RESEARCH-BASED PRODUCT FEATURE
Based on published manufacturer specifications. Gunfire Magazine has not physically tested this product for this article.
Ruger announced the Red Label III on December 24, 2025, reviving a familiar shotgun name with a clearly identified manufacturing partner. Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, or CSMC, builds the new version, according to the release.
A return with a different production story
The announcement traces the original Red Label to 1977. For the III, Ruger described a 20-gauge over-and-under offered with 28- or 30-inch barrels, walnut furniture with an oil finish, and a custom case.
The named partner is central to this story. A returning badge does not mean that production arrangements, construction details or specifications are identical to every earlier generation.
Craftsmanship claims need examination
Ruger’s release emphasizes materials and fit and finish. Those are manufacturer claims; Gunfire has not examined a production sample or completed an independent field test. Photographs and a launch statement cannot establish the consistency of an entire production run.
Our editorial view is that the partnership makes this a worthwhile manufacturing story even before a hands-on review exists. A later review should identify its actual example and describe observable workmanship in concrete terms rather than repeating a reputation attached to the name.
Read the generation in full
The III suffix belongs in a headline, caption and catalog reference. It prevents an image or specification of an earlier Red Label from being mistaken for this product. This preview revisits a dated announcement and does not claim November inventory or recommend operating changes. Continue with shotgun coverage and industry profiles.
Ruger Red Label III, built by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company. Manufacturer photograph courtesy of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., used under its media-use permission. Photo: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.; Ruger media-use permission Source: https://www.ruger.com/news/2025-12-24.html License: https://ruger.com/resources/index.html?r=y Sources checked November 2, 2026.
Sources & further reading
Original source publication: 2025-12-24.
Sources reviewed 2026-11-02.
Prepared for Gunfire Magazine with AI assistance from the linked source material and the publication’s editorial brief. Specifications and manufacturer claims are attributed to their original sources.