The first Red Labels were released almost exclusively in 20 gauge, before being produced in 12 gauge as well. The Red Label has been produced in two different shotgun shells. Above the upper barrel sits a free floating (tolerance of 0.25in) rib, designed to draw heat away from the top barrel to prevent it (and the lower barrel) from overheating. Each is finished blued steel, and are made from a chrome-molybdenum steel. The barrels of the Red Label are hammer forged in pairs, so that each barrel should perform equally.

This mechanism can be seen when the shotgun is 'broken' along with a newly redesigned lock mechanism which, Ruger claim, is one of the ' strongest ever built for over-and-under shotguns.' The stock is manufactured from a single piece of American walnut and is highly polished, with a Pachmayr buttpad. The Red Label also features a single trigger which can operate either barrel without the need to re-cock the gun. Mounted upon the receiver is the normal Ruger Tang-Safety with two positions, which is also capable of switching between barrels. The advantage of this is that it means the receiver is corrosion resistant and, with modern manufacturing techniques, can be made lighter and fit better within the frame. The Red Label has been built around the stainless steel receiver which has been slightly modified from Bill Ruger's original design. The Red Label was most popular in the clay pigeon shooting market.

A redesigned stock, new barrel lengths and other modifications were added to the Red Label to make it appear to a wider market. In 2013, however, with new manufacturing techniques and materials available, Ruger reintroduced the Red Label. Yet, after 32 years of production, Ruger took the decision to end production in 2010.

The highlight of the Red Label's production came in 1992, where it was recognised with an award from the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.

The Red Label proved popular in its original 20 gauge format, leading to Ruger beginning production of a 12 gauge five years later. In the 1970s, with Ruger dominating various markets in the firearm industry, the founder, William Ruger, decided that the world needed an over/under shotgun designed and built in America The result was the Red Label, which went on sale in 1978, fulfilling the role which Ruger intended.

Ruger red label 410 shotgun