New for 2026: Ruger Red Label III

by
posted on January 12, 2026
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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.

Latest

LEDE Fightlight Herring Model 2024
LEDE Fightlight Herring Model 2024

#SundayGunday: Fightlite Industries Herring Model 2024

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Fightlight Industries Herring Model 2024 Lever Action. A modern take on the classic western design, the Herring Model 2024 is almost like a combination of lever action and AR-platform rife, and there’s a reason for that. Designed to leverage the huge aftermarket in AR parts, the Herring utilizes off-the-shelf AR bolts, barrels and barrel extensions, and of course, magazines. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Will More States Protect Hunting in Their State Constitutions?

Nearly half of the states—24 to be precise—have some form of constitutional protections for hunting. When you consider that all 50 states have hunting seasons, just under half sounds low. This could change this year, as Ohio’s Senate is considering a proposal to establish a constitutional right to fish and hunt.

RCBS Sponsorship to Help Expand Youth Hunting Opportunities

RCBS, a leading manufacturer of precision reloading equipment, is sponsoring efforts by Pass It On—Outdoor Mentors to expand its outdoor mentoring program. Through the partnership, RCBS will support the organization’s mission of pairing young people, many of them first-time hunters, with trained volunteers who provide hands-on experiences in hunting, shooting sports and conservation education.

Muzzleloader Turkey Tips

Looking to load up a black-powder scattergun to take a turkey this season? Here are a few tips for smoking gobblers the old way, with Mike Roux.

New for 2026: Badlands Air Series

When temperatures climb and the miles stack up, staying cool becomes critical. With this reality in mind, Badlands has introduced its new Air Series, a collection of ultralight hunting apparel designed specifically for warm-weather environments and high-activity hunts.

Range Review: Bond Arms Rustic Ranger

This double-barrel pistol from Bond Arms provides a touch of class along with rugged reliability. Read on for B. Gil Horman's thorough review.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.