Ruger Red Label durability?

[Cement Man]

 I posted this also on the Ruger forum, but maybe this would have been the more appropriate place.  I have a 12 gauge Red Label with the target gey finish/synthgetic stock.  It is my waterfowl and nasty weather gun.  I haven't shot it a whole lot - but so far I really like it.  I just got into sporting clays and have started to be more aware and critical of my stance and shooting techniques.  I have found that my Red Label fits me like it was custom built for me - better than some of my other double guns that I had always thought would be better for clays and upland shooting.  The Ruger is bigger and heavier, but it comes up exacty right and naturally.  So, I am thinking of trading in my other doubles for another Red Label for clays and upland - with 28" barrels, wood stock. I have often read that the two most durable O/U's are the "B"'s - Browning and Beretta.  They will stand up to sustained use for clays, years of use in the field. How about the Ruger?  I have a lot of faith in Ruger's engineering and I like everything about the Red Label.  Does anyone have any comment on the durability?  Is this a double gun that will last as long as the "B"'s?  Your comments and experience appreciated...  Thanks.

[Graybeard]

It's a Ruger so it should be tough as nails. Any decent O/U should last longer than you do. I'd not worry about it lasting. If it fits you and you shoot it well then buy and use it and don't worry about it. I don't care for the Berretta as they just don't shoot where I'm looking. The Browning O/Us fit me best. I have several.

[Cement Man]

I appreciate your input.  I believe the Red Label does fit me about as good or better than anything else I have tried and I share your opinion that Rugers are built well. At my age, there are a whole lot of things that will outlast me! 

[Buckskin]

Probably just a fluke, but a Buddy of mine has a Red Label and has had nothing but trouble w/ it.  There is something wrong w/ the safety, in that it does not come off all the time.  That really affects your trap score.  I think he has sent it back to Ruger, but I haven't heard.

[Graybeard]

Ruger Red Label's come with an automatic safety. By design it goes "on safe" every time the gun is opened. This is HORRIBLE for a clay target shooter as you're just not gonna remember to take it "off safe" every single time.

That's likely what's happening, it's not a defect but the way the gun is designed. Ruger will make it non auto at your request if you ship it to them or any good gunsmith can do it for you locally.

[Buckskin]

That's almost as dumb as Brownings safety in there rifles.  They have you take it off-safe when you load or unload your gun.

[Bill in IL]

I have 2 friends that shoot Ruger Red Labels and they have been bullet proof so far.

[Gregory]

That's almost as dumb as Brownings safety in there rifles.  They have you take it off-safe when you load or unload your gun.

And my response to this:

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,105771.0.html

[versdog]

I have had a Ruger Red Label for over 10 years now and I love it. The only problem I have had is the the vent rib need to be resodered, but it is not bad.  I can tap on it and it will make a funny noise. I have drug it through a lot of places, Illinois, IA every year and this year ND. Great Gun!
Scott

[Dustyvance]

I have the Red label in a 26' 12 model with 3' chambers, NEVER had a problem. I have had this gun for 6 years and I shoot a LOT of sporting clay tourneys, always beats the others at our local gun club. Gave less than 1k for it NIB at a local gunshop. Beats the $3k guns all the time. This one gets my vote always

[Hairtrigger]

That's almost as dumb as Brownings safety in there rifles.  They have you take it off-safe when you load or unload your gun.

It is not that unusual for a safety to lock the bolt on a 2 position safety

[Buckskin]

I didn't say unusual I said dumb.