[neededausername]

I'm curious, not on this forum so much, but on other forums and at the range people tend to look down at Ruger. Why, it's a quality gun that will last forever if taken care of. So what's wrong with them?

BTW, proud Ruger owner

[hunterSthompson]

i love ruger and have had the same thought i love my 10-22 and mk-II and am loking forward to buying a p-345 or that neat little .380 thing they made.
and i have run into ruger haters to cant understand it?

[yongxingfreesty]

i love their revolvers, gp100 and the bearcat .22lr. and even their rifles(mini14 and 10/22)

just the autoloaders are too bulky and heavy to carry.

[highorder]

There is a more verbose version out there, but for some it comes down to Bill Ruger's politics and posturing in concert with the 1994 Crime bill.

[XavierBreath]

I'm a fan of the Ruger 10/22 and the MKII pistol.

I think Bill Ruger's politics had something to do with it, but also part of the problem is many of the auto loading pistols are chunky and not very ergonomic. The revolver, at least to me, seem to share the problem, but not to the same extent. In a world where there are alternatives, making your product asthetically and ergonomically pleasing as well as cost effective has it's benefits.

[chris in va]

And some of the P-series guns aren't known for their ergonomics, despite their reputation as being very reliable.

[possum]

i don't look dow on them that isfor sure, they are well made, robust and reliable, i have owned 3 and the time that i did have an issue with one ruger took care of me and they did it in a very timely manner.

[nwilliams]

I don't look down on them and I can't say I've every known anyone who had anything really bad to say about them. The worst I hear from people is that some of their autos are ugly and bulky. However even people who say that seem to agree that they are of good quality and a good value for the money.

I've owned many Rugers over the years and they've all been very decent guns, now all I own is a SR9 and Service Six and I don't have any desire to part with either of them. I will admit I'm one of those that is not a fan of their P series autos, but I wouldn't say that they are bad guns, they just don't appeal to me aesthetically.

[greener]

I haven't heard too many people diss'ing Rugers. Most folks I know think Rugers are solid, well made pistols. I have about six of them, so I'm certainly not one to look down on them.

[possum]

you gotta remeber to that there are alot of gun snobs out there and if there gun cost more than yours they are better than you. and most people that are like that aren't real " shooters" they own a few firearms and that is it.

i love to challenge those guys at the range with there tricked out guns, i especially like schooling them when iuse my ruger p345 the least expensive handgun that i own but the most accurate.

[FlyinBryan]

i really like ruger

my first was a 12" barrel super redhawk 44 mag.

few p series pistols, a .357 mag, i think it was an sp100 or something like that.

of course several 1022s.

1 for me
1 for my bro
1 for my son

would like to get a 2245

[jeepmor]

politics and posturing in concert with the 1994 Crime bill

Says it all for me. I still love mine.
Tackdrivers they be, looking down the barrel, the label I can not see.

I don't own any of their handguns, but I'm pleased with my two Ruger rifles. Bolt is not the smoothest, but it would probably work fine operating in serious muck with those clearances...

I don't look down on anyone for owning ANY gun, I look up to them, and say......Brother in Arms, may we never have to employ these plinkers and food gatherers for anything else.

[wristtwister]

Part of the "diss" on Rugers was that they advertised a lot of their pistols and when the gun-buying public went to the shops to get them... they were all out... for months and months. Like video games, people line up to get the latest version of firearms, and when the company doesn't supply the demand... it gets ugly.

Being on backorder means you might as well be carrying a bag of rocks, and the gun public isn't very forgiving for poor designs or poor customer service. The SR-9's were hyped very loudly, but the company distributed enough of them to satisfy the initial surge of buyers... now, they're on recall... and despite the company "fixing" the problem, it's a hassle to mail off a gun, wait a week, and then make sure somebody is home to receive your gun back from UPS or Fedex.

Luckily, Ruger is an American company, and the shipment to "fix" your SR-9 isn't an international issue, or there would be an even bigger uproar... and a "business situation" for the company... which even the recall is (costly).

I've owned and shot Rugers for lots of years, and for the most part have enjoyed them. They aren't usually "pretty" guns, but solid and perform well... and are just now branching out into the "synthetics" market with their pistols... but I've already seen problems getting their new little .380 LCP at the local shops... so they aren't making the problem better by having hard to get guns advertised.

Ruger didn't make any friends in supporting the wrong political positlions, and operating a company that has it's customers standing on one side of the fence, and the company on the other is a :neener: :cuss: situation. Like anything else where the money is monumental, the voices of the customers gets drowned out from the corporate b-s that flows out to cover their butts on their recalls or non-performance.

I have mixed feelings about the company, because the one pistol I've bought new (at a high retail price) from them is now being recalled, and while I love the gun, it's a pain in the butt to have to deal with the recall. I've got another pistol from Smith and Wesson that's being repaired at their factory right now, so the process of "mail us your gun and we'll fix it" is getting a little old. I'd rather have something solid, like a Browning Hi-Power that's a proven, stable platform than one of the new toys out there with the plastic-man problems, and you'd think that manufacturers would recognize that gun buyers don't need "new" toys... just well made ones. Oh, yes, and "toys" they can find in the case at the gun shop when they go shopping...

WT

[TimboKhan]

Chris, I am just qouting you to address the general feeling, not so much to address what you in particular said..

And some of the P-series guns aren't known for their ergonomics, despite their reputation as being very reliable

This is purely subjective. The idea that they are big and clunky is sort of overdone, in my opinion. One of my buddies is always complaining how the Ruger has sharp edges and is so gigantic, but when I actually held it up to his SIG, the apparent sharpness and hugeness of the gun was somewhat lessened. They are big guns, no doubt about it, but I think that many would rather just go with the flow rather than admit that they don't know much about them. For me, I will take my P90 into battle before any single pistol you could name. It's reliable, it's accurate, and with the addition of Hogue wrap-arounds, it's exceeding comfortable.

[jon_in_wv]

Not to mention MANY gun owners are guns snobs who look down on anything that doesn't conform to what they believe is the best weapon going. If you don't carry what they do than you must not be too smart. Its sad. I personally think all gun owners and enthusiasts should do much mor eto reach out to each other instead of that nonsense.

[HungSquirrel]

I had the opportunity to pick up a Ruger autoloader for $200 with just a bit of rust. I was told it was a police trade-in. After handling it and (with the dealer's permission) dry-firing it, I handed it right back despite the excellent price. The thing was clunky and fat, and had a mediocre trigger at best.

I own one of their .22LR autoloader pistols. The thing would be great if it didn't require witchcraft to take apart and re-assemble.

Their rifles might be okay, but I do not enjoy their pistols.

[RickH]

Part of it may come from Rugers being cheaper than their American competitors, at least they were back in the day. Some people will assume that a lower priced product is inferior to another product that costs more.
When I got my Marlin model 60 (age 16) both my shooting friends told me it was crap because it was cheap. One shot a tube fed Remington .22, the other a Ruger 10/22. After getting out shot a few shooting sessions in a row they both bought scopes to stay competitive. It may have been cheaper, but out of the box it just flat out performed the other two more expensive rifles. Fit and finish wasn't as good, but it shot nice.
Also I must admit Ruger has made some ugly guns, and ugly never helps. Their P-series pistols, and especially their lever action rifles. :barf:

[FlyinBryan]

Brother in Arms, may we never have to employ these plinkers and food gatherers for anything else.



nice

[jimmyraythomason]

Let's see (1) No.1 Mk1 Target Model,(2) .357 mag Blackhawk,(3).44 mag Super Blackhawk,(4)10/22 Sporter,(5)Mini-14,(6) Mini-30,(7)Mk.II,(8)P89 in 9mm,(9)P90 in .45acp w/Pachmyr grip,(10) P90w/factory grip. Not a clunker in the bunch! As to the P-series trigger,it is much better than the Browning Hi-power I had. BTW,I don't give a rip about the manufacturer's politics as long as he makes a quality product.

[Spyvie]

The Ruger autos are a little chunky, but I think that's the reasonable price of unsurpassed durability. I don't think I've ever heard of a Ruger KB, and you can get a P95 right now for about $250 or so.

[Mac45]

I dunno, I like mine just fine:)

[loop]

I may as well draw some fire...

Think of me as the guy running across the open field with the fake .50 caliber rounds following his heels...

Ruger single actions are fine guns. Bill Ruger designed an especially good .22 self-stuffer.

But, in terms of auto pistols, Rugers are a half-step above mediocre. The accuracy may or may not be acceptable. If it is acceptable it isn't really good. And, since the accuracy starts at mediocre it would be a great gun if it were possible to tune it.

But, you can't do standard gunsmithing tuning to Ruger autos. The investment casting they are so proud of eliminates the possibility of slight bending of key parts to improve accuracy or function due to the brittle nature of the investment cast parts.

They break, but don't bend.

You can change POA or POI with a Ruger, but you can't shrink the group size (with the exception of changes in ammo).

I discovered more than a decade ago that you cannot hold a Ruger auto upside down and get through a full mag without a failure. Try laying on your back and shooting over your head and they will not function properly. Very few people shoot upside down laying on their back, but I was training cops at the time. You have to throw everything at them. Although we were much more concerned with where they hit, it became obvious there was some kind of design flaw when none of the Rugers could empty a mag upside down. None of the other autos stuttered due to the position, but every Ruger jammed.

re: the Mini 14, the bolt blew up on mine. When I called Ruger I was told the "lifetime" warranty did not apply. I could "buy" a replacement for dealer cost. Sold the parts for more than the gun was worth.

I have a great deal of respect for the Ruger SA revolvers and the No. 1 rifle. I have no use for .22s so I don't care about the Ruger in that regard.

But, if there are Ruger detractors, I'm sure they have their reasons.

I wouldn't own a Ruger auto long enough to sell it.

Why? Personal experience.

Why? Why are they the cheapest guns of their type in the shop?

My apologies to all the Ruger fans out there. I'll just shoot my Kimbers, SIGs, Colts, S&Ws, etc. You get what you pay for.

[DerbyDale]

I'm not a fan of most Runger autos because the ergonomics don't feel right to me and they are a bit blocky. The Ruger New Vaquero on the other hand is one of my favorite SAAs, taking a second seat only the the VERY pricey Colt, and US Firearm models. I have two Vaqueros and wouldn't part with them, they are very nicely made.

[Ala Dan]

Mainly cuz Old Bill climbed in bed with the Clinton-Gore administration~! :eek:

[Pilot]

I have several Rugers. Three MK II's, a 10/22 and a Blackhawk. I like all their products except for their centerfire auto pistols.

[ShunZu]

it comes down to Bill Ruger's politics and posturing in concert with the 1994 Crime bill.


Although I have bought Rugers since '94, when Ruger climbed in bed with Bill Clinton, they definately went down a notch on my popularity chart.

[LUPUS]

Because most of them have not abused or even shot any Ruger semi.
Some of them just has gotten a seperate lemon that may come from any manufacturer and see it as a valid stand point to bash the Ruger pistols.
They have some downsides compared to other brands, but not enough to bash them.

[TestPilot]

They are reliable, and fairly accurate.

The problem is, there are so many others that are also reliable and accurate, and Ruger just don't seem to offer any more than that.

[abrink]

I love my P95. It fits in MY hands great and it hasn't jammed on me once. In the matter of fact the only ruger firearm i have owned that jammed on my was a 10/22 after i deprived it of cleaning through like 2500 rounds.

[jocko]

ruger are extremely reliable and well built but that being said, most all the other brands are to. Rugers are also "big". It seems the trend is towards the smaller framed guns and the SR9 comes on board and is doing well. this SR9 recall is not good but it also shows that Ruger didn't bury this in the sand either. They did the right thing indeed and it didn't take an act of congress to do it either. Alot of other gun companies should have issued recalls in the past but have just opted to "let the buyer beware".
I think rugers entry into the ccw field with the lcp 380 will be one of many new small ccw guns to be introduced by Ruger. I truly look for a ultra lite compact 9 mm , 40 cal and maybe a 45. If kahr can make these ultra small compacts and do well with them, surely Ruger can to. Rugers are damn good guns, but if I want a green car, and you don't offer it, I will find someone who does.
My bet by years end we will see a Ruger sub 9 out. Seems the shooting public is crying for aother good choice in that area. FWIW

[jocko]

I won't bash Ruger Inc. for what Bill Ruger did 14 years ago. 14 years is a long time to hold a grudge, and many people work for Ruger. They make a good prodcut. We need to move on from the Bill Ruger saga. Most shooters don't even know the story so why hammer a bent nail any further. not to many American made, American owned gun companies left. Ruger is still one of them.

[RPCVYemen]

Because they are working guns, not bragging guns.

Many people who buy guns love to brag about guns.

Mike

[Ske1etor]

The way I feel, there are only two names in the world of .22's Ruger and Marlin. If it ain't one of those, it ain't worth buying.

Their centerfire pistols are a bit chunky and don't really fit my hand (Well, except for the new SR9) but I have never shot one that gave me problems.

[matt_s07]

My MKIII is excellent and I can't wait for my LCP. I like them. My .02.

[FEG]

I must first disclose that I don't own any Rugers, because I have had to sell every one I ever owned.

Since this is the autoloaders forum, I will only briefly mention that the two Ruger revolvers and the one rifle I have owned were complete disasters. None of them could hit the broad side of a barn, no matter who shot them.

I don't "look down" on their products, per se. Their SAA revolvers are probably the best ones on the market. However, their autoloaders are considered their "weakest link." As much trouble as I have had with their core products, there is no way I would ever spend money on one of their pistols.

Another problem is that Ruger is a direct competitor with CZ and S&W, in terms of product range and price. In other words, I would rather have a S&W revolver or a CZ pistol or long gun in the first place.

[BigG]

They don't have much asthetics for a guy raised on S&W and Colt revos.

The typical comment I hear about a Ruger is "It is good, once you fix _____ and _____."

I don't like to fix new stuff, myself. I would prefer it was sold working right. YMMV

[12many]

Because they are working guns, not bragging guns.

Many people who buy guns love to brag about guns.

Mike

+1.

They are common and not expensive. It is a product that people with more expensive guns can put down.

IMO, great value for the money. I own 3.

[btg3]

Revolvers: Never shot a Ruger but have a S&W that I inherited. From a design standpoint, Ruger impresses me far more than S&W and I'm eager to own a Ruger.
Currently, I'm interested in a J-frame and would like to see Ruger come out with a smaller SP101 for pocket carry. I think the LCP is an indication that Ruger wants to increase market share and a smaller revolver would be a strong play.

Autoloaders: The only Ruger I would consider is the LCP, but no hurry.

[theotherwaldo]

Lessee. Near as I can figure I've got seven Ruger pistols in the household. They are the more regularly used guns in the house.

They have a different design philosophy - more like power tools than traditional gunsmith work. I think this is a good thing.

[TimboKhan]

I wouldn't own a Ruger auto long enough to sell it.

Why? Personal experience.


Thats where you and I differ. My personal experience with my P90 has been fan-frigging-tastic. Still, I can understand your point well enough.

By the way, I have shot my P90 upside down before, and I have never jammed up. With the P90 is was all in fun, but curiously, I have had to draw an M9 before while laying down on my back, so I can see training for it.

[Deer Hunter]

I like Ruger autoloaders. Rugged and dependable.

Those and S&W 3rd generation autos.

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

I love the Ruger Super Blackhawk I have in .44. We always test any handloads in .44 in my ruger before it touches a Smith :D

[Gun Slinger]

The only Ruger that I like is the MK II series.

Can't say that I am impressed by the rest of their line, though due to the fact that I find their centerfire pistols to be unnecessarily oversized and the centerfire rifles to possess less than desirable qualities in the "trigger" department.

Although Rugers are economically priced, I find that with just a little shopping around I can find much lighter Tikka T3 rifles with exquisite 'user-friendly' adjustable trigger pulls and similar features as well as much slimmer, "smoother" semiauto's (Glock 17L/17/19) for just a few bucks more and I get a higher quality firearm in the process.

It is a shame, too, because it seems these days, that Ruger is just not "getting it right" in terms of their introduction of (not so) 'new' designs like the SR-9 that seems to be undergoing more than its fair share of problems (recall). Add to that, that Ruger has taken a fine design (the MK II series) and mucked it all up with 'lawyer inspired' "junk" features (an abominable looking L.C.I. and mag safety) that make it very unattractive to many folks (including me) and I want 'out' of the Ruger line-up altogether. Proof that 'change' is not always progress.

[greener]

But, you can't do standard gunsmithing tuning to Ruger autos. The investment casting they are so proud of eliminates the possibility of slight bending of key parts to improve accuracy or function due to the brittle nature of the investment cast parts.

They break, but don't bend.

:confused:Which parts on my non-rugers do I bend: barrels, triggers, hammers? Never tried to bend parts to make the pistol shoot better.

You can change POA or POI with a Ruger, but you can't shrink the group size (with the exception of changes in ammo).

I haven't seen a firearm yet that the ultimate group size wasn't related to ammo. Do you mean that I should be able to tighten the groups on my M&P9 with any ammo out there? I thought one of the reasons you go for high-dollar ammo is that it shoots more consistently. I also thought that among the reasons one reloads is to reduce the round-to-round variability, which reduces group size. The book "Rifleman's Guide to Rimfire Ammuntion" looks at the group size of various "good" ammo brands shot from high-end (high dollar), custom made rifles. Seems that the group size was dependent on ammo and firearm, combined. I don't know that Rugers are any different, but I'd sure like to know which firearms will shoot dime groups with ANY ammo.

discovered more than a decade ago that you cannot hold a Ruger auto upside down and get through a full mag without a failure. Try laying on your back and shooting over your head and they will not function properly. Very few people shoot upside down laying on their back, but I was training cops at the time. You have to throw everything at them. Although we were much more concerned with where they hit, it became obvious there was some kind of design flaw when none of the Rugers could empty a mag upside down. None of the other autos stuttered due to the position, but every Ruger jammed.

I've never tried that. Will have to one of these days.

I can see not liking a brand, but these seem to be a bit of a stretch.

I've found the ones I have to be reliable, more accurate than I am and pretty darned dependable.

[wristtwister]

Great try guys, but guns these days are made on cnc computer controlled milling machines and injection molding for plastic parts. The old days of "accurizing" a pistol by squeezing the slide or adding shims are truly a thing of the past. Today that is done by finding a closer tolerance barrel, etc. that's also cnc machined and reducing the clearance tolerances. Changing spring rates or actually milling a piece in a different shape might work on some things, but except for "brute force" gunsmithing, it's mostly computer controlled these days.

When you send a gun back to the factory to have it accurized, they probably have somebody with a spec sheet and a drum full of spare parts that are sorted by micrometer sizes, and they select a different part rather than trying to modify the one you sent them.

They can still bend mild or stainless steel parts to close up the tolerances on levers or followers, but for the most part, anything new you buy is built off a computer controlled cnc machine. I'm betting its hard to beat what you feed through one of those unless you're REALLY a gunsmith.

A lot of the "accurized pistols" you buy are using drop in trigger groups, specially machined barrels, etc. so you're buying a different variation of your gun... not necessarily an accurized one. It can still be done the old fashioned way if you have parts that aren't cast and too stiff not to break, but for the most part, they're cut by the cnc machines at what they'll be until some of the metal wears off from shooting.

One of the television shows had a guy going through a factory building a rifle, and the comment by one of the workers was "boring the rifle barrel used to take two days... now we can do it in 20 minutes"... so the computer controlled machines are what's controlling the product you're getting... not a gunsmith. The "gunsmith" is a cnc computer operator.

Now, that being said, there is still some skill in assembling the parts correctly and checking the tolerances of the finished product... but it looks more like a "go- no go" type of inspection process than an actual gunsmithing examination of the firearms. If their cnc machines are set correctly, you'll get an accurate gun within the tolerances they specify and build.

WT

[bdg146]

I discovered more than a decade ago that you cannot hold a Ruger auto upside down and get through a full mag without a failure.

I have the luxury of being able to walk outside and shoot whenever I want... so I did. Now, I'm not going to say you're making this up, but let's not take an experience with one particular model of ruger semi-auto and propagate that to ALL ruger autos. All I can say is that you apparently weren't shooting a P90, because mine had no problem with the 8+1 I just ran through it.

I may even shoot like this regularly now... it's a heck of a lot easier to find the brass this way!

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

1. They don't make THE ugliest gun on the planet, but on the WHOLE, as an assortment of firearms, they definitely are the ugliest-gun-making manufacturer - no one can hold a candle to the unasthetically pleasing pistols and rifles they sell (save the No. 1). It's uncanny how strong their knack for ugliness is: 10/22, mark 2/3, deerfield carbine, leverguns, synthetic-stocked 77s, pretty much all the auto pistols, etc. But that's just taste, and may be only me....

2. It's mostly about their politics, as mentioned: With any other gun company, you get a good gun and no detriment to your gun rights. With Ruger, you get a very good gun (albeit ugly) at a good price, and with it you get a company that with YOUR money you gave them, will attempt to restrict YOUR gun rights. They have proven without a doubt that they do this, and have NEVER in any way attempted to make up for their transgressions with their customers. Thus the entire gun-buying transaction, viewed in that light, makes them a very poor value in my book. Don't feed the beast that's trying to kill you, especially not when there's many, many, MANY other deserving companies that make good guns at good prices and don't try to restrict your rights - in fact, many of them are on board with helping to *preserve* gun rights. But neutral is still better than anti...

But other than that...

[bdg146]

you get a company that with YOUR money you gave them, will attempt to restrict YOUR gun rights

I understand your anger towards Bill Ruger, but come on, that was what, 1989? It appears a lot has changed at Ruger in the past 19 years. How long are we supposed to hold on to this grudge before moving forward?

You're also entitled to your opinion on looks, but I don't think she's all that ugly:
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd266/bdg146/IMG_0002.jpg

[Princi]

I've heard a lot of negative comments about the 22LR pistols because of them being hard to disassemble/reassemble. In fact Gun Tests' magazine gave a "do not buy" recommendation to the 22/45 because of it. I must admit, I was a bit confused trying to follow the manual the first time, and it took me several trys to get it right.

My real problem with Ruger is with their restricted parts policy. I was told by a gunsmith, who is a member of the same range that I belong to, that even with an FFL, he can't buy things like sears and hammers from Ruger. Fortunately, for popular guns like the 10/22 or 22LR pistols, there are a lot of aftermarket parts available. However, since they are expensive, I'm very careful when stoning the actions knowing replacement parts would hurt me in the pocketbook.

Will I continue to buy Rugers? Only if they come out with something new. I was the first kid on the block with the SR9 and with the Charger. (I love the Charger; I'll with hold comments on the SR9).

[TimboKhan]

2. It's mostly about their politics, as mentioned: With any other gun company, you get a good gun and no detriment to your gun rights. With Ruger, you get a very good gun (albeit ugly) at a good price, and with it you get a company that with YOUR money you gave them, will attempt to restrict YOUR gun rights. They have proven without a doubt that they do this, and have NEVER in any way attempted to make up for their transgressions with their customers. Thus the entire gun-buying transaction, viewed in that light, makes them a very poor value in my book. Don't feed the beast that's trying to kill you, especially not when there's many, many, MANY other deserving companies that make good guns at good prices and don't try to restrict your rights - in fact, many of them are on board with helping to *preserve* gun rights. But neutral is still better than anti...


By this logic, we shouldn't buy Smith and Wesson products because of thier bowing down to Clinton. I mean, that happend in 2000, so that means it's even worse than something that happened in 1989, doesn't it?

Give me a break. The guy said one thing, almost 20 years ago, and you and so many others are still mad? There are several reasons not to be mad about it, chief among them is that Bill Ruger has been dead for almost 6 years now. Moreover, what do you mean that Ruger will try and restrict your rights? They support the NRA. The support the US Shooting team. Maybe Bill Ruger did say something stupid, and maybe it's dumb that they didn't sell hi-cap mags to the public, but that doesn't mean that they don't want to preserve our right to own guns. Besides all that, the SR9 holds 17 rounds, so even the hi-cap thing is no longer valid.

[Dobe]

I've had ten Rugers which includes center fire and rim fire rifles, as well as center and rim fire pistols. One of the complaints I've had with Ruger has been on quality control of some of the stocks. On several rifles, the butt plates didn't come close to matching up with the wood. This is more than asthetics, this results in split stocks. I had this problem on a .44 mag auto loader, and a 10/22.

Another problem I have seen with Ruger is that they seem to use a poor design for their Mk I and Mk II sights. They are aluminum with a steel blade, and tend to strip out under adjustment. I've also seen a few front sights on the MK II fall off under heavy use. This may be minor, but it is an irritant. The same can be said of the back sights for their double and single action revolvers.

I think one of the biggest complaints I have with Ruger is the liability conscienceness built into their firearms, namely the trigger and the now common warning label. Out of all of the above firearms I have owned, none came with even an exceptable trigger.

I also agree with the ergonomics issue mentioned above. Many of their autos, not all, are simply not comfortable for me. Finally, Some Ruger have the looks that only a loving mother could apreciate. Lines are important. Consumers have many options, and looks count; they always have. There are exceptions. Ruger's No. 1 is graceful, and has good lines, as does some of their bolt guns.

Ruger's reputation has always been a solid over built firearm for a good price. They can be just a little ruff and in need of refinement from time to time.

[tntwatt]

I'm going to be extremely practical in my reply..
It probably has alot to do with "snobbery". Just like less expensive cars/clothes etc.. get a bad rep. Even when they may be just as good as the more exspensive ones.
I've been guilty of it myself. I've often found myself not even looking at the Ruger pistols when I could look at the higher end. Ruger makes quality weapons with good prices. But as with anything, "designer" is better.
If it truly was about politics then we should all have stopped buying Smith and Wesson when they settled their "product liabilty" lawsuit rather than fighting it all the way to the supreme court.

[theotherwaldo]

My biggest problem with Ruger is their policy regarding modifications. If you return a Ruger to a service center for repairs you will almost always get back a gun that has been returned to bone stock, with modified and aftermarket parts returned in a separate box.

Very annoying!

Other than that, Bill Ruger is dead. Cut him some slack.

[2nd 41]

The only complaint I ever hear about Ruger 22's are they are slightly tricky to reassemble after cleaning. Otherwise they make a fine gun. I have a dressed up 10/22.....a lot of pleasure to shoot and price was quite reasonable

[CajunBass]

Rugers semi-auto's are ugly? You looked at a Glock or an XD lately? Or most any other modern semi-auto.

[Dobe]

Rugers semi-auto's are ugly? You looked at a Glock or an XD lately? Or most any other modern semi-auto.


Some are down right ugly. And you're right, Glocks are too. Now take a look at Smith's M&P, graceful, good lines, and ergonomic. It's selling well too.

[Gunnerpalace]

Bill Ruger's policy's put me against the company but he is gone and it is quite obvious that Ruger is distancing itself from said policies with it's new product's (the NRA-ILA Mini-14) which is slowly changing my mind on the company.

[TAB]

I want a gun that comes right out of the box ready to go... I have yet to see/handle a single ruger that did not need something done to it.

There is also the ugly factor... I can ignore ugly if it shoots well... I've never shot a ruger that shot well.

[Drail]

Because they're effite snobs and basically ignorant. This is why Glock sells so many guns. Two prerequisites - I don't know diddley squat about guns. I want a gun just like all the cops carry. Some of them can be re-educated.

[MCgunner]

I keep hearing my P90 is too heavy for carry. BS. It's 33 ounces unloaded, same as my 4" M10 Smith and Wesson and about 8 or 9 ounces lighter than a steel framed 1911. It's a bit wider. The part that gives you trouble in a Sparks IWB summer special is the slide width. It prints if the shirt is too tight. That's why when I wanna carry it, I wear a Hawaiian style loose shirt with LOUD print so the attention isn't on any bulge even if there was one. LOL

I'm curious, not on this forum so much, but on other forums and at the range people tend to look down at Ruger. Why, it's a quality gun that will last forever if taken care of. So what's wrong with them?

BTW, proud Ruger owner

I think a lot of it is because the Ruger is affordable and there are these guys out there with the attitude that if you have less than a 2500 dollar handgun, you can't defend yourself with it. It's the "get what you pay for" crowd. In reality, they're ostentatious and don't appreciate it when a 450 dollar gun out shoots their Wilson Combat get down lay down hot rod special.

I've got two P guns, two Blackhawks, an Old Army, and an SP101. Then there's the 10/22. Yeah, I like Rugers. I do find myself carrying a Kel Tec P11 most every day, though, or my Taurus M85SSUL. I don't like wearing Hawaiian shirts OR carrying IWB when I'm working. I wrench for a living in jeans and T shirts and get all greasy sometimes. I don't do Dockers. LOL Pocket carry works best for me. Even though a 1911 is thinner (and a lot heavier), I still wouldn't carry any gun IWB for every day, just can't. But, I do often tote the P90 when I go to Sodom or Gamora (that's Austin or Houston) or any other big city.

I put a Hogue grip on both my P guns and in the P90, put a stiffer spring, but it was ready to go out of the box. I just like to fit and personalize most of the guns I buy. If you don't like Rugers out of the box, stay the HELL away from 1911s of any kind! ROFL!

. I've never shot a ruger that shot well.

http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=49836&d=1167014958

[craig_o]

Bill Ruger, who is very extremely dead, had some unpopular politics late in his life.

The Autos have been historically bulky for CCW.

Did you hear? The LCP has a lot in common with the P3AT!

In response to the "you get what you pay for" argument I hear so very often:

If that were true, a Taurus would be a Glock.
If that were true, government programs would be heaven on Earth.
If that were true, I would have had five minute abs.

[Daryl Licht]

Ruger owners have nothing to be ashamed of. My first gun was a Ruger standard .22 auto, I still have it, and have not yet seen a .22 pistol that I would trade it for.

I have a P90 that was initially flawless but later developed a problem that's been discussed elsewhere on this board. It's the only gun I own that I would consider parting with. After picking up a 1911 again, and later a P220 Sig, I just didn't like the Ruger any more and started wondering what I was thinking when I bought it. If you like yours, there's no need to be defensive, I'm not knocking you.

I've also owned a M77 Varmint, which was a superb shooter that I was foolish to trade away. The Mini 14 was a cool gun too, should have kept that one as well.

Ruger's revolvers are second to none. The Security Six is one of the best .357's ever made. I have more Ruger revolvers than any other make.

Bill Ruger, except for his political blunder, was a genius. He had a knack for finding gaps in the market and filling them nicely. When the P series autos hit the market, CCW was very rare. The company's mistake was in failing to respond to the competition in that market until the appearance of the SR9 and the LCP. By now, they may be too little, too late, since neither pistol offers anything that hasn't been around for years from other makers.

Rugers are a good value. Those who own them should be as proud as anyone.

[thebaldguy]

I know lots of people who have Ruger pistols (myself included) who like them. The price is right, they're ok for accuracy, and they're pretty rugged. They are generally bulkier and heavier. I haven't tried any of the new models, but it seems like lots of people like them.

[Intune]

I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag w/10.5" barrel that has the crispest trigger break of any pistol I have ever fired. My scoped #1 rifle in 30.06 is a breeze to carry in one hand and shoots better than I could ever complain about. It is my go-to hunting rifle. I appreciate the craftsmanship on the Rugers I own.

Don't even get me started on some of my ex-weapons, such as an AMT .45 Backup & Walther PPk/S... :barf: Smelting them would have been a disservice to the junk yard... :evil:

[BHPshooter]

Because they are working guns, not bragging guns.

Many people who buy guns love to brag about guns.

This statement implies that those "bragging guns" are somehow unfit for duty. I kind of find that disingenuous.

My "working gun" happens to be fairly expensive. I figure that I have nearly $1000 into it now. If you were to say that it wasn't up to rough and tumble duty, I think a lot of military groups - including the SAS - would disagree with you. Prince Harry seems to have some honest wear on his.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=76179&stc=1&d=1207886693

My Sig was a gift, but it is also a fairly expensive gun. I don't think there's many people who'd argue that it isn't up to the task... The SEALs seem to be putting theirs to good use, and the Secret Service isn't complaining.

Yeah, people brag about some guns. That doesn't mean that it's all pomp.
Wes

[Rayden]

I am confident that my P345 can stand on its own against any .45 out there, and might outshoot some that cost 4 times as much.

[TimboKhan]

I keep hearing my P90 is too heavy for carry. BS.

True enough. I have carried mine on occasion with no particular trouble. I personally don't care to haul around service pistols in general, and the Ruger is wider, but it is incorrect to say that it cannot be successfully carried.

[45auto]

Because Rugers, generally, are priced cheaper than the "mainline", and most people equate quality with price.

A lot of gun for the money IMHO.

Just think if there wasn't a Ruger...no Mark 22 pistols, 10-22's, Mini-14's or SA revolvers, etc.

[Timthinker]

Ruger made at least one firearm that achieved a great deal of respect: the Ruger Old Army caplock revolver. It was an accurate and reliable handgun that introduced many people to black powder shooting. Now that my rant is finished, I will address the topic of Ruger semi-auto pistols. I owned one of their .22 pistols in the 1990s and found it lacked the accuracy of other semi-auto pistols I had shot. The same can be said for the 10/22 and Mini-14 rifles. But I have owned several Ruger single-action revolvers and thought they were great. In conclusion, the opinion people hold of Ruger tends to vary with the particular Ruger product in question. Their semi-auto pistols tend to receive a lower evaluation than do their revolvers. The 10/22 and Mini-14 rifles generally receive high marks on reliability, but lower scores on accuracy. This has been my experience with Ruger and it seems others share my position on this matter.


Timthinker

[243_shooter]

I'm fond of all my Rugers. My first rimfire pistol was a MKII, and my first centerfire pistol was a KP89.

The KP89 was a bit on the 'chunky' side in the grips, but I always found it to have good accuracy.

Unfortunately I sold it during the 'great 9mm purge of 2007'. The only reason I let it go was because it was a 9mm, and I'm already starting to regret it.

Leo

[jd70]

I'm love Rugers!
:p Over the last 10 years I owned and traded 7-9(?) autos, revolvers, and cowboy guns. I can honestly say I miss every one. For too many years I had the gotta the new, more powerful..etc gun that came along. But I always went back to buying Rugers because they are hard to beat on quality and price.

[Ltlabner]

Because they're effite snobs and basically ignorant. This is why Glock sells so many guns. Two prerequisites - I don't know diddley squat about guns. I want a gun just like all the cops carry.

Wow. What a load of hooey.

I had a Vequraro (sp?) some time ago. Bought it used. Something went heywire with it (I forget what now) and Ruger replaced it with a brand-new weapon, destroyed the old one, and sent me the all new paperwork. Paid for shipping too.

Currently my only Ruger product is a 10/22. Everyone should have one IMO as a solid, fun and inexpensive plinker.

I'm not a fan of the autos frankly based on size, appearance and clunkyness. Sorry, but part of owning a firearm is subjective. And subjectivley I think they are ugly and unfortable.

But that doesn't mean I think they are crap or look down on the owners. It's just not MY cup of tea is all.

The SR9 on the other hand, looks pretty sharp. You just can't get any, and when you do they are recalled.

[19-3Ben]

I'll never knock Ruger.
If i could only have one gun, it would be my 3" SP101 that's been worked on by Gemini Customs.

I love that little gun. it is ROCK SOLID, has never ever failed me in any way, balances perfectly, is a pleasure to shoot, AND a pleasure to carry.

http://s263.photobucket.com/albums/ii131/geminifan/?action=view&current=101_0567.jpg
How can you tell me that ain't a sexy gun? Clunky? no way. brutally strong? Hells yeah. My grandchildren will still be putting 158gr. .357mag loads from Double Tap through that little guy.

Edit to add:
Did the image come through? All i see is a little blue box with a "?".

[R&J]

A friend of mine blew up his Ruger Blackhawk Revolver last year, with what had to be an overcharged handload. :uhoh:

Taking full responsibility, he sent the gun to Ruger, just to show them what had happened, and how the gun had endured the accident. :o

Ruger responded with some comments--and a brand new Blackhawk Revolver! :what:

True story! ;)

--Ray

[pbhome71]

A SR9 looks good, but it is a full-size.I like a sub-compact pistol.

I don't believe that they have product in that category.

[btg3]

If you already have the SR9, note the recall:
http://www.ruger.com/SR9Recall/

For a compact 9mm, check out the rebate deal on M&P thru end of April.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/promos/POSTER_Q4_web.jpg

[langenc]

I know this is a handgun section but the rifles 77 Mark II has the lawyer trigger. Ruger brags about the price includes the $40 scope rings BUT forgets you have to buy an $80 Timney trigger for the thing. Saw that in an ad just today, again.

[hrgrisso]

The thing would be great if it didn't require witchcraft to take apart and re-assemble. OH YOU OWE ME A KEYBOARD!

Everyone who reads my posts ever, knows I'm a sig guy. But I also have a great deal of respect for Rugers. Who here hasn't just found themselves as a kid again with a 10/22 and a cheap box of wal mart plinkers. No it's not bench accurate, but it's minute of squirrel. :neener:

And you can drop them kick them and they keep on firing.

Plus what other company designed a scout rifle based on Col. Cooper that can be modified to take M-14 Mags? That's a cool cat in my book!

[Shipwreck]

My biggest problem with Ruger is their policy regarding modifications. If you return a Ruger to a service center for repairs you will almost always get back a gun that has been returned to bone stock, with modified and aftermarket parts returned in a separate box.

Glock does that too.

I bought a P95 a week or so ago as a beater gun. It was $315, and it is the cheapest 9mm I will buy and still consider reliable. Gun is very accurate. However - the trigger really does suck.

I do not put it in the same category as my Walthers HKs, etc.

[marksman13]

I don't look down on Ruger pistols, or the people who own them. I'll just never own another one myself. I had a P94, .40 S&W and I just plain hated it. It was inaccurate, unreliable, and felt blocky even with the Hogue wrap-around grips I put on it. It wasn't for me, and I haven't owned a Ruger semi-auto since. I would gladly buy one of their revolvers though.

[greener]

I wonder how many lawyers are lined up to sue over a pistol being returned from a manufacturer not stock. I think the liability would be tremendous. I could probably get money if I made all kinds of modifications to the pistol and it ended up harming me because of something stupid I did. Just think what would happen if they let a non-standard mod out of their repair shop.

My take on Rugers is that they are well-built, reliable and all that I have, or have fired I can shoot accurately. They chamber the round, fire the round, eject the case and repeat the cycle. They don't seem to fall apart. They may not look or feel as good as other pistols, but that is a matter of preference. I personally don't like the feel of Glocks. Nothing wrong with them, I just don't like them.

As for whether the Ruger is as dependable as some of the brands used by SOF or Seals, I'm not too worried about that. I have no plans for airborne drops or the like. I'm willing to bet mine will take all the beating I'm going to give them and still function.

[MCgunner]

I've never heard anyone really bash Ruger for being fragile. :rolleyes: The P90 is the cream, the best they make in P guns IMHO. I've had the P95, have a P85, fired a P89 and a P97. The P90 has the best trigger by far, actually a very nice trigger in DA and SA and in transition. The others were stiffer and the P85 even has a little creep in SA. But, it always works. The P90, though, is near perfection and easily the most accurate. (see groups above). It can put 'em well under 2" all day long from the bench at 25 yards. Very shootable off hand, too, points natural for me and the Hogue really feels good. I have a fairly large hand and cannot stand 1911 grips. Even with wide wrap arounds on the 1911, I prefer the P gun with the Hogues.

I hear the P90 is to be discontinued. If that's the case, the P line will be worse for it. The P90 is the star. The rest of the guns are a little blah, ho hum, mundane. It's the accuracy and the trigger that really makes the P90 and it is WAY sturdy designed originally being intended for 10mm. It'll last me the rest of my life time, so I guess I ain't too worried about it being discontinued. I mean, there are plenty of other great guns, some in the Ruger's price range like the CZs. No reason to put down a great gun, though, just because you like CZ or Sig or something.

I think of all my Rugers, my .45 Colt stainless blackhawk is my ABSOLUTE favorite, though. I'm a revolver guy anyway, but that thing is awesome, even more accurate than the P90 and in a hell of a great caliber. It's a great hiking gun and accurate enough that I've hunted some with it. Yet to shoot anything with it, though.

A SR9 looks good, but it is a full-size.I like a sub-compact pistol.

I don't believe that they have product in that category.

They just came out with the .380 cal LCP. It's a bit of a Kel Tec P3AT clone. Whadda ya reckon they'll be along with a PF9 version shortly in 9mm?

[Eyesac]

politics and posturing in concert with the 1994 Crime bill

I swore I'd never buy another Ruger since then, but then I bought a 10/22...:(

[Gator]

I just got home with my first Ruger centerfire auto...an LCP. I always considered Ruger autos big and ugly, but not this little cutie! :)

[Carl N. Brown]

Rugers I have owned:
Security-Six Revolver, Blue steel
Mark II autoloader .22
GP100 Revolver
.22/45 autoloader.
Security-Six Revolver, stainless.
All three revolvers were .357.

The 22/45 and GP100 are back with my son.

I have kept the Security-Six Stainless and MarkII.
Rugers are over-emgineered, tougher, a little heavier and rougher than the competition, but priced a lot lower than the competition.

A friend had a very high-end .22 pistol and my .22 Ruger outshoot it in accuracy and reliablity. For what he paid for his, he could have had 3 Rugers.

[neededausername]

A lot of people have complained about the size/weight of Rugers. Personally I like a heavier handgun. When I've fired a Glock I felt like I had a toy in my hand. When it comes down to it, I'd rather have the weight to counteract the kick. I can't even imagine my brother-in-laws T/C with a 30/30 barrel made by glock. I realize this is about crazy, but just trying to make a point.

For the people who say Ruger isn't accurate. My wife won her division in the Arizona state championships when she was 11 with a Ruger. She was shooting against people who were much older and even LEO's.

[Jrsmith]

My first auto was a p89, which I am now selling off. The reason being simply that I like the .45 better as a round to shoot (I shoot it better and I like it better then the 9mm, prices be darned!). I still have and love my GP100, best .357 I've ever held and/or shot, and I've used several Smith and Wessons (which are really nice too). I always look for a security six or speed six at any gunshows I go to, I really want one.

As for the dislike. Many say they are ugly and uncomfortable in the hand, especially the P series. Mine always felt good in my hands, but my only issue with the p89 has been the trigger. To me its pretty spongy and hard to get used to, even after many hundreds of rounds. I'm sure I could probably get some work done on it, but I'll just let it go.

I'll never get rid of my GP100 (4 inch barrel) I love that gun.

[S&Wfan]

Thefumegator
Quote:
Because they are working guns, not bragging guns.

Many people who buy guns love to brag about guns.
This statement implies that those "bragging guns" are somehow unfit for duty. I kind of find that disingenuous.

My "working gun" happens to be fairly expensive. I figure that I have nearly $1000 into it now. If you were to say that it wasn't up to rough and tumble duty, I think a lot of military groups - including the SAS - would disagree with you. Prince Harry seems to have some honest wear on his.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=76179&stc=1&d=1207886693




Ummm . . . actually, the Prince is toting a Browning Hi-Power MkIII . . . a thin-bodied, sleek, classic design if there ever was one . . . originating from John Browning himself in 1935.;) Form + Function personified.

Luckily, he's carrying his single action Hi-Power hammer down, unchambered, to protect the "Crown Jewels.":D

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/images/051001m.jpg


Ruger serious caliber centerfire pistols are like Clydesdale horses or Sumo wrestlers . . . big, bulky and sturdy but no beauty queen potential. They are also generally reliable and fairly cheap. That's their market. Nuthin' bad, nuthin' great . . . just solid, albit bulky working guns with acceptable "combat accuracy" as the goal. Ruger has always delivered on their goals too!

T.

[primer]

I have a p-90 and love it. This gun will NEVER be sold. I shoots great and is very accurate. I go to the shooting range once a week. Since I bought this gun it has gone with me every time. I run at least 100 rounds through it every time I go and haven't had any problems yet. As for the upside down thing, I will try it next week when I hit the range and report back. I'll buy every "cheap" ruger pistol I see with a big smile on my face.:) As for the looks and size of the gun it feels perfect to me so no complaints. Every gun maker out there has made a gun that has malfunctioned at one time or another. But how many people with a 1,500 or 2,500 dollar gun is going to brag about their pride and joy malfunctioning? Anyone just wanting to toss their old peice of junk ruger away just let me know.

[DougDubya]

I don't have any problem with Ruger Centerfire autos or revolvers. Considering that the thing that ired most Ruger haters was a position taken 23 years ago, even before the 1994 AWB which he never campaigned for, I honestly don't see the grudge's use.

[Mike J]

My only Ruger is a P-944T .40 caliber. I consider it reliable ,Though I have never tried firing it upside down, even like the way it looks. It took me a while to get used to the trigger but I still shoot it better than I do my XD-40. As far as accuracy I believe it is more accurate than I am.

[pbhome71]

They just came out with the .380 cal LCP. It's a bit of a Kel Tec P3AT clone. Whadda ya reckon they'll be along with a PF9 version shortly in 9mm?


I like the LCP. If they made one in 9mm, I'll be buying one for sure.

A PF9-clone will be nice. :)

-Pat

[skywarp_]

My personal reasons. (Auto)

Bulky- The guns are way too big for their capacities (until the SR9 as well as the 345 to some extent ).

Triggers - Nothing fantastic. Pretty unimpressive save the SR9 and LCP which just suck. No SAO option, DAO would be horrible.

Decocker - Scary loud. Can't tell if I've lit one off or decocked the gun

Safety - Way the hell up there. Two handed type operation.

Funky Grips - The grips are just wierd and feel plasticyer than a glock.

Disassembly - Not too complex, but still takes work. the 22's are a rube goldberg machine

Performance - Eh. Decent accuracy once you get used to the trigger. Decock sounds cause me to flinch on the range when a ruger user goes to DA on the range.

Finishes - the Stainless looks ok, the black is kinda shaky and the funky gun metal greyish color is pretty ugly. Their color blending leaves alot to be desired. Coupled with the bloated whale profile it reminds me of a gun in kids cartoons or children's safety scissors. Glock is ugly as sin but the tennifer finish with the deep black polymer actually looks good for such an ugly gun.


Sights - Located 2.5 nautical miles above the barrel, great for suppressors.

Oh and they dont fit my hand well.


On a side note, Uberti > Ruger at single action revolvers.

[MCgunner]

On a side note, Uberti > Ruger at single action revolvers.

Stick 18 grains of 2400 behind a 300 grain Hornady XTP in in your Uberti and find out what happens when you cap it off. I wanna be well clear when you do it. My Blackhawk eats those loads for breakfast, hog killer loads, and they're not even maxed out. They only push something under 1200 fps from my 4 5/8" barrel. I could push that bullet another 100 fps if I wanted to, but I'm figuring near 1000 ft lbs is enough for the biggest hog or deer I'll wanna take. And, they shoot better than I do off the bench.

Ubertis are for wannabe cowboys. Blackhawks are working guns.

[kato28]

Bought a left handed 77 mkll in 300 win mag and brought it to my gun smith. Forty dollars later I am shooting about an inch with factory ammo and a 3X12 Burris scope. Didn't feel the need to buy an adjustable trigger, just had the man set it up to about 3lbs.

My Super Black Hawk, 22 Bunt-line special and 22 semi auto pistols all shoot and perform like works of art.
Thanks.

By the way, I have some friends who shoot Ruger semi autos in 9mm for over 7 yrs and are still waiting for their first problem.
Thanks

[Jim K]

A lot of "preferences" break down to:

"I am smart. You are stupid. Therefore, since I am smart, the gun (or whatever) I choose is the very best. My choice of the best proves I am smart. You are stupid, therefore the gun (or whatever) you choose cannot possibly be as good as mine. So, your choice of a poor quality product proves you are stupid."

See how simple it is? Besides, the fact that you want to have a gun at all shows you have been driven to insanity by being unemployed. Or something like that.

BTW, BHP's are good, but they do break, and fail, like any other product.

Jim

[Katana8869]

But, in terms of auto pistols, Rugers are a half-step above mediocre. The accuracy may or may not be acceptable. If it is acceptable it isn't really good. And, since the accuracy starts at mediocre it would be a great gun if it were possible to tune it.


My P345 rapid fire @ 15 yards. Maybe one of the Rugers ain't accurate crowd out there would like to volunteer to stand in front of it for an accuracy check? ;) :neener:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f201/katana8869/P345.jpg

[MCgunner]

This is the auto forum and I've concentrated, for the most part, on my praise for my P90, can't ever seem to find enough words. :D I am a rifleman first, though, and never bought a M77 or number one. The number ones just seem high for a single shot, though I'm sure they're good guns and I'd like to have one in .45-70 just because I could load it for danged near anything in a gun that strong, but I've gotten a LOT of negative about the 77 over the years and always liked my Remingtons, anyway. I also have a Savage that's a good shooter. I just see no reason to get a 77, though they are nice looking and the newer ones have control feeding if that's a biggy to you, ain't to me. My Remingtons are accurate and the triggers are awesome, so I see little reason to change preference there.

No, the 10/22 is no where near my most accurate .22, but it's accurate enough. It is, as someone said, "minute of squirrel", and does what I bought it for. It's stainless, I put a Hogue stock on it, bone stock otherwise and my only .22 that doesn't have a scope on it. It's my FAVORITE plinker and knock around .22 by far. If I wanna get serious about accuracy, I have this old Remington bolt gun, M512X, that is near target accurate. I've owned that gun since the age of 9 and it's taken tons of small game, squirrel and rabbit. I need nothing else for accuracy. The 10/22 is rugged and fun, though, and fun is the main reason to own a .22 short of small game hunting unless you're a serious competition shooter. If so, look to Anschutz.

I'll get a Ruger .22 auto someday. I've never owned a Ruger .22 auto, but love 'em. Friend has a stainless Mk2 that I very much enjoy shooting. It may not be easy to strip, so what? It ain't easy to rebuild a GL1100 motor either, but I've done it.

[jocko]

in 40 years of selling guns for a living, the Rugers were the best selling handgun and 22 rifles we ever sold. I never had any issues with the Rugers back then, maybe today they give issues bu they certainly for us anyhow didn 't give issues. Course gun forums were basically no exist then to, basicaly com[iyrtd were none exist to. so maybe I need to temper those commets somewhat, as I can only relate to my personal experiences in my area. WE HAD NO ISSUES WITH RUGERS

I do feel when someone has issues with a certain product they normally cease to endorse them and that is somewhat understandable to. but again WE HAD NO ISSUES WITH RUGERS.

Back in our gun dealing days, It was Smith, Colt, Browning and Ruger that dominated the gun market then cvame the foreign made guns and then came Glocks and Taurus and so on. Today there are jsut to many good guns out there to choose from. We never heard of Sigs back then, never or HK either. My my how times have changed, course we sold the Ruger 10/22 wirth a genuine walnut stock for $94.95 to. and the super quality amde Winchester 9422 for $99.95.

[Chortdraw]

Great group!! I sure wouldn't want to have that weapon pointing in my direction. Have you ever tried a SR 9 to see if it was that accurate. I have one but I am not capable of shooting like that so I will never know. It does shoot good for me for my ability. Have a 10-22 that is head shooting tree rat thumper.

[rocinante]

I will go back and read the thread so if I aint adding anything sorry. So far I have two new vaqueros in 357, a 10/22, and a mark III 22/45.

ABSOLUTELY with teen age girly zeal ADORE my vaqueros. THEY ROCK!! Good looking, well made, accurate and tough. Safe to carry with all six cylinders too. Don't be dissing my vaqueros.

10/22 will grow in fondness as soon as I figure out the ammo magazine combo it likes. So far it jams quiet a bit.

22/45. The little biotch is a tack driver but I have so much trouble with the gyrations to field strip it I am scared to keep it clean.

I have my eye in that new LCP 380 for sure. Curious about the new SR9 too although my local gun range honchos aren't that impressed.

I have never fired any more of their semi autos but when I went looking for a 9mm automatic I picked up a lot of them and meditated on which one felt like mine. The Ruger felt like a chunky brick but so did others 9mm double stacks like Browning and Glock. I ended up with a S&W 915 because it felt right in my hand and I like the balance.

[BHPshooter]

Ummm . . . actually, the Prince is toting a Browning Hi-Power MkIII

You must not know me. :neener:

http://www.hunt101.com/data/549/HP_trio.jpg

The BHP is exactly what I was talking about, even though I didn't mention it by name. I just didn't want to sound like I'm pimping "my favorite."

This one is my carry piece:
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/9288My_Novaks.jpg

As for whether the Ruger is as dependable as some of the brands used by SOF or Seals, I'm not too worried about that. I have no plans for airborne drops or the like. I'm willing to bet mine will take all the beating I'm going to give them and still function.

Nor do I, but as I said, it's a little obtuse to claim that we "gun snobs" buy a more expensive gun just so we can brag about them. We'll probably both be outlived by our pistols, but some guns have had the benefit of being torture-tested for us on a regular basis -- abused more than they will likely ever be by any of us -- and come shining through.

Personally, I don't have anything against Ruger but their politics. Don't really care if Bill is dead and Bill Jr. is no longer actively involved in running the company, it's going to take a long time for the bitterness to leave my mouth.

Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it.
Wes

[Katana8869]

Have you ever tried a SR 9 to see if it was that accurate.

I havn't shot one or seen one shot at the range yet. To me it looks to be a good gun and the one that I have handled in the store felt nice in my hand. I wouldn't mind taking one for a spin sometime. :)

[Texshooter]

So many posts on this topic, and a lot of truth each way.

One thing I will say for Ruger, they, at least, have the corporate integrity to call it what it is - RECALL.

That is biting the bullet and taking corporate responsibility.

There is a rather large austrian manufacturer who could take some lessons from Ruger in this regard. They won't.

[Dobe]

Yup. Call it what it is.

[MCgunner]

Ain't the first. Remember the recall on the P85's decocker problem? Mine's still in pre-recall condition and I'm keeping it that way. LOL I just put my thumb in front of the hammer to let it down slow when I decock it, with the muzzle in a safe direction of course. I decock my single action revolvers without incident and they don't even have a decock lever.

You can STILL send them an old flat top Blackhawk and have the transfer bar system installed in it for free. If I had such a Blackhawk, I wouldn't have that done, either, just load 5 up like the Colts. There are people who collect the old guns that would value it not being modified.

[jocko]

I seem t remember when Ruger 25 years ago at least was recalling the single actions to install the transfer bar that they were also sending back all the original parts also, for collector purposes. are they not still doing that????

[MCgunner]

I seem t remember when Ruger 25 years ago at least was recalling the single actions to install the transfer bar that they were also sending back all the original parts also, for collector purposes. are they not still doing that????

Yep, they still do that. I just wouldn't bother. If I had an old flat top, I probably wouldn't shoot it that much anyway. Be worth more to me as a collector. I have other Blackhawks. You're quite right, though, it can be restored to the old lockwork.

[jimmyraythomason]

To those who still hold a grudge against Bill Ruger for his politics; Do you also still hold Smith and Wesson accountable for THEIR sell-out?

[Dobe]

Yes.

Grudges help to keep the other manufactures in line.

[icebones]

rugers make the legendary 10/22 and MKII MKIII series, their handguns are built like tanks, their bolt rifles are ok, not tack drivers, but still good.

most people have a problem with ruger because of their supposed "aliance" with the antigunners and the clinton admin.

ruger sided with the clontons to aviod lawsuits, but they still in effect "slept with the enemy" so to speak. same problem with S&W being owned by that british dude a few years back

if i had to be mad at anybody, it would be at Colt and some of HK, seems they think they are too good to do buisiness with commoners, now they have government contracts


also a guy said something about his 10/22 not liking any type of ammo. get rid of those factroy rotary mags... buy some high cap ones from butler creek,

[rocinante]

also a guy said something about his 10/22 not liking any type of ammo. get rid of those factroy rotary mags... buy some high cap ones from butler creek,

did that. they jam too. I sure like the butler creek speed loader I got too though.

[MaterDei]

I may even shoot like this regularly now... it's a heck of a lot easier to find the brass this way!

Hee Hee. Good one!

The thing I dislike most about modern Rugers is the BILLBOARD!

[cbailey]

I’ve always been pleased with the Ruger Revolvers that I’ve owned (Convertible Single-Six, .357 mag SP101). I’ve sold them both to fund purchases of other guns, and I’ve regretted it. The Single-Six was especially fun to shoot and very accurate (at least with the .22 LR cylinder), and I often think that I should be drawn and quartered for getting rid of it. The SP101 was a handy, compact, and very powerful little weapon that was also fun to shoot, especially with light .38 special loads.

I have also been fine with my Mini-14 and 10/22. Fun to shoot, rugged, so-so or better accuracy.

Everybody and their brother seems to have and like their Mark II/III. My Mark II 22/45 has served me for tens of thousands of rounds, and still shoots accurately and reliably with the right ammo. I hope to have this gun forever.

That said, Ruger centerfire autoloaders have never appealed to me, due to a combination of bulk, ergonomics and aesthetics (although, I must admit, they are really no uglier than my 5” XD45). A buddy of mine, however, practically swears by his P90, and he has over 20 other autoloaders in his collection (and a few are 3-4 times the price of his P90). If I were in the market for a new poly-framed 9mm, which I’m not, I’d probably take a look at the SR9.

[f4t9r]

You have to look down on a Ruger to load it. after that its pretty much looking straight ahead to your target

[BHPshooter]

To those who still hold a grudge against Bill Ruger for his politics; Do you also still hold Smith and Wesson accountable for THEIR sell-out?

Smith & Wesson did several things to right their wrongs, but the biggest reason is that the Brits owned the company at the time, and were bought out by Americans some time thereafter. You could see a big change in that company's attitude immediately.

Wes

[jimmyraythomason]

My point is that people won't forgive the words of a deceased individual but will eagerly forgive the actions of an entire corporation. In Bill Ruger's case there was nothing to fix,no special "deals" with goverment to revoke. We only have to seek another manufacturer for our high-capacity magazines. I have both Smiths and Rugers and haven't suffered at all from the past mistakes of their makers.

[trbon8r]

Why?

Because their guns are clunky and crude, and they don't make a single product that someone else doesn't make in a more appealing package.

I might make an exception for a 10/22 though. With all the aftermarket stuff available, any 10/22 I bought would barely have any Ruger parts left in it anyway after I was done with it. :p

[loop]

Haven't looked at this thread since my first post until tonight. I was to fearful of the flames.

Maybe Ruger addressed the issue of shooting upside down. I got rid of my last Ruger in '02 (I think).

I found out about the upside down issue in '97. Since then I've noticed you very rarely see anyone competing in IDPA or USPSA with a Ruger. If you do see that it probably will change shortly. You just can't be competitive with a Ruger.

All the talk about guns other than self-stuffing handguns is fodder for another thread. I'd be happy to address 10/22s and Mini-14s in another forum.

In regard to self-stuffing handguns, if your really believe no one hand-tunes a pistol anymore then you really believe Wilson, Novak, et al, are a waste of money.

There is no ego involved in preferring other guns. My competition gun is a Tanfoglio (EAA Witness) and my carry gun is the most-maligned gun in any of the groups, a Para. My Tanfoglio cost me $275. I've invested more than that in it since I began winning with it. If the cost reaches $2,000 I won't regret a penny of it.

Every time I've shot it in a match I've won. I parked a tried-and-true Kimber in its favor. Even with what I've put into the Tanfoglio I'm still way short of the over-the-counter cost of the Kimber. Must be my elitist attitude made me park the Kimber.

I've got to laugh about the "wannabe cowboy" comment. I rode bulls and broncs. I've got lariats in darn near every room in the house and recently chewed out my wife for tying up my Billy goat with a lariat because it's hard on the rope.

Every "real cowboy" I know carries a self-stuffer. Just because all the imitators out there carry what they saw in the movies doesn't mean those of us who still use spurs and a rope in everyday life want to carry antiquated firearms. A few of the guys I know carry revolvers, but they are mostly S&W DAs.

I have spurs that cost more than Rugers.

I found that comment about cowboys to be insulting, and so did my mare. She's a damn fine cow pony named Major Cute Discovery (a pedigreed quarterhorse) and called "The Mare Bitch from Hell." In 14 years I'm the only one to ride her and not get seriously injured.

Go ahead, dress up like cowboys and tell me about your guns. Good, bad or indifferent, not a Ruger in the world is worth one of my saddles. Cowboy ... LMAO.

I've got a 6-year-old can out-ride any pretend cowboys. He's been riding for 5 1/2 years.

BTW, his name is Loop. His 4-year-old brother is named Rope. They're (um, will be) team ropers. Oh, and Loop can score a 95 on an NRA 100-yard target at 10 yards any time he wants with his Daisy Red Rider BB gun.

Talk about wannabe cowboys...

My 6-year-old can ride, rope and shoot and knows how to point out a hondo. The boy will be a damn fine cowboy someday. He'll also get his scholarship through Weber State or U of Idaho that way. Then he'll do what I do. His education will enable him to keep a ranch while working a job to make sure we carry on the family tradition.

[weisse52]

I'm a fan of the Ruger 10/22 and the MKII pistol.
No finer 22. in the world for the money.

[armed85]

I like the Ruger Mk I/II/III rimfire pistols.

I can't seem to hold on to Rugers for very long. I owned a GP100 4" and a GP100 6", but I sold both. I also owned a 10/22 carbine for a short while, but gave it away.

The GP100s I owned were good revolvers, but I didn't care for the double action trigger. It was just sloppy and heavy.

My Mk III rimfire pistol has a very good crisp and light trigger. It's a keeper.

The 10/22 I owned was a fun little carbine, but the finish was cheap, cheap, cheap. The receiver is painted rather than blued and chips off. It looks terrible, but it doesn't affect the functionality. I decided that I'd rather have a gun with a better finish, so I gave it to my kid brother (he was 11 years old at the time).

If Ruger could improve the feel of their triggers on their guns I would buy another. There are some exceptions, however, such as my Mk III, but I've yet to dry fire a Ruger rifle or double action revolver that had a good trigger on it.

[MCgunner]

The finish on my stainless 10/22 is excellent. :D


Because their guns are clunky and crude, and they don't make a single product that someone else doesn't make in a more appealing package.

I might make an exception for a 10/22 though. With all the aftermarket stuff available, any 10/22 I bought would barely have any Ruger parts left in it anyway after I was done with it.

No one makes a stronger, more accurate, more usable single action revolver for the price (freedom arms is high dollar). NO ONE has EVER built a cap and ball revolver that could even approach the quality and accuracy and strength of the Old Army. No one builds a 5 shot .357 snubby as strong as the SP101 even if it is a might heavy. Of course, I like all their handguns. I don't care too much for their shotguns and center fire rifles.

[Hkmp5sd]

I own about a dozen Rugers. More than any other single manufacturer. Some of the best shooting guns around are the old 3-screw Blackhawks.

I was PO'd with Bill Ruger back in the 90s, but he is dead and I got over it.

[FuzzyBunny]

1994 Crime bill.

When Ruger did what they did, I said I would never buy another product from them. I meant what I said. The Ruger company will never see another penny from me.

If the Ruger factory offered me a truck load of firearms for $10 I would tell them to sell to someone else.

I own a few Rugers but they were bought before 1990. Good guns.
I don't look down on folks that own them either.

What does a man have if not his word?
FuzzyBunny

[DEDON45]

I'll say, overall, I'm a fan of Ruger's products. They may not be the fanciest or "nicest" finished products out there, but are good tools. The revolvers (especially the Blackhawk and Redhawk) have an excellent reputation for strength, durability, and accuracy... I love my Super Redhawk (and my Buddy's Super Blackhawk)... I can run .44Mag loads in that thing that would crumble lesser guns (there's a reason there's a Freedom Arms / Ruger only .44Mag load option in my reloading manual). I do have to say, though, that having owned / used a P85 and more recently a P94 (maybe a P95, can't remember), while the Ruger autos seem to be ready to feed anything, dirt included (really were reliable), the accuracy was rather terrible... not the shooter, mind you, I had others that were better marksmen than me try and had the same poor accuracy. The grips / look isn't for everyone (I actually liked the way they looked) either. I also didn't really care for the mag release. I will say having seen and talked to some folks with the newer 345 that it seems they may have improved on the accuracy and looks a bit.

I will say this; if I had to pick a gun to defend my life and it was a close encounter (as most civilian encounters are, statistically), the Ruger would be on my short list of guns I'd count on -- I NEVER had one jam (including the one I owned and sold when I moved to the 1911 platform) ...

I still own ruger products, have a nice MarkII .22 and my Redhawk, and will probably get a nice M77 someday. I just don't care for the P9x / P8x series. I do wish that they'd get the "user's manual" stuff off of the barrel someday as well (I know that's all thanks to lawyers).

[MCgunner]

The .45s are more accurate than the 9s and .40s. But, I have owned a P95 and own a P85 that shoot 2.5"-3" groups at 25 yards with good ammo off a rest. That's not bullseye accuracy, but it'll get the job done for defense. My P90 shoots well under 2" at 25 yards, though, with several bullets it likes. Typical 5 shot group will have four under an inch with a fifth flyer to probably an inch and a half or so. using Speer 200 grain JHPs. The P90s are the cream of the autos IMHO, near match grade accuracy and danged decent triggers compared to the 9mms I've owned, decent compared to ANY DA gun IMHO. And, it definitely outshoots most 1911s for accuracy that are anywhere even close to its price range.

[P97]

I haven't found an Auto of any brand that I would trade this one for, if I had to carry them everyday for self protection. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b357/P97/P90StagGrips.jpg

[MCgunner]

Wow, nice BBQ gun! Love stag grips, too. :D My BBQ is a revolver, but it IS a Ruger, so I guess it fits this topic.

http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=67780&d=1195835503

[66912]

The first handgun I bought was a Ruger (Security six in 1989) and the last handgun I bought was a Ruger (MkIII Hunter in 2008). All told I have owned 10 Rugers and still own three of them. I absolutely love their product and have never had one fail on me. However, the political history of the company leaves much too be desired. But hey, I feel the same way about China, and I have a bunch of Norinco's in my safe as well.
I think that most Ruger bashers are either focused on the "price point = best quality" theory or they most likely had a bad experience with a Ruger product in the past. My experience with Ruger bashers have been people who have had expectations that the mini-14 should be as accurate as an M1A, Which it isn't. Or people who buy cheap aftermarket tactidoodle parts or cheap aftermarket highcap mags, and expect reliability. Which more often than not, doesn't happen either. I will continue to have Ruger firearms in my toybox!