Sturm Ruger Red Label 20 Gauge Over/Under, 26 Inch, 3 Inch Chambers, Fixed Chokes, Walnut, Blued (1982)
This 20-gauge Sturm Ruger Red Label is an early 1982-production, American-made over/under with 26-inch barrels, 3-inch chambers, and the early fixed-choke configuration. Introduced in 1977, the Red Label is an iconic American break-action built at Ruger’s Newport, New Hampshire facility. This example features a ventilated, cross-serrated top rib, automatic ejectors, a single trigger, and a blued steel receiver matched to cut-checkered walnut furniture.
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: The bore has no inclusions. The wood furniture is in excellent condition with minor scratches.
What’s Included
- Paperwork
Configured with 26-inch barrels and 3-inch chambers, this Red Label maintains the early fixed-choke setup favored on initial-production guns. The break-action over/under design carries a capacity of two rounds and uses a single trigger with a tang-mounted safety that also functions as a barrel selector.
The top rib is ventilated and cross-serrated to reduce glare, paired with a single front bead for a clean sight picture. Automatic ejectors speed reloads by lifting spent shells clear as the action opens. The blued finish presents a classic look across the steel receiver and barrels.
Stocked in walnut, the gun features cut checkering on a pistol-grip buttstock and a beavertail forend with a sliding latch. Additional touches include a Ruger eagle medallion in the forend and a red/orange Ruger-logo recoil pad with a black spacer, complementing the listed rubber recoil pad feature set.
Built in Newport, New Hampshire, this 1982 example reflects the Red Label’s American heritage that began in 1977. Its fixed-choke configuration, ventilated rib, and robust steel receiver highlight the model’s straightforward, field-ready design and enduring appeal.