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Ruger’s History
William B. Ruger founded the company “Sturm, Ruger, & Co.” in 1949 with $50,000. Accounting for inflation, that was still only about $500,000 today.[1] That’s not a lot of money to get an entire company off the ground and running. To add an additional obstacle, most gun insiders warned Ruger against beginning his company, as they believed the gun market had entered a downturn. Boy, were they wrong.
From the beginning, he focused on producing high-quality and durable products. Sticking so close to their founding vision has made Ruger one of the best-respected companies on the New York Stock Exchange and a highly desirable manufacturer of firearms. Today, they create over 400 variations of rugged firearms for the private consumer as well as police and military agencies.
[1] CPI Inflation Calculator, https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl?cost1=50000&year1=194901&year2=201801 (accessed 2/26/18).
To read more on other Ruger holsters, click here.
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Sturm, Ruger & Company
Many people prefer to buy American made products. From clothing to cars, American-made is a signal of high-quality goods. This also extends to American firearms. In a market crowded by a lot of European companies, the few American companies stand out. Among these manufacturers is Ruger—or officially, Sturm, Ruger & Company—is a recognizable name. It may not be the oldest American firearm company, but it is perennially one of the best.
Company History
Unlike other American firearm manufacturers, Sturm, Ruger & Company has not been around that long. In fact, they were founded by William B. Ruger and Alexander Sturm in 1949. William was the firearm designer of the duo. He began attempting to begin a career in firearms in 1939, a decade before beginning Sturm, Ruger & Company. He was unsuccessful at finding work with the existing American firearms companies, so he decided to take his designs and begin his own.
William was helped by his acquaintance, Sturm, whose wealthy family was able to provide the start-up money for the company.[1] Sturm would pass away in 1951 because of hepatitis, and Ruger would take over the reigns of the business.
William’s first major success came in the form of their first pistol released, the .22 Ruger Standard pistol. This pistol was released in 1949 during the company’s first year and was so successful that Sturm and Ruger were able to pay back Sturm’s family and still record a profit for that year.[2]
William’s success continued from that first pistol. They were one of the only profitable American firearms manufacturers in the 1980s and 1990s.[3] between 1949 and 2004 they produced over 20 million firearms.[4] And, in 2012 they were the top selling American firearms manufacturer.[5] Today the company has plants in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Arizona, North Carolina, and Missouri.
Different Models
For many years Ruger made all four types of firearm: pistol, revolver, rifle, and shotgun. Beginning in 2015, they began scaling back their shotgun offerings.[6] Today, you can still purchase pistols, revolvers, and rifles from the company. They actually have thirty different product lines with over 400 available variations.[7]
Because of the large number of firearms they make, today—because of space concerns—we will only list the different models of pistols. See our breakout articles for a more in-depth look at each series listed here.
LCP
Ruger’s LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) was released in 2008 and shoots .380 ACP. These are sub-compact pistols, which means that they only weight 9.4 ounces and has a width of under an inch. The lightness and thinness of the LCP pistols make it a perfect conceal carry weapon.
In order to create a great CCW, he had to sacrifice capacity, as these small pistols only have a 6+1 magazine. Still, in a defensive situation that is more than enough ammunition to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Ruger currently offers twenty different varieties of LCP pistol.
LCP II
The second edition of the LCP, the LCP II was released in 2016. These pistols are slightly larger than the older model LCP. But, they have updated features throughout and still shoot .380 ACP. Some of the most important new features have to do with the safeties. The LCP II now includes a trigger safety and a slide that locks into place when empty.
Even though they significantly re-designed this pistol, Ruger has made sure that parts of the LCP II are compatible with the LCP. For example, the LCP’s 6+1 magazine will fit both versions of the pistol. Ruger only has thirteen different varieties of the LCP II. But, it has only been on the market for two years. It is likely that there will be more options available over time. Holster HQ makes a premium Holster for this Model.
LC9s
The LC9s (Lightweight Compact) is the updated version of the older LC9 pistol, which is no longer available on Ruger’s website. The LC9s was released in 2014, three years after the LC9 hit the market. As we mention in our articles about the LC 9 and LC9s, the latter pistol released to fix major complaints about the LC9. Most specifically, the trigger mechanism and its pull.The LC9s continues to be a striker-fired SAO pistol loaded in 9mm. Ruger’s website lists fourteen different available options. HolsterHQ LC9 IWB Holster
EC9s
Ruger’s EC (Essential Carry) 9s has the same specifications as the LC9s series and was released in 2017. It even has the same caliber bullet, 9mm. The EC9s is also very similar in design to the LCP and LCP II. In fact, it is only about one inch taller and longer than the original LCP.
This is obviously a pistol made for conceal carrying. But, it stands out from the LC9s, LCP, and LCP II by being significantly cheaper. Because of this it has fixed instead of moveable sights, less cocking serrations, and only comes in one variation. Yet, it affordability make it a great entry gun to the world of conceal carry.
LC380
The final pistol in the LC/EC series is the LC380. This pistol shoots .380 ACP instead of 9mm. It has the exact same body as the older LC9—not the LC9s—and was released by Ruger in 2013.
There are only four options currently available for the LC380. See our IWB Holster for the LC 380
Security-9
One of their newest pistol, the Security-9 shoots 9mm and is a mid-sized semi-automatic Striker-fired pistol. It shares design features with the LCP II, but its larger size means that it has a much larger capacity (15+1 instead of 6+1).
Ruger envisions the Security-9 as both a carry weapon and also a personal defense. The larger size will make it harder to some people to carry this pistol concealed. But, as a home defense weapon or range gun the Security-9 is at the top of the class.
You can pick from one of two options when purchasing the Sercurity-9.
Ruger American Pistol
The American Pistol is of Ruger’s largest lines of semi-automatic pistol. They can provide a lot of options in both frame design/color and caliber because of the pistol’s polymer frame. The American Pistol has been around since 2015 and in 2016, Ruger announced that compact versions would be available in 9mm and .45 ACP like their full-sized counter parts.
There are eleven different options of the full-sized Ruger American Pistol and ten options for the compact version. You can also choose to have a manual safety or leave it off.
SR1911
It seems like every big firearms manufacturer has to have their version of John Browning’s famous pistol, and Ruger is no different. Their SR1911 combines the classic style of the 1911 with modern design features. Some of the features that sets Ruger’s 1911 apart from the rest is the replaceable grip panels and the CNC machining which Ruger claims “results in a superior slide-to-frame fit and smooth slide travel.”
If you want the SR1911, you will have fourteen different options to choose from. These come in a variety of calibers, including .45 Auto, 9mm, and 10 mm. A final positive advantage of the SR1911 is that Ruger’s strict adherence to the original design mean that the pistol is compatible with most after market 1911 parts.
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SR-Series
They began their SR series of semi-automatic pistol in 2007. Ruger claims that its 1.18-inch width makes it one of the thinnest double stack pistols on the market. You can purchase this pistol in the three most popular calibers: 9mm, .45 Auto, and .40 S&W.
There are five different lines of SR pistol to chose from, the SR9, SR9c, SR40, SR40c, and SR45. These lines each have a wide variety of options to choose from, which means there is something for everyone in Ruger’s SR-series.
SR22
Unlike the other pistol models discussed thus far, Ruger’s SR 22 is a rimfire pistol. This means that the gun fires when the firing pin strikes the primer on the rim of the ammunition. These types of pistols differ from the more common centerfires, which place the primer in the center of the ammunition. Because of the way that the ammunition is made in rimfire pistols, the caliber has to remain on the small side. Ruger’s SR22 is no different, as it uses .22 LR
There are a lot of options available for this pistol on Ruger’s website, seventeen to be exact.
Mark IV
Thier Mark IV semi-automatic pistol is another rimfire variety that shoots .22 LR. The Mark IV is Ruger’s forth redesign of the Ruger Standard Model pistol. As mentioned above, this was the first product created and manufactured by Ruger in 1949. The Mark IV released in 2016 and has a new trigger system, new bolt stop, ambidextrous thumb safety, and “drop free” magazine release.
There are eight different lines in this series. So, like the Ruger American Pistol, anyone can find what they’re looking for with the Mark IV.
22 Charger
Their 22 Charger was released in 2007 and is based on the 10/22 action rifle. Ruger market’s it as a plinker or competition firearm. You will receive an adjustable bipod for easier shooting along with your purchase of the pistol. The four options available on Ruger’s website all use .22 LR ammunition.
Reliability
With Ruger, you get a lot for your money. Their firearms are known for their reliability and quality of workmanship. In fact, it was problems with the reliability of the line—and lack of interest from consumers—that drove Ruger to discontinue their Red Label Shotguns.[8]
In order to back up their reputation, employees at Ruger test-fire every firearm that comes out of their production line to ensure that it works properly. They also “proof-test” every centerfire gun’s chamber. The proof load in these tests has a 50% greater pressure than the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) maximum.[9]
Warranty
Ruger’s firearms are very reliable. Yet, it is always a good thing to know what your warranty options are as a gun-owner. How does Ruger stack up to other manufacturers?
Unlike most of the manufacturers discussed on this site, Ruger does not offer a written warranty on their firearms. They claim that this is to avoid legal troubles based on the complicated and variable warranty laws.
Here’s what Ruger has to say on the subject:
“The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has elected not to provide any written warranty, either “limited” or “full”, rather than to attempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act and the regulations issued thereunder. There are certain implied warranties under state law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As the extent and interpretation of these implied warranties varies from state to state, you should refer to your state statutes. Sturm, Ruger & Company wishes to assure its customers of its continued interest in providing service to owners of Ruger® firearms.”[10]
Instead of a written warranty, Ruger stands behind all of their products by having a stellar customer service department. If you have a problem with your firearm, or it needs to be serviced, then you send your gun to Ruger. Their service department then determines whether your service can be completed for free or a reduced rate. Most reviewers indicate that Ruger rarely makes a customer pay for repairs. However, the company does include a pricing chart here.
If you have any questions about Ruger’s return or repair policy, you can go to their contact page to learn the best ways to get in touch.
Conclusion
If you want a reliable, high-quality, American-made firearm, then you should take a long look at the offerings from Strum, Ruger & Company. The manufacturer has been a leader in the field since their beginnings in 1949. They have amazing offerings for pistols, revolvers, and rifles. In fact, there are so many options just in their pistol offerings alone that it is safe to say that anyone can find what they are looking for in Ruger’s catalog—except maybe a shotgun—so check them out today.
[1] “Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.” Company-Histories.com, http://www.company-histories.com/Sturm-Ruger-Company-Inc-Company-History.html (accessed May 9, 2018).
[2] CTD Blogger, “Sturm, Ruger & Company: A Brief History,” The Shooter’s Log (May 6, 2010), https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/sturm-ruger-company-a-brief-history/ (accessed May 9, 2018).
[3] CTD Blogger, “Sturm, Ruger & Company: A Brief History,” The Shooter’s Log (May 6, 2010), https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/sturm-ruger-company-a-brief-history/ (accessed May 9, 2018).
[4] Mary Yamin-Garone, “Facts About Ruger: History, Locations and Information,” Newsmax (April 28, 2015), https://www.newsmax.com/fastfeatures/guns-ruger-gun-history/2015/04/28/id/641210/ (accessed May 8, 2018).
[5] Russ Thurman, “U.S. Firearms Industry Today 2012,” Shooting Industry (July, 2012), https://shootingindustry.com/u-s-firearms-industry-today-2012/ (accessed May 2018).
[6] Dave Campbell, “A Look Back at the Ruger Red Label Shotgun,” American Rifleman (November 3, 2016), https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/11/3/a-look-back-at-the-ruger-red-label-shotgun/ (accessed May 8, 2018).
[7] Mary Yamin-Garone, “Facts About Ruger: History, Locations and Information,” Newsmax (April 28, 2015), https://www.newsmax.com/fastfeatures/guns-ruger-gun-history/2015/04/28/id/641210/ (accessed May 8, 2018).
[8] Randy Wakeman, “The Death of the Ruger Red Label II,” Chuckhawks.com (2015), https://www.chuckhawks.com/ruger_red-label-2_death.html (accessed May 8, 2018).
[9] Jason J. Brown. “6 Things You Might Not Know About Ruger,” NRA blog (March 21, 2017), https://www.nrablog.com/articles/2017/3/6-things-you-might-not-know-about-ruger/ (accessed May 8, 2018).
[10] Ruger FAQs, “Why No Warranty Card Has Been Packed with Your New Ruger Firearm?” Ruger.com (2018), https://ruger.com/service/faqs.html (accessed May 8, 2018).
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