The Ruger Red Label Trap Single is a highly sought-after shotgun, prized for its blend of classic elegance and robust performance. This in-depth review explores its features, performance characteristics, and overall value, helping you decide if this single-shot beauty is the right fit for your shooting needs.
Understanding the Ruger Red Label Lineage
Before diving into the specifics of the Trap Single, it's crucial to understand its place within the Ruger Red Label family. The Red Label line represents Ruger's commitment to crafting high-quality, over-and-under shotguns. Known for their impeccable build quality and reliability, these shotguns are often compared to much more expensive offerings. The Trap Single, a dedicated single-shot variant, maintains this legacy while offering a unique shooting experience.
Key Features of the Ruger Red Label Trap Single
The Ruger Red Label Trap Single boasts several features that set it apart from the competition:
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Single-Shot Simplicity: Its single-shot design eliminates the complexities of a double-barrel or semi-automatic, leading to a streamlined, lightweight, and easy-to-handle firearm. This is ideal for beginners or experienced shooters who value a straightforward shooting experience.
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High-Grade Steel Construction: The receiver and barrel are constructed from high-grade steel, ensuring durability and longevity. This commitment to material quality speaks volumes about Ruger's dedication to producing a long-lasting firearm.
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Beautiful Wood Stock: The beautifully crafted wood stock, typically walnut, provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip, further enhancing the shooting experience. The fit and finish of the wood are generally exceptional, adding to the overall appeal of the shotgun.
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Adjustable Comb: The adjustable comb allows shooters to personalize the stock's fit, promoting better cheek weld and overall aim. This is a significant advantage, especially for trap shooting where consistent form is crucial.
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Classic Design: The Red Label Trap Single embodies classic shotgun aesthetics. Its sleek lines and elegant design make it a beautiful firearm to own and use.
Performance on the Range: What to Expect
The Ruger Red Label Trap Single delivers reliable performance. Its single-shot action is smooth and efficient, allowing for quick follow-up shots. While not as fast as a semi-automatic, the deliberate nature of the single-shot encourages controlled shooting techniques and focus. Accuracy is excellent, thanks to the high-quality barrel and the ability to finely tune the fit with the adjustable comb. This makes it an exceptional choice for clay target shooting, particularly trap.
Who Should Consider the Ruger Red Label Trap Single?
This shotgun is ideally suited for several types of shooters:
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Beginner Trap Shooters: Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for those new to trap shooting. The focus on controlled shots helps build good shooting habits from the start.
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Experienced Trap Shooters: Even seasoned shooters appreciate the Red Label Trap Single's reliability and accuracy, often using it for practice or specific training drills.
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Hunters Seeking a Versatile Single-Shot: While primarily a trap gun, its robust construction and accuracy make it suitable for small game hunting in appropriate situations.
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Collectors: The classic design and high build quality also make it a desirable addition to any firearms collection.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Ruger Red Label Trap Single offers significant advantages, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider:
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Limited Capacity: The single-shot design naturally restricts the number of shots before reloading. This is less of an issue for target shooting but could be a limitation for hunting.
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Price Point: While offering excellent value, it's positioned at a higher price point than some other single-shot shotguns.
Conclusion: A Worthy Investment?
The Ruger Red Label Trap Single is a well-built, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing shotgun. Its combination of classic design, reliable performance, and adjustable features makes it a worthwhile investment for various shooters. Whether you're a beginner looking for a solid entry-level trap gun or an experienced shooter seeking a dependable and elegant firearm, the Ruger Red Label Trap Single is certainly worth considering. Its single-shot simplicity fosters a focus on proper technique, which ultimately leads to improved shooting skills.
