I was around and closer to my prime when the first blued 20 ga. versions hit the market.

I had other quality O/Us and guns to hunt with but a buddy had on of these and I thought it was decent and he never reported any problems. But, he just hunted and was not an every week-end skeet/target shooter.

I'm looking for a knock around dog training, grouse, woodcock, and occasional sub-guage clays, gun.

My questions are:

1. I'm well aware of problems reported with the most recent 12 ga. RRL, and the older 12 gauge guns also. I would not buy one of those. I don't recall hearing the same about the first iteration 20 guages. Are problems endemic to them also?

2. If not, are common parts and service available for the first generation 20's?

There are a plethora of other quality 20 guages available that would suit me fine. But if an original RRL 20 happens to pop up are they to be avoided?

Thoughts?

Since there are other O/U's that would suit you, get one. While I'm of the same thought as you on the earliest Red Labels, I'd sure not buy one, today. Ruger won't support them and I'd imagine it would be tough for anyone else to get parts if they were needed.

I bought my 20ga RRL, when first came out, I bought the Skt & Skt 26: barrels.

Still have it and used it for skeet shooting and grouse, down @ Ohio Power and NE of Pierpont, Oh., where I had property and a Springer that LOVED hunting.

Never a problem with the 20, but should have gotten the second barrel set for longer range hunting and trap use. Called about getting a new set with choke tubes, but changes in the action precluded
getting a set.
About 2013/14 actually, removed the stock and sprayed the action with WD-40 for cleaning and
let drip dry, then sprayed with with LPS #1.

I have been satisfied and would say go ahead and enjoy.