Ruger® Red Label™ III Cleaning Tech Tip

Published on March 6, 2026
Duration: 5:34

This guide provides expert-level instructions for cleaning the Ruger Red Label III Over/Under Shotgun, drawing from a Ruger Firearms Tech Tip. It details a comprehensive step-by-step process for disassembly, cleaning individual components like the bore, choke tubes, receiver, and fore-end, and proper reassembly. The guide emphasizes critical safety precautions throughout the procedure, including the use of safety glasses and ensuring the firearm is unloaded.

Quick Summary

To clean your Ruger Red Label III shotgun, begin by ensuring it's unloaded and wearing safety glasses. Disassemble by removing the fore-end and separating the barrel from the receiver. Clean the bore with a bore snake, the exterior with a solvent-treated rag, and the receiver carefully, avoiding firing pin holes. Reassemble by pushing the top lever fully right before attaching the barrel, then perform a function check.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Safety
  2. 00:10Cleaning Overview
  3. 00:25Disassembly Procedure
  4. 00:46Barrel Exterior & Monoblock Cleaning
  5. 01:45Barrel Interior (Bore) Cleaning
  6. 02:32Choke Tube Cleaning
  7. 03:30Receiver & Fore-end Cleaning
  8. 04:58Reassembly & Function Check
  9. 05:22Conclusion & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential safety steps before cleaning a Ruger Red Label III shotgun?

Before cleaning your Ruger Red Label III, always ensure the firearm is completely unloaded with no ammunition present in the chamber or on your workspace. It is also strongly recommended to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris and cleaning solvents.

How do you properly disassemble the Ruger Red Label III for cleaning?

To disassemble, first press the fore-end button and remove the fore-end. Then, push the top lever to the right to disengage the barrel assembly from the receiver assembly, allowing for thorough cleaning of all components.

What is the recommended method for cleaning the bore of the Ruger Red Label III?

Clean the bore using a bore snake with its brush end loaded with solvent or cleaner. Drop the string through the breech end and pull the snake completely through the barrel. Inspect for cleanliness and repeat if necessary for both barrels.

When should choke tubes on a Ruger Red Label III be cleaned, and how?

Choke tubes on the Ruger Red Label III should be cleaned periodically, not necessarily every time the shotgun is cleaned, especially after many rounds. Use a choke tube wrench to remove them, clean the threads with oil, and use a brush for debris. Reinstall with a thin coat of oil.

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