Ruger Gold Label English 12 Gauge Side-by-Side, 28" Blued Barrels, Stainless Receiver, 3" Chambers (2005)
Ruger’s Gold Label English is a limited-production American side-by-side built from 2004–2006, and this 2005 example brings together stainless-steel durability with classic English handling. It features 28" chrome-moly blued barrels with screw-in chokes, a brushed stainless receiver, and timed selective ejectors. Recognized as American Rifleman’s 2005 Golden Bullseye Shotgun of the Year, it stands out as a rare, collectible 12-gauge with practical field features and refined execution.
The English straight-grip walnut stock and splinter forend provide traditional balance and quick handling, complemented by a solid, cross-serrated matted rib topped with a gold bead. A single selective trigger with an inertia system prevents doubling, while the automatic tang safety incorporates the barrel selector for intuitive operation. Chambers are 3", and lockup is solid on a silver-brazed monobloc. This example includes its factory box, manual, a set of Ruger screw-in choke tubes, and a choke wrench.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: There is visible pitting and scratches on the barrel finish. The top lever rests around the 5 o'clock position, the barrels lock up tightly, the selective ejectors are properly timed, and the firing pins are in good condition. The stock has a slight right-hand cast-off.
What’s Included
- Ruger factory cardboard box
- Ruger Side-by-Side Shotguns instruction manual
- Ruger screw-in choke tubes (set)
- Choke tube wrench
The Gold Label’s construction pairs a brushed stainless-steel receiver with chrome-moly steel barrels for a durable, corrosion-resistant platform. The barrels are blued, silver-brazed into a monobloc, and topped with a solid, cross-serrated matted rib for a clean sighting plane under the single gold bead.
Controls are simple and effective: an automatic tang safety with an integrated barrel selector, and a single selective trigger using an inertia system to prevent doubling. Timed selective ejectors provide positive ejection and easy reloads. The action is break-open with a tight barrel fit and the top lever resting near the 5 o’clock position.
The English submodel showcases a straight English-style walnut stock and slim splinter forend, both checkered for grip. It carries a Ruger medallion in the forend diamond and a Ruger black hard buttplate with medallion. Length of pull is 14.5 for a traditional feel and reach to the trigger.
Chambered in 12 gauge with 3" chambers and a 28" barrel set, this shotgun accepts Ruger screw-in choke tubes for adaptable patterns. Sight alignment is quick and uncluttered with the gold bead on the matted rib.
Built in 2005 during the Gold Label’s short production run and honored as the 2005 Golden Bullseye Shotgun of the Year, this example is both rare and collectible. Made in the United States, it captures Ruger’s blend of traditional form with practical, modern materials.