Red Label.............

[Bull Elk]

I was visiting a GS this afternoon and saw two OU shotguns that caught my attention. One was a 99% condition Ruger Red Label (older model) with screw in chokes (12g), 28" barrel. Obviously fired very little. Couldn't find a scratch or mark on it.

The other was a Franchi Falconet (20g) 28" barrel w/fixed chokes. Have not verified this, but gun shop owner said Mod. and Imp cyl. Did not see any choke markings. Very clean shotgun, also no scratches or marks.

The consignment price is $799 for the Red Label and $499 for the Falconet.

Anyone familiar with either and can comment on the price? I previously and briefly owned the newer Red Label (not the same shotgun) that was discontinued several years ago. Gave it to my son. Not necessarily looking for another shotgun, but have never been one to pass up a good deal if one is to be had.

Thanks......

[44fred]

It's only a good deal if whatever you buy actually works like it's supposed to.
Not my experience....a good friend had a horror story concerning a Red Label and warranty issues. A real nightmare.
Maybe I can get him to chime in here.

[Ora Serrata]

I have experience with a newer 26" Red Label. It's a decent shotgun. Last time I saw one sell on CG Marketplace it sold for $800. So your lgs is a decent price, not a fantastic price.

[Codez]

Red Label

I just paid quite a bit more for a 26" 20 gauge (screw in chokes) new in box and never fired. Your LGS price is fair, based on my recent research. The stainless receivers fetch a little more $$$. The Ruger should only increase in value as Ruger no longer sells them -- though they still service them. We have had nothing but a great experience with another Red Label 20 gauge - no failures on any level. My 15-yr old daughter, fairly new to shotguns, regularly shoots 18-22 out of 25 on the trap range. She's normal sized and never complains about its weight - says it helps her maintain her swing after the shot is taken.

Good luck -

[Ducky's Dad]

I have three RRLs, a very early 20/26" blued with fabulous wood, a 20/30" Sporting, and a 28/28". I like them a lot, especially the 20 ga sporting and the 28 ga. Have not owned a 12, but they are reputed to be a bit barrel heavy.

[aspenvalley]

If I ran in to a Red Label for 799 new or old it would follow me home.

I feel they are greatly over looked guns.

[leadstorm]

In my experience they are reliable, but have a high total weight for a field gun and the balance is way off (notably nose-heavy).

[Ducky's Dad]

have a high total weight for a field gun and the balance is way off (notably nose-heavy).

Probably true of the 12s, but not the case with my 20 and 28. The 28 feels like a .410, and the 20 ga Sporting with the 30" barrels feels just like my Beretta 687 Sporting with 30". I really like the trim frame, makes for an easy carrying field gun. I used to hunt ducks with a couple guys who shot RRL 12s and they were very happy with them. The early RRLs had wood that was way above their price point and better than anything the competition offered at anything near their price.

[RNE228]

Have a couple friends with mid 1980's Red Labels. They like them; I have shot both and liked them. They do not shoot much though...

After doing a few shotguns leagues, I have never seen one on the range. I asked about that and was told they typically do not hold up as well as Citori's and Beretta 68X.

I shoot a Rem1100 at the range, and am looking to upgrade to a Citori or 68x...

[aspenvalley]

If one has enough money and shoots enough to wear out a Red Label they understand the gun is the is the cheap part.

[JagerDog]

I haven't owned one, but my hunting buddy has a 12g 26" english stocked stainless one. I know he shot a few trap leagues and has killed it's sahre of suth dakota and CA pheasants. Not exactlly the testament of 250k rounds, but he's had no issues. IIRC they have a reputation for recoiling heavy due to stock design.