Ruger Gold Label SxS

[BozemanMT]

So, went up to Rocky Mountian shooters Supply cuz the wind blew us out of Pawnee (really, sustained wind of 50 to 60mph, bah, not fun at all). And they always have some neat stuff. (overpriced though, but that's another thread). Anyway, they actually one of these much talked about but never seen Gold Label 12ga SxS. (along with some old parkers, and LeFevre and other such stuff). $1999. Now, I really don't dig on Ruger the compnay for many reasons, but any company willing to do a brand new SxS in America gotta give it a shot. So, Hey, neat, can I mount it?
Sure, he says.
Now first, this is not a pretty gun. Plain and off a bit. Even the wife says "no, that's not a pretty gun". But, you know function before form and all that.
Pick it up, it's very small. It really should have been made in 20ga. The frame feels like a 20ga SxS (salesman said the same thing right after I did).
Open teh action

What a piece.
feels like the whole thing is going to fall apart. The ejecters hit the firing pin on the way up. And solid is exactly the LAST word that would come to mind. The sales guy said up at Jax they have one, and open you can bend the whole thing like 30 degrees.
and snapping it shut sounds like a cheese grater.
I picked up a 60 or 70 year old LC Smith (price, 1200 bucks, probalby really worth less than that) and it felt solid, pointed well, snapped shut and it's had who knows how many rounds.
Color me not impressed.
Hopefully they shoot better than they feel, cuz it's not a pretty picture.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

That's a disappointment, Brian. I had been really impressed with the pictures of the Gold Label. I've owned an Elsie, so I probably would have thought the same thing.

This wind sucks.

 

[kudu]

If it makes any difference, it could have the same hinge system as the Red Labels, which just drops open like there is no resistance, but locks up tight. I haven't seen one in person, but from other things I have heard, it should be priced about the same as a Red Label if it is going to compete with imports.

 

[BozemanMT]

It wasn't no resistence
it was icky.
Just icky.
I don't know how else to say it.
It felt "wrong"
For 2 grand (which is the price I"ve seen in the magazines too) I would expect a LOT better.
To be honest, the Russian ones feel better.
really.
My wife felt the same way.

 

[huntsman]

first off do you realize what you held in your hands ? the first SXS to be build and designed in the USA since 1929.

A 12 gauge that is on a 20 frame,how cool is that ? that's a game gun. probily the only american manufactured one to boot.

Did you notice the lock up ? I thought they were to be chopper lumps if so it'll give that Smith rotary system a run for it's money.

I think Ruger was using the Dickson round body action,if they copied it and if they built it like a GP or Super redhawk you'll have one sweet handling indestuctable shotgun. But I've not seen it yet and I read of finish complaints.

Bill Ruger's idea was sound lets hope the manufactuing doesn't let us down.

 

[BozemanMT]

Trust me, I don't like Rugers, but I like the idea of a American made SxS (actually I like any ideas involving SxS's )
but if this was a typical copy.... they missed the boat bad.
So, that's two I"ve heard of, so they must be around somewhere.
IMHO It's too small, the barrels overwhelm the gun. It's not proportioned correctly. Pick up the new Kimber, that's a beautiful gun, and well proportioned (and a 20ga). Put it SxS (get it? ) with the Ruger. No comparison.

 

[Dave McCracken]

One of the Geezer Squad has one, which he likes. He also had a number of high dollar SxS shotguns, including at least one Model 21. He knows good stuff, and like I said, he likes his.

 

[ACP230]

I handled one at a local gun store.
It seemed like a good gun to me.
Lock up was tight.
I wouldn't buy a 12, but I'd think hard about a 20 or 28.

 

[WarMachine]

My uncle actually has one of these. While I am not an expert on side-by-side shotguns, his did not have any of the shortcoming you are describing. Felt good and solid to me with nice fitment of the parts.

 

[Col Kurtz]

Any new design is going to have some initial problems that will be addressed with time. Not that I want my wallet to be the test bed for a new gun with teething problems but I do give Ruger credit for the attempt. I for one am looking forward to this gun in a 20ga if they can work out the startup problems.
I can remember when the Red Label came out there were some problems that were ironed out. That gun has been with us now for some time and turned out to be a substantial gun in its price range. You may have also handled a gun that should never have left the factory, it happens. I support any and all firearms manufacturers in this country when so many are looking to close them down.

 

[huntsman]

any chance you fellows who have access to the GL do a little field testing ?
a brief report about handling,how it swings and maybe what recoil is like with trap loads?
I'm planning on buying another SXS and I was leaning toward a small gauge but a 12 would work as long as it's lite about 6-6-1/2LBS.

 

[Jackson1221]

Gl

I have two LCs, a model 21, and now a Gold Label
perhaps one of the best guns I have ever had the pleasure to shoot. Elegant with its simplicity, lightweight, tight, and great handeling. My friends and I have been shooting it the last month or so, and it is all we talk about. Balance is great, smooth handeling and comes up well. handels all loads well up to 1 1/4 5s. that's the largest shot I've put through it. Got it on a good deal for only 1800.

 

[BozemanMT]

I really do hope the one I held was just a bad example.
But, it shouldn't be out there at all, people (like me) might think that's typical
but yeah, more SxS's

 

[Col Kurtz]

The dealer who had this gun should contact the company about it's problems.
Im sure "Billy Jr." wouldnt want one bad gun screwing up the works.

 

[Jbar4Ranch]

I like mine just fine. The first few shots I was overshooting the clays, but after I learned the proper hold (barrels, not forearm), it brought my eyes down to the right place and I couldn't miss. After a few rounds, I was scoring better with the Gold Label than with my Franchi, which I've had for years.