I Have This Old Gun: Ruger Red Label

Published on July 20, 2022
Duration: 6:54

This video provides an in-depth look at the Ruger Red Label over/under shotgun, detailing its development, design philosophy, and evolution. It highlights Bill Ruger's vision for an American-made, accessible over/under, discussing the advantages of stacked barrel designs and the specific features of the Red Label, including its safety mechanisms and aesthetic appeal. The review covers the introduction of both 20 and 12 gauge models, variations like the Woodside and all-weather stainless steel versions, and the reasons for its eventual discontinuation and later revival.

Quick Summary

Bill Ruger aimed to create an American-made over/under shotgun, the Ruger Red Label, that was accessible and affordable for the average shooter. Introduced in 1977, it leveraged investment casting and offered advantages like a single sighting plane and centralized recoil, with early 20-gauge models praised for safety and performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Bill Ruger's Vision for the Red Label
  2. 00:18Advantages of Stacked Barrel Guns
  3. 01:06Ruger Enters the Over/Under Market (1977)
  4. 02:10The 20 Gauge Red Label: An Everyman's Bird Gun
  5. 02:22Safety Features and Design of the 20 Gauge
  6. 02:58Initial Pricing and Performance
  7. 03:02Introduction of the 12 Gauge Version (1982)
  8. 03:32Manufacturing: Investment Casting and Blued Receivers
  9. 03:43The Ruger Woodside (1995)
  10. 04:13The All-Weather Stainless Steel Red Label (1999)
  11. 04:52The Over/Under Concept's Elusiveness for Ruger
  12. 05:04Red Label Becomes an Expensive Gun by 2010
  13. 05:37Discontinuation and Pricing Out of the Market
  14. 06:01Handling Characteristics: Weight and Balance
  15. 06:15Revival of the Ruger Red Label (2013)
  16. 06:44Eventual Entry into History Books

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Bill Ruger's goal with the Ruger Red Label shotgun?

Bill Ruger's primary goal was to create an American-made over/under shotgun that was accessible and affordable for the average American shooter, filling a market gap left by expensive European imports.

What advantages do stacked barrel shotguns like the Ruger Red Label offer?

Stacked barrel shotguns provide a single sighting plane and a centralized point of recoil along the gun's axis. This design can offer improved aiming and a more manageable recoil impulse for shooters.

When was the Ruger Red Label first introduced, and what were its initial features?

The Ruger Red Label was first introduced in 1977. The initial 20-gauge model was praised for its safety features like rebounding hammers, tang-mounted safety/selector, and good shooting performance, all at an affordable price point.

Were there different versions of the Ruger Red Label produced?

Yes, Ruger produced several versions, including the initial 20-gauge, a 12-gauge model in 1982, the distinctive Woodside with inletted wood in 1995, and an all-weather stainless steel model in 1999. A revived 12-gauge model was also released in 2013.

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