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This is a U-suffix blue 20ga shotgun from 1988, one of the last blue 20ga shipped, with the M77 style checkering on the forend, which, apparently, is an anomaly It is in excellent condition except for a small scratch on the forend metal and looks to be unfired. It comes in its original box with all contents and marked USED on the end label. SN is 400-43527U for this 28 inch, skeet-choked, model RL-2028. This gun came from the estate of Ron Murtha, a well known Ruger collector. Asking $1900 plus actual shipping via Shipmygun to your FFL. More photos available on request. Will consider offers.

More photos:

A Ruger Letter of Authenticity, which will be provided with the gun, indicates that this shotgun was produced in November 1987 and shipped in July 1988 to Rody's Gun Shop in Newport, NH. That supports the connection to Mr. Murtha, who was a Rody's customer. No mention of why it got the U suffix. Eight months from production to shipping seems like a long time.

Happy New Year!
I'm open to interesting trades on this shotgun. Looking for a Deerfield, M77 RSI, or fixed sight Single Sixes (especially in .32 h&r) + $$ or ??.

Putting this back up for sale here. Thinning the collection and this one has to go.

I’m finding that early blue receiver 20 Red Labels with the later style checkering on forearm and wrist is an anomaly. In this case, probably because it is a “U” gun. The wood probably went on the gun when it was either finally completed or refurbished.
Chet15

Thanks, Chad.
Wow, that means it's a double-rare version of a scarce model. How many anomalies you reckon there are?
I've wondered why the scratch in the forearm metal doesn't extend into the wood as it seems like it should. Would they have replaced the wood but not the metal in a refurbish? Maybe it was scratched during manufacturing and set aside for eight months before being stocked and shipped as used. It's a pretty high number.
Neat gun for a Red Label collector. Maybe I should raise the price.