Ruger Red Label 20 gauge

[35w]

I have a chance to purchase a Ruger Red Label in 20 gauge. I hesitate, because the barrels are fixed choke, as modified and IC.
Having a fixed choke, will the gun be restricted to using specific ammo?
My intent is for grouse and ducks.
This would be my first shotgun, other than my Remington 870 and I want to spend my hard earned bucks correctly.

Thanks

[dstegjas]

35W,
The Ruger red Label is an excellent over and under shotgun. If it is in good condition you won't be sorry you purchased one. The fixed chokes won't require you to use specific ammo. You could even shoot deer slugs out of it if you really wanted too. What you are planing on hunting is a different story. The IC and modified choke would work well for grouse. You need that open choke for the first shot and a little tighter one for the follow up shot. Duck hunting may be a different story. I do not duck hunt but I believe that a modified and full choke might be a better combination to have. I am sure there are better people here that could speak to the chokes most used for duck hunting.

Jim

[flintlock]

I've used a 12 gauge double since my dad gave it to me when I was 12...(I'm now 52)...A good double is a joy to hunt with...Mine is a cheaper side by side, choked Full and Modified...Many is the time I wished it was Modified and Improved....

Full is fine for squirrels, high in a tree, flattened out on a limb, but a proper upland bird gun would be better Modified and Improved....
With ducks, shooting the shot we have to use now if I'm not mistaken most of that shot should not be used in a Full choke....
That gun begs to go dove hunting...It would be perfect...I love a double because it lets you quickly decide which choke to use in a given situation...

If you don't buy it, let me know were it is...I will...Thanks...

[Rangr44]

[Having a fixed choke, will the gun be restricted to using specific ammo?]

Nope - You can even use a spreader load in the tighter barrel, if you're hunting over decoys.

BTW- If that's the older, blued receiver Red Label - It's worth quite a bit more than one of the newer stainless steel receivered ones.

[SingleShotShorty]

The chokes are fine, I have killed a many a duck with a pump twenty in Mod choke and the IC should be nice when they are in close.

[dakotashooter2]

The chokes should be fine. The only comment I can really make is that the Mod will basically give you full choke performance with the hard nontoxic shots required for ducks. Essentially you have a gun that is perfect for upland game using lead in a mod & IC and when using nontoxic shot will  function as a full and mod chokes.
I prefer mod and IC for ducks myself but if you find you don't like it you could always have the mod bored out to mod/improved. and still have a great gun for either situation.