doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ruger Red Label 28g - good guns???

Re the Ruger bashers, many have never owned one. The Red Label 28 is just an exceptional little gun, the perfect combination of style and grace and function. It's one of those designs that is just "right."

I've got an RRL 28 ga, and I really like it. I have had one issue - the stock cracked in the hand after I'd owned it for about 2 years. I sent it back to Ruger, they put a new stock on it and returned the old one, no charge, in less than 4 weeks. Did I mention I bought it used? I have the 28" w/English stock version; it also came with .410 Briley full-length tubes. I won't say what I paid for it, I'm almost embarrassed on the bargain I got.

I often want to upgrade to a "nicer" 28 ga O/U, but I just can't convince myself to part with this gun....

BTW - A new gun through "Gun Genie" was around $1500 the last time I checked; I suspect you could dicker that gun down just a little.

I have one I bought new a few years ago, like it a lot but I do think my Remington 1100 28 in sporting clays model is a nicer shooting gun and has far better wood. Bought it new also couple yrs ago $675. I am wondering if the Hugla 28 in sxs is any good. Saw one shot only couple times but they were asking $1069.

My good friend Tubby bought one brand new. He had some trouble with it right out of the box. Sent it back to Ruger (through Gander) and when he got it back same trouble. He traded it in on a Beretta 28 gauge and is well pleased with it.

The trouble had something to do with the safety.

Best,

Mike

I bought one a couple of years ago, we shoot it a lot and have had no trouble at all. I would buy another one. The 28 is a ton of fun.

I also have a Beretta Black Onyx 28ga/28", and I much prefer the Red Label. I have some safety stickiness in one of my Red Label 20 gauge guns, but Ruger told me they'll fix it if I send it back to them. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Never owned a 28, but I had one of the first 20 gauges (serial in the low 300s, if memory serves) that was faultless in mechanical operation, but, poorly regulated. I bought it used, and always thought the prior owner figured that fact out and sold it to me.
The wood was exceptional, for a sub 1K gun, and I sold it to someone else who was aware of the fact I couldn't hit squat with it, and didn't seem to care. He still owns it, I think.
The 28s I have seen are exceptionally good handling guns, for what it is worth.
I've seen English guns that have had poor regulation, by the way. No place is immune to crummy workmanship.


Best,
Ted

JMO for what its worth:

I like mine. I currently have an engraved 28 gauge. Years ago, I had an older, 20 gauge model with fixed chokes and blued frame. I traded it away for something else and wish I had kept it.

It is what it is, a volume-produced, economically priced American made product. The older ones usually had real nice wood on them. The wood looks a little plain on newer production guns.

I have toured the Ruger factory in Newport, New Hampshire. It is impressive. From the folks who run the operation, right down to the guy who drives the forklift, you won't find a company with greater pride in their product. But remember, this is coming from an old Ruger fan who still has the Ruger Blackhawk that I ran out and bought on my 21st birthday.

Hope this helps and enjoy.

Kind regards,