotgun align smoothly with the shooter’s eye for instinctive aiming.

Receiver Construction

The Ruger Red Label™ III features a stainless steel receiver designed to deliver long-term durability and reliable performance in demanding conditions. Stainless steel offers enhanced resistance to corrosion and wear, making the shotgun well suited for frequent field use.

Careful attention to weight distribution within the receiver contributes to the Red Label™ III’s smooth, controlled swing and overall balance.

Trigger System, Safety & Controls

Inertia-Driven Single Trigger

The Ruger Red Label™ III features a single selective inertia-driven trigger designed to balance simplicity, reliability, and consistent performance. With this system, each pull of the trigger fires one barrel at a time, eliminating the need for a traditional double-trigger setup.

The trigger automatically resets using recoil energy from the first shot, preparing the second barrel for a fast and seamless follow-up shot.

Widely favored by sporting shooters, the inertia-driven single trigger enhances confidence by delivering dependable operation and smooth transitions between shots in both competitive and field conditions.

Tang Safety with Barrel Selector

The Ruger Red Label™ III is equipped with a tang-mounted safety that automatically engages when the shotgun is opened, adding an extra layer of security during loading and unloading.

Positioned naturally along the top tang, the safety is easy to reach and operate with the thumb, allowing quick and instinctive engagement without shifting grip.

The control is designed for intuitive use, even when wearing gloves in cold or wet conditions, making it especially practical for upland and waterfowl hunting.

Choke System & Shooting Performance

Interchangeable Choke Tubes

The Ruger Red Label™ III comes equipped with five interchangeable choke tubes—Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full—giving shooters a high level of control over their shot patterns.

Each choke constriction slightly changes how tightly the shot spreads after leaving the barrel, allowing the shotgun to be adapted to different shooting distances and target types.

This allows shooters to fine-tune shot patterns for:

• For close-range upland birds, such as quail or grouse, more open chokes like Skeet and Improved Cylinder produce wider shot patterns. This increases the margin for error on fast-flushing birds and makes quick, instinctive shots more forgiving.
• In mid-range sporting clays or skeet shooting, Modified chokes offer a balanced pattern that provides consistent target breaks without being overly tight.
• For longer waterfowl shots, tighter constrictions such as Improved Modified and Full deliver denser patterns, helping maintain pellet energy and effective coverage at extended distances.

Pattern Consistency & Balance

Improved barrel geometry combined with modern precision machining allows the Ruger Red Label™ III to deliver consistently even shot patterns, helping ensure reliable pellet distribution across a wide range of distances.

The refined barrel design also contributes to a smooth, controlled recoil impulse, making the shotgun comfortable to shoot during extended range sessions or long days in the field.

In addition, the predictable point of impact inspires confidence, allowing shooters to trust where the gun shoots without constant adjustment.

Field Use: Hunting & Sporting Applications

The Ruger Red Label™ III is purpose-built to perform across a wide range of hunting and sporting roles, making it a highly adaptable over-under shotgun.

• Upland Hunting: For upland hunting, especially in a 20-gauge configuration, the shotgun’s lightweight construction and natural balance make it easy to carry for long hours in the field. It mounts quickly to the shoulder, allowing fast target acquisition on flushing birds, while its smooth handling reduces fatigue during extended hunts through varied terrain.
• Sporting Clays & Skeet: In sporting clays and skeet, the Red Label™ III truly shines thanks to its longer barrel options, which provide a smooth, controlled swing and excellent follow-through. The consistent trigger reset supports quick second shots, and the gun’s well-centered balance helps shooters move effortlessly between targets. These characteristics contribute to improved timing, better shot placement, and a more confident shooting experience, whether on the practice range or in competition.
• Waterfowl & Mixed Use: For waterfowl and mixed-use applications, the Red Label™ III offers the durability and versatility needed for demanding conditions. The 3-inch chamber allows shooters to use heavier loads suitable for ducks and geese, while the stainless steel receiver enhances corrosion resistance in wet, muddy, or cold environments.

This versatility makes the Red Label™ III an excellent “do-everything” over-under shotgun.

Pricing, Availability & Value

With an MSRP around $3,299, the Ruger Red Label™ III positions itself in the upper mid-tier shotgun market. While not inexpensive, it offers strong value when considering:

• American brand heritage
• Premium manufacturing partnership
• Modern materials
• Classic design longevity

For shooters seeking a high-quality over-under without entering ultra-luxury pricing, the Red Label™ III fills an important niche.

Final Verdict: Is the Ruger Red Label™ III Worth It?

The Ruger Red Label™ III successfully revives a legendary name with a refined modern execution. It combines classic traditional styling with reliable performance, premium craftsmanship, and versatile real-world usability.

For hunters, sporting shooters, and dedicated Ruger enthusiasts, the Red Label™ III represents a polished return of an American classic—built to be used in the field, admired for its design, and passed down through generations.

Get more information at Ruger official website