Ruger's History
Ask anyone remotely familiar with firearms to provide a list of the best companies presently in the business. Chances are they’ll mention Ruger. Officially known as Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Ruger Firearms has produced quality rifles, shotguns, and handguns for decades. Founded in 1949, by American entrepreneurs Alexander McCormick Sturm and William B. Ruger, the company initially set-up shop in Southport, Connecticut. It expanded its operations over the years by adding factories in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Arizona.
William Ruger’s career as a firearms inventor began shortly after WWII, when he produced a handgun based upon the design of a captured Japanese pistol that he carried home after the war. He used this knowledge in the development and production of the company’s first commercially available firearm, the .22 Ruger Standard. McCormick, meanwhile, helped Ruger by providing startup capital for the business. He also designed the original Ruger logo, which still adorns their firearms today.
Despite its relatively short history, Ruger quickly established itself as a staple organization within the American firearms industry. One of the company’s most famous accomplishments was the production of 20 million weapons, from its founding in 1949 to 2004. Today, Ruger continues to thrive as one of America’s premiere firearms manufacturers and is best known for its line of .22 caliber rimfire rifles.
Popular Ruger Rifles and Shotguns
At its heart, Ruger is a firearms company that prides itself on its ability to produce a variety of reliable firearms for a wide spectrum of consumers. While best known for their 10/22 autoloading rifles, Ruger also produces many bolt-action and single-shot rifles suitable for a wide range of target shooting and hunting enthusiasts.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 has been their most popular rifle since its release in the mid-1960s. Designed as a high-quality and easy to use gun, the semi-automatic 10/22 rifles are chambered for the .22 long rifle rimfire cartridge. Due to the many variations available, the Ruger 10/22 is said to be one of the most customizable firearms. Suitable for both plinking and varmint hunting, many gunowners find the Ruger 10/22 fun to shoot. This relatively inexpensive rifle makes a great first weapon for young or novice shooters.
Ruger American Rifle
The Ruger American Rifle is one of the most popular bolt-action hunting rifles on today’s market. Ruger offers the American in a variety of platforms, from the rugged Predator (pictured), to the more basic Standard. The rifles utilize the Power Bedding® system, securing the barreled action into the stock, as well as the Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger, allowing the user to adjust the weight of pull. Current production models include the Compact, Ranch, and Magnum models, which feature a variety of options and features. Designed in 2011 as a budget-friendly hunting and sporting bolt action centerfire rifle, potential buyers can get a whole lot of bang for their buck with the American rifle.
Ruger M77
Designed in 1968, the Ruger M77 is a Mauser style, bolt action rifle featuring a two lug bolt with a claw extractor. The M77 is also designed with an angled action screw that beds the action tightly to the stock. In 1991, the redesigned M77 Mark II was rolled out with a number of new design features. These included the replacement of the plunger ejector with Mauser style blade ejector, the opening up of the bolt face to allow controlled round feeding and the addition of a three-position safety.
Ruger Hawkeye
In 2006, the M77 underwent another redesign which consisted of the addition of the improved LC6 trigger system and was re-released as the Ruger Hawkeye.
The Ruger Hawkeye is available in a seemingly endless number of configurations from lightweight, compact sporters, to heavy barreled varmint rigs. Stocks are available in wood, synthetic and laminate and metal finish may be blued or stainless-steel. The Gunsite Scout Rifle version of the M77, with its short, 16”-18” barrel and 10-round detachable magazine has been an especially popular variant in recent years.
Ruger No. 1
Despite its antiquated features and styling, the Ruger No. 1 is a single-shot, modern rifle. Introduced in the 1960s, it’s design is based on the old Farquharson design and the “falling block” action of a much earlier era. Ruger presently offers this rifle in 12 different configurations, with limited editions available each year, making it a popular collectible for gunowners.
Ruger Firearms Hardwood Gunstocks
Improve your accuracy at the range or out hunting by adding a custom hardwood gunstock from Boyds to your
Ruger 10/22 or American rifle. Or add a custom flair to your 10/22 by upgrading to one of our beautiful
Evolution Sky Laminate gunstocks.
At Boyds, you’ll also find a diverse range of products for dedicated Ruger enthusiasts including
gunstocks for the American Ranch and M77 in an array of
color options. Whether you’re a casual plinker or a competitive hunter, we’re sure to have the right gunstock for you.
