New for 2026: Ruger Red Label III

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posted on January 12, 2026
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LEDE Red Label III

Ruger has announced the return of one of America's most iconic over/under shotguns with the Red Label III. First launched in 1977, the original Ruger Red Label earned a reputation for rugged reliability, classic lines, and American-made quality. Decades later, the Red Label III strives to continue that legacy.

Built by the skilled craftsmen at Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company (CSMC), the Red Label III marks a new era in Ruger shotgun excellence.

This 20-gauge shotgun is offered in both 28- and 30-inch barrel configurations and features a walnut stock with a classic checkering pattern and a hand-rubbed oil finish. The single trigger is inertia operated and resets on recoil. In addition, the automatic tang safety has an integral first shot barrel selector. Capable of shooting 2 3/4- and 3-inch shells, the barrels have a precise internal geometry that produces consistent patterns and shot performance.

The Red Label III is designed as a sporting shotgun for upland game hunting, skeet and sporting clays, as well as waterfowling. Each shotgun ships in a premium custom case and includes five Tru-Choke-style choke tubes: Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified and Full.

"Bringing back the Red Label has been a standing request from our loyal customers," said Ruger President and CEO, Todd Seyfert. "By teaming up with Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, we're able to deliver a firearm that meets Ruger's standards for durability and reliability while elevating the craftsmanship to a level that honors the legacy of the original. Its return also marks an important milestone for Ruger as we reestablish ourselves as a full-line manufacturer of firearms, reaffirming our commitment to providing a complete lineup of firearms to our customers."

For more information, visit ruger.com.

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