Ruger
Ruger: In Depth
Ruger, officially known as Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., is a prominent American firearms manufacturer, renowned for its wide range of high-quality guns. Founded in 1949 by William B. Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm in Southport, Connecticut , the company has grown to become one of the leading names in the firearms industry.
Ruger offers a diverse lineup of firearms, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns. Their products are well-regarded for their innovative designs, durability, and reliability. Some of their most popular models include the Ruger 10/22 rifle, the Ruger American Rifle, the Ruger LCP pistol, and the Ruger GP100 revolver.
The company prides itself on its commitment to American manufacturing, with all of its firearms being made in the USA. Ruger operates manufacturing facilities in Newport, New Hampshire ; Prescott, Arizona; and Mayodan, North Carolina, ensuring strict quality control and adherence to high production standards.
Ruger has also been a pioneer in firearm safety and innovation. They were one of the first manufacturers to incorporate integral safety features such as the transfer bar safety system in their revolvers and the patented Secure Action™ fire control system in their semi-automatic pistols.
Additionally, Ruger is known for its engagement with the shooting community and commitment to promoting responsible gun ownership. They offer a variety of resources for firearms education, including safety videos, manuals, and training programs.
With over 70 years of experience, Ruger continues to set the standard in the firearms industry. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has earned them a loyal following among shooters of all types, from hunters and sportsmen to law enforcement and personal defense enthusiasts.
Ruger Firearms History
Ruger was founded in 1949. The company’s first product, the Ruger Standard, was a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Inspired by the Japanese Nambu and the German Luger, the Ruger Standard quickly gained popularity for its reliability, accuracy, and affordability. This pistol laid the foundation for Ruger’s success and remains a cornerstone of their product line, evolving into the popular Mark series.
In the 1960s, Ruger expanded its product range to include revolvers. The introduction of the Ruger Blackhawk, a single-action revolver, marked the company’s entry into this market. Its robust construction and innovative transfer bar safety mechanism set it apart from competitors. Ruger continued to innovate with the launch of the Security-Six series, a line of double-action revolvers designed for law enforcement and personal defense.
Ruger’s reputation for innovation didn’t stop there. In 1963, the company introduced the Ruger 10/22, a semi-automatic rifle that has become one of the most popular rimfire rifles in the world. Known for its reliability, ease of use, and modularity, the 10/22 is a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and hobbyists.
Ownership and leadership changes have also shaped Ruger’s history. After Alexander Sturm’s death in 1951, William Ruger led the company, emphasizing quality and innovation. Ruger remained privately held until 1969 when it became a publicly traded company. William Ruger continued to guide the company until his death in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a strong market presence.
Ruger has also been a key supplier to military and law enforcement agencies. Their Mini-14 rifle, introduced in 1973, has been used by various police forces and military units around the world. The rifle’s versatility and durability make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from law enforcement to ranching.
Notably, Ruger has a reputation for developing firearms with unique and innovative features. The Ruger LCP, a lightweight compact pistol introduced in 2008, is a prime example. Designed for concealed carry, the LCP became an instant hit due to its small size, light weight, and reliability.
Today, Ruger’s product line includes a wide range of firearms, from handguns and rifles to shotguns and modern sporting rifles. The company remains committed to innovation, quality, and affordability, maintaining its status as one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the United States.
Ruger’s history is marked by continuous innovation and a commitment to producing reliable, affordable firearms. From its humble beginnings in a small machine shop to becoming a major player in the firearms industry, Ruger’s legacy is one of excellence and dedication to meeting the needs of shooters worldwide.
Ruger Products
Ruger is a leading American firearms manufacturer known for producing reliable and durable guns for various purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. Their product lineup includes a diverse range of handguns, rifles, and shotguns, each designed to meet the needs of different users.
Handguns
Ruger LCP Series
- Ruger LCP II: This compact, lightweight pistol is perfect for concealed carry. It features a short, crisp trigger pull, a textured grip frame, and an integrated trigger safety. Chambered in .380 Auto , it is easy to carry and provides reliable self-defense performance.
Ruger SR Series
- Ruger SR1911: A modern take on the classic 1911 design, the SR1911 is built with stainless steel construction and precision machining. It offers excellent accuracy and is available in .45 ACP and 10mm Auto , making it suitable for both self-defense and target shooting.
Ruger GP100
- Ruger GP100: Known for its strength and reliability, the GP100 is a versatile revolver that can be used for target shooting, hunting, and personal defense. It is available in several calibers, including .357 Magnum , .44 Special, and 10mm Auto.
Rifles
Ruger 10/22 Series
- Ruger 10/22 Carbine: This iconic rimfire rifle is popular among shooters of all ages for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. It features a detachable rotary magazine and a legendary action that is easy to clean. The 10/22 Carbine is ideal for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting.
Ruger American Rifle Series
- Ruger American Rifle: Designed for hunting and precision shooting, the Ruger American Rifle offers a lightweight synthetic stock, a cold hammer-forged barrel, and the Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger. It is available in various calibers, making it a versatile choice for hunters.
Ruger Precision Rifle
- Ruger Precision Rifle: This bolt-action rifle is engineered for long-range shooting. It features a fully adjustable stock, a free-float M-LOK® handguard, and an in-line recoil path to ensure accuracy. Available in multiple calibers, it is favored by competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts.
Shotguns
Ruger Red Label
- Ruger Red Label Over-and-Under: Known for its craftsmanship and performance, the Red Label is an over-and-under shotgun designed for hunting and sport shooting. It features a stainless steel receiver, a walnut stock, and a tapered, ventilated rib for quick target acquisition.
Use Cases
- Concealed Carry: The Ruger LCP II is ideal for those seeking a compact, reliable pistol for everyday carry.
- Target Shooting: The Ruger 10/22 Carbine and SR1911 offer excellent accuracy and reliability for range use and competitive shooting.
- Hunting: The Ruger American Rifle and Ruger GP100 are designed to meet the needs of hunters, providing accuracy and durability in the field.
- Long-Range Shooting: The Ruger Precision Rifle is a top choice for those looking to engage targets at extended distances with precision.
Ruger’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures that their firearms meet the needs of various users, from everyday gun owners to professional shooters. Their wide range of products provides options for every type of shooter, making Ruger a trusted name in the firearms industry.
Where Are Ruger Firearms Made?
Ruger, officially known as Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., is one of America's leading manufacturers of firearms. The company produces a wide range of firearms, including rifles, pistols, and revolvers. Ruger operates multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States, each specializing in different aspects of firearm production.
Newport, New Hampshire
The Ruger facility in Newport, New Hampshire, is one of the company's primary manufacturing sites. This plant is known for producing:
- Ruger pistols, such as the Ruger American Pistol and the Ruger SR series
- Ruger rifles, including the Ruger Mini-14 and the Ruger 10/22
- Components and parts for various firearm models
The Newport facility employs over 1,200 workers and is equipped with modern manufacturing technology. This site is crucial for the production of Ruger's high-precision firearms and parts.
Prescott, Arizona
The Prescott, Arizona , plant is another significant location for Ruger. This facility specializes in manufacturing:
- Ruger revolvers, including the Ruger GP100 and the Ruger Super Redhawk
- Ruger pistols, such as the Ruger LCP and the Ruger LC9 series
With around 1,000 employees, the Prescott plant focuses on producing durable and reliable handguns. The facility is known for its advanced machining and assembly processes, ensuring top-quality firearms.
Mayodan, North Carolina
The Mayodan, North Carolina , facility is one of Ruger’s newer plants, opened in 2013. This site produces:
- Ruger American Rifle series
- Ruger Precision Rifle
- Ruger AR-556 and other modern sporting rifles
The Mayodan plant employs approximately 450 workers and features state-of-the-art equipment and technology. This facility plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for Ruger's modern rifles and sporting firearms.
Earth City, Missouri
Ruger also operates a distribution center in Earth City, Missouri . While this location does not manufacture firearms, it is essential for the logistics and distribution of Ruger products. The Earth City facility helps ensure that Ruger's firearms and accessories are efficiently distributed to retailers and customers across the country.
Ruger manufactures its firearms at multiple locations across the United States, including Newport, New Hampshire; Prescott, Arizona; and Mayodan, North Carolina. Each facility specializes in different types of firearms, ensuring that Ruger can meet the diverse needs of its customers. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Ruger continues to be a leading name in the firearms industry.