Ruger Red Label

[swiftman]

A young freind of mine bought a 20ga Red Label that does not shoot both barrel to the same spot. At 20 to 25 yds the top barrel is dead on but bottom barrel is completely out of top barrel pattern low. I talk to another freind that knew a guy that had this problem and had sent it back 3 times without getting it fixed. He did not know if it ever did get resolved.
Sounds to me if you Buy a Red Label for 12 to 13 hundred $ you are just taking a chance on get what you payed for.
Has anyone elase had this problem with this Ruger shoorgun?

[Mark]

As manufacturing technology progresses, we have to be aware that there are still opportunities for error. Gone are the days where barrels are soft soldered and regulated by skilled gunsmiths. I guess we should be glad those days are gone, as the cost of manufacture would not allow most hunters to afford a side by side or over and under.
Any double barrel that will permit the use of steel shot has the barrels welded, not soldered. The welding is accomplished with the use of a fixture, and regulating is governed by this fixture. After the barrels are welded, there is no way to soften this weld and make changes to adjust for point of impact. The barrels are where they are. That so many welded guns shoot so well really surprises me, as there are lots of ways for things to go astray using this process.
Bearing in mind that there are still ways for barrels to shoot to different points of impact, and the reason for this method of construction is to keep costs in perspective, I don't think we should be too hard on manufacturers. Ruger has been in business for quite a while and has established themselves as reputable. Rather than repeat friend of a friend accounts, the individual who winds up with a lemon should bring the defect before the manufacturer and request satisfaction. Although this sounds easy, if the manufacturer turns a deaf ear, the only recourse is to work through the retailer. Unfortunately, the clock ticks, and our double barrel owner may find himself without the use of his new gun.
From the manufacturer point of view, if the gun went into the case, into the back seat, and had a 100 lb Lab jump on top of it, the barrels may not be regulated correctly any more through no fault of the maker.
Without knowing the complete history it's difficult to make a call where the voodoo occured.
Mark

[Todd G.]

How far off is the barrel?

The regulating process in double guns is not an exact sience. And, as it becomes more mechanized, the chances are greater for variance. If the gun was handmade, as many were 100 years ago, it wouldn't be as much of a problem.

I would contact Ruger and discuss the problem with them directly. Going from one "friend" to another won't get you anywhere. It will only create a bunch of rumors.

[swiftman]

Ruger has no warranty on amything they sell. Just interested inheilping you out if they feel like it.
A shotgun of this price should never leave th factory without being tested.
As far as my freind goes I guess I can trust my freinds better than you can yours.

[Todd G.]

Ruger may not have a stated warranty on their shotguns, most companies don't. However, they have a pretty good reputation when it comes to correcting a problem. The point is, Ruger is the best source to get the problem corrected. If you haven't contacted them, you're stuck in a hole and you're still digging. So, take the time to give them a call, you might be surprised.

As for friends, whatever! When you talk to a guy who knows another guy who had an aunt that dated a brother with a sister that knew a guy, the story usually ends up twisted. Rather than taking this guy's guy's advice, talk to Ruger. It may actually help the kid out.

Your alternative is to sell the gun or pay a smith a LOT of money to have it fixed. Wouldn't it be worth while to contact Ruger???

[swiftman]

Ruger still should not let this leave the factory if they want to compete with forgion guns or anyone else.
I was thinking about buying one but there is no way now.

[bearbacker]

This may sound like a stupid question, but have you tried changing out the choke tubes? Take the top and bottom tubes and exchange their positions. Test fire again and see what you get.

If a tube is cross-threaded, it cannot be straight. Or a tube could be slightly off-center. Try another tube in the offending barrel. My Red Label came with 5 tubes: 2 skeet, plus improved cyl, modified and full choke. If you find a bad choke tube, I would think Ruger might JUMP at the chance to replace it.

If the barrel has fixed chokes, contact Ruger and give them a chance to fix it.

[rooster52]

Would be interesting if changing choke tubes helps this problem,I think it might? I have a little mossberg pumpBantam for my wifes turkey gun.The original full choke tube paterned to the right,I bought a turkey choke tube from H S Strut. It shoots dead on.I know my gun is only a $200 gun but changing the choke tube made the difference.It could make a difference with your Ruger,I hope that is all it is.

[Trophyman]

I own a lot of Ruger guns. When I have ever had a problem, (which has been very rare) Ruger stands up and fixes it. Quickly and at no cost, if it's their error. The last gun I sent in was 10+ years old. It had been mistreated by the mope I bought it from. Ruger fixed it. Free and fast.

I own a business with employees. I would much rather have my product brought back to me to give me the chance to make it right. Rumor and conjecture sucks. Friends are just that- friends. If your heart stops, do you call your friend?

If you base your opinion on Ruger because of a friend's thought-- Ruger doesn't need you passing on bad information.

Bill Ruger passed on his integrity to that company. Without companies like Ruger, we will be shooting Japanese guns in a few years. And carrying them in a toyooter.

Give Ruger the chance to make it right. My money is on them.

Trophyman.

[rooster52]

I"m with Trophyman,I can,t imagine Ruger not making this right, if given the chance.