New Guns 2026: The Ruger Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger has brought back one of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label III—renewing the company's commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

by posted on December 27, 2025
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Ruger Red Label 1

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has announced the return of one of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label III—renewing Ruger’s commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

The original Ruger Red Label, first launched in 1977,  earned a reputation for rugged reliability, classic lines and American-made quality. Decades later, the Red Label III continues that legacy while elevating it with premium materials and world-class fit and finish.

Built by the highly skilled craftsmen at one of the world's premier makers of fine firearms, 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” barrel configurations and features a beautiful 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" shells, the barrels have a precise internal geometry that produces consistent patterns and superior 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 on the Ruger Red Label III Shotgun or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com

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