Ruger Red Label 20 Gauge 26" Shotgun - Circa 1981

Ruger 26" Red Label 20 Gauge Shotgun 3" | Circa Early 1981

Early Production | Modified & Improved Cylinder Chokes | Checkered Wood Stocks | Classic Ruger Over/Under

OVERVIEW

Offered here is a beautiful Ruger Red Label 20-gauge over/under shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells, featuring 26-inch barrels, Modified and Improved Cylinder chokes, traditional blued finish, and attractive checkered wood stock and forearm.

Dating to circa 1981, this shotgun represents the early years of Ruger's Red Label production. Introduced in the late 1970s, the Red Label marked Ruger's entry into the over/under shotgun market. The original 20-gauge models featured sleek, low-profile blued receivers, quality walnut furniture, and traditional fixed-choke configurations. These early blued-receiver examples predate Ruger's later transition to stainless steel receivers and remain appealing to collectors of classic American-made sporting shotguns.

This particular example, serial number 400-22312, falls very early in Ruger's 1981 serial-number range and features the desirable Modified and Improved Cylinder choke combination, a single selective trigger, and the classic lines that made the Red Label a popular choice among upland hunters and sporting enthusiasts.

An attractive early-production Ruger Red Label, retaining its traditional blued finish with a distinctive plum-toned patina along the upper receiver.

SPECIFICATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS

• Manufacturer: Ruger
• Model: Red Label
• Gauge: 20 Gauge
• Chamber: 3"
• Barrel Length: 26"
• Action: Break-Action Over/Under
• Capacity: 2 Rounds
• Finish: Blued Steel
• Receiver: Early Blued-Steel Configuration
• Chokes: Modified (Mod.) / Improved Cylinder (Imp. Cyl.)
• Stock & Forearm: Checkered Wood
• Trigger: Single Selective Trigger
• Safety: Tang-Mounted Safety / Barrel Selector
• Serial Number: 400-22312
• Approximate Shipping Year: 1981
• Production Status: Discontinued

CONDITION

This shotgun is in great overall condition for its age, retaining an attractive blued finish and traditional checkered wood furniture.

The upper portion of the receiver exhibits a distinctive plum-toned patina, adding character to its vintage appearance. The wood on the underside of the forearm and top of the buttstock display some handling marks consistent with age and normal sporting use. There is also light finish wear present.

Overall a handsome, well-preserved example of Ruger's early Red Label production.

Please review all photos carefully for exact condition and configuration.

COMPLIANCE & SHIPPING

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It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure the firearm is legal to own in their state or locality. Firearms will only be shipped to a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. Please have your receiving dealer email a copy of their FFL, along with your name and the firearm purchased, to info@tylergunworks.com . Shipment will be made only after the FFL has been received and verified.