[Nightcrawler]

I've got some time to kill until my Pizza gets here. So, for my own amusement, (whether you like it or not, heh) is the list of things I'd do if I suddenly managed to become the sole owner and boss of the Sturm Ruger Firearms Company.

-Issue an apology for actions of the past, and make clear our stance on the gun rights of the American people, who are our customers.

After that, there are some things I'd like to see on the production line. Beats me if they'd sell, but it'd be interesting to find out.

-Make a 7-shot version of the GP100. Perhaps this version would be distinguished by a smooth cylinder.

-Make a 10mm version of the GP100. (If 6 shots of 10mm wouldn't fit into the GP100 frame, make it a Redhawk.)

-Bring back the .41 Magnum Redhawk.

-Bring back the .357 Redhawk.

-Make a Redhawk with a cylinder designed to accept .45 Auto Rim, or (with moon clips) .45ACP, .45ACP +P+, .45 Super, and .460 Rowland. Maybe even bore it all the way out for .45 Win Mag (though .45WM needs to be loaded with Starline brass to fit into a moon clip).

-Make 5-shot versions of the GP100, with fixed sights, 3" and 4" barrels, and the smaller grips, in .45 Colt, .45ACP, and .41 Magnum. Bobbed hammer optional. Great carry guns. 6-shot 9mm version too. If possible, it'd accept .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, 9x21mm, and 9x23mm.

-Introduce a P90 in 10mm Auto.

-All Redhawks would be available with 4.25" barrels.

-All Redhawks would ship with the same style grips as are on the GP100 and Super Redhawk.

-More Bird's Head Vaqueros, including ones in .357.

-Sherriff's model Vaqueros, with 3" barrels.

-All Vaqueros and Blackhawks would feature and original Colt-style half-cock notch, which would bring the cylinder in alignment with the loading gate (as on original SAAs).

-Super Blackhawk in .454 Casull and .480 Ruger.

-Super Blackhawk in .357, with chambers long enough to accept .357 Maximum rounds.

-Bring back 9mm SP101. It'd accept .380 Auto if possible.

-Discontinue Mini-14 and Mini-30.

-Introduce Mini-14E2 and Mini-30E2. Mi14E2 would feature heavier, AR15A2 weight barrel, 18" long, for improved accuracy. Would have large, easy to hit magazine release flipper, and would accept all AR-15/M16 magazines. Mi30E2 would also have the heavier barrel, and would accept all AK-47 magazines and drums. Available in matte blue or stainless, wood or synthetic, pistol grip or conventional stock. Factory 10 round magazines would be made for you poor folks in California.

-Modify Deerfield carbine to have a lightweight synthetic stock, short 16" barrel, and impoved sights. It would accept 5- and 10-round detachable box magazines.

Just some thoughts. I'll think of more later. :)

[Nightcrawler]

-Make available versions of the M77 rifle that accept 5 and 10 round detachable box magazines.

-Introduce a version of the Vaquero reminiscent of the old Colt Double Action Army; double action trigger group, but still loads from the loading gate.

-5-shot GP100 (fixed sights, 3" or 4" barrel, smaller grip, as above) in .44 Special.

-Introduce a "Dragoon" version of the Old Army cap and ball revolver. Allow it to have the same powder charge as the old Walker revolver.

[Sisco]

GP100 in 45acp
Another vote for the Redhawk in 41 mag, 22/77 in 41 mag also.

[Nightcrawler]

Is the GP100 large enough to fit six shots of .45, .41, etc?

[pahrumpcaveman]

You got my vote !! haha I hate those grips that come on the Redhawks and the after market ones are to big . The GP and Super Redhawk grips are nice though . Also I want you to change the trigger and hammer design on the Redhawk over to the same design as the GP or Super Redhawk . They are much easer to tune up . So when can you start ??:D

[4v50 Gary]

I have absolutely no need for a 10mm GP, but it wouldn't be bad to have though. :D

[tex_n_cal]

On the #1's, offer them in Dakota calibers:evil:

Offer both the M77 and #1 in a "D" grade, which would have wood as nice as they actually used in the mid-70's, on the #1's

I'd love a 50th Anniversary #1 in .45-70, but the wood they use is simply not up to the cost of the rifle:cuss:

[Nightcrawler]

Yeah, I'd fix that. The "budget" models would have synthetic stocks. Ruger wood would be NICE WALNUT. Prolly cost extra, but the quality of the wood would be THERE.

[denfoote]

I'd come out with a smaller, concealable versions of the P95 and P97. :)

[cheygriz]

I'd bring back the .44 Magnum semiauto carbine, but this time it would have a 10 round box mag, blackened stainless and synthetic stock. I'd also offer it in .475 Linebaugh and .50 S&W.

And how about a little 5 shot Bearcat in .32 Magnum?

I'd modify the 9MM carbine to accept, Sten, Uzi, HK, and Mac 30 round magazines.

And I'd build an American Kalashnikov! High quality, well fit and finished, accurate, and using alloys, light.

AND I WOULD APOLIGIZE TO THE AMERICAN SHOOTER FOR THE SHAMEFUL AND DISGRACEFUL ACTIONS OF THE FOUNDER!

[Desert Dog]

Everything you guys said plus a PC45...

[JohnKSa]

Eliminate the frame extension on the Super Redhawk and give it a barrel with a profile like the GP100.

You could still put a scope mounting spot on the barrel and the gun wouldn't look like something a kid designed with a crayon...

[ddc]

Random thoughts on the Mini14E2 concept:

That makes way to much sense....

I guess I don't really need one so I'd probably buy two....

It's going to divert funds from AR related purchases....

[Nightcrawler]

PC9 carbine would be shortened to 16" barrel, with a short, light, synthetic stock. It would accept all Uzi 25 and 32 round magazines.

The PC40 would be limited to a 10 round magazine until the ban ended, but when that happened a 30 round magazine would be introduced.

A PC10 would be introduced in 10mm. It, too, would await the end of the AW ban in order for the 30 round magazines to be availalbe. It'd be a bit beefier than the others.

A PC45 would be introduced, in .45ACP. It would accept all 30 round GI Grease Gun magazines.

A .22 Double Action Revolver would be introduced. I don't believe Ruger currently makes one. Very light and handy, good tacklebox gun.

[Zundfolge]

If I owned Ruger, first thing I would do is take out full page ads in major magazines and newspapers across the country (maybe even some TV spots) apologizing to America's gun owners for old man Ruger's support of the assault weapons ban and pledge to do everything I can to make sure its not renewed in 2004 and then show my plans for a revamped Mini 14 with folding stock, that will take AR-15 magazines (and comes with 2 20 round ones) to go on sale within 24 hours of the sunset of the AWB.

[Triad]

How about a carbine version of the improved UZI, the MP9? The civilian version could look something like the Beretta CX4 Storm. (http://www.berettausa.com/feature_products/index.html#cx4storm)http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?postid=61174
It would be nice if it could accept different magwells so it could use Sten, Uzi, and other common mags. The same thing could be done for the .45 version which could use M3, Uzi or Thompson mags.

[Nightcrawler]

A P90 in .38 Super.

How about this? A P90 or something similar in 7.62x25mm. Very strong to handle the hottest submachine gun ammo with ease.

All pistols would ship with generally better triggers and ambi slide releases.

[cratz2]

I've sent them many letters suggesting the following:

Make a new series of rifle that weighs about 8 lbs (heavier than the standard Ruger but not quite varmint) available in 223, 243, 6mm Rem, 6-284, 257 Roberts, 25-06, .260 Rem, 6.5x55, 6.5x284, 264 Win Mag, 270 Win, 7x57, 7mm-08, 280 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag, .308, .30-06, 300 Win Mag, 338-06, 338 Win Mag., 358 Win, 350 Rem Mag, 35 Whelen, 375 H&H, 416 Rem Mag and 458 Win Mag.

Make these rifles available with walnut stocks for the more traditional cartridges, black/gray laminate stocks for the varmint calibers and wildcat and rigid synthetic stocks for all of them. Make any combination of caliber/stock available on special order. The black/gray laminate and synthetic stocks would have an offset pistol type grip like the one that comes on the Tikka Synthetic. Similar but less dramatic than the stock that comes on the current 700 Police. All the 6mm guns, the 284 wildcats and all the magnums except the 350 would come with 26" barrels, All the rest except for the african calibers would have 24" barrels. The 375, 416 and 458 would have 22" barrels and would have a slightly heavier weight around 8.5 lbs.

[JohnKSa]

A P90 or something similar in 7.62x25mm
How about 9x25 Dillon?
Or even just plain 10mm?

You know, of course, that Bill Ruger as much as admitted that he never chambered one of his P-series pistols for 10mm because he thought that it had "exaggerated performance" which caused him to be "a little bit offended".

Shooting Times November 2002 Page 42
Shooting Times: Will you chamber the 10mm in your P-series pistol?
Bill Ruger: We would be able to make it at the drop of a hat, but with as much as we have to do, I don't really feel like making it.

And as a matter of fact, I must say that I'm a little bit offended by these firearms [cartridges] that have exaggerated performance.

You know, why stop at the 10mm, why not go on and make the thing a .45. I mean it gets to be kinda to the point of bearing on the absurd, and the 10mm is just about there.
I must say that my level of respect for Mr. Ruger declined significantly upon reading this.

[JohnK]

Great ideas Nightcrawler, I didn't see a one I wouldn't like. I would add at least one more though. I'd bring back the Security Six. It's just enough smaller than the GP to make it easier to carry and has great classic lines. If having K and L frame lines works for S&W it should work for Ruger right?

[tex_n_cal]

Actually, to elaborate, they used to make rifles that looked like this...:D

[Kahr carrier]

Make a Snubbie Redhawk.:)

[Lexter]

I'd like to see a compact version of the P-90 and maybe the P-95 too. Ruger's missing the trend of the easily concealed compacts.


Lexter

[JeepDriver]

I'd come out with a smaller, concealable versions of the P95 and P97.


Great idea!!!

also add a 357 Sig to the P-series pistols




I'd love a 50th Anniversary #1 in .45-70, but the wood they use is simply not up to the cost of the rifle

Can I sign up to buy one yet?

[chaim]

Nightcrawler,

I'd only really add two things to your list (one of which I saw someone else said too).

-Make built-in locks optional on all handguns. That way those of you in states that are still free states could buy guns without the monstrousities (unlike most other gun makers guns w/ the locks) yet people in the Free State (the state motto of MD, ironic isn't it) could buy them again.

-Make a few guns that are more CCW friendly. Maybe a Kel-tec P32 sized .32acp and/or .380, a Kahr sized 9mm, a Taurus PT145, Glock 30 or even Glock 36 sized .45. I'd also probably make a smaller snub than the SP101, while continueing the SP101, that would be more CCW friendly but probably make it in .32H&R Mag so it wouldn't have to compete as much with the SP101 and/or a lightweight aluminum alloy version in .38spl of the SP101.

[chaim]

Oh, I also agree with JohnK about the Security Six. Two medium frame revolver frames work well for S&W so why couldn't it work for Ruger?

[seeker_two]

What everyone else suggested plus...

Ruger 96 (lever-action) in .357Mag w/ different mag to allow .38SPL use. 6-shot mag.
Mark II or .22/45 in .22mag.
Deerfield in .357mag.
Short bbl. P-95 & P-97 single-stack.
PC carbines in 10mm & .38 Super.
Iron sights on ALL Ruger rifles.

[standingbear]

bring back the .357 redhawk in stainless.

[seeker_two]

Also...

Make a lever-action 96 in .223 & 7.62x39 that would take Mini-14 & -30 magazines. A hi-cap "redneck assault rifle". :D

Make 3-cylinder convertable Blackhawks in the following calibers:
.38-40/10mm/.40S&W
.32-20/.32Mag/7.62x25
.357Mag/9mm/.356GNR (.41Mag necked down to .357) or 9x25 Dillon
.45ACP/.454Casul/.45WinMag (5-shot cylinders)

[sixgun_symphony]

Offer more rimmed cartridge chamberings for the #1 rifle.

.30-40 Krag, .38-55, .303 British, 7.62x54R, and ecetera.

[Flying V]

I like the "Mini-14E2" concept. I'd follow it with the Midi-14 in .308, and the Maxi-14 in .416 Rigby.

I'd like to have a 10mm carbine, but I don't think the blowback PC is the right platform. Make it a Mini-14E2 variant, maybe with a M1 Carbine tappet instead of the Mini-14 gas system.
I'd make the PC in 7.62x25 and hire Cor-bon to develop proper expanding bullets for the cartridge.

[Jesse H]

Fix my P97 so the slide stop doesn't pop out while shooting.

[Coot]

...make the damn rifle triggers adjustable.

[Nightcrawler]

If you call Ruger about that I believe they'll send you the improved slidestop for free. IT's worth checking on, anyway.

[alarmguy]

I'd hold off announcing a new gun until it's ready to hit the dealers. Has anyone seen the new gold label sxs shotgun yet?
Didn't they do something like this before?

[PJR]

I'd hold off announcing a new gun until it's ready to hit the dealers. Has anyone seen the new gold label sxs shotgun yet?
Yes, a few years back they announced a single barrel trap gun. A few were made but never got into general distribution.

As for me owning Ruger I would not introduce any new models As a business owner my job is to sell the most number of products I can for the lowest cost. Dropping a variety of new products on the market when I can sell everything that I'm making now cuts into my profitability.

I would establish a custom shop ala Remington (but much better). Those customers who wanted a Ruger #1A in 6.5x55 (Yes, please!!!) could have one made to their specifications. Any of the above suggestions would be considered if feasible providing the purchaser was willing to pay a price comensurate with the request.

Paul

[V-fib]

I'd ask for a Sp101 In 9mm and ultralight,

Sp101 .22lr with a 9 or 10 shot cylinder and lighten it up a bit or make it in ultralight.

[45R]

I'd make a Mark II in .44 mag :)

[Skunkabilly]

Issue a formal apology regarding the no honest man needs more than 10 rounds statement.

[Frohickey]

Sturm & Ruger (RGR) (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=rgr&d=t) is a publicly-traded company. All you need to do is buy 50.1% of all outstanding RGR stock.

If you had $266.4 Million, you can buy it all and turn it private again. :D

If I were to own Sturm&Ruger, I would change the Redhawks to GP100/SuperRedhawk style grips, include a shorter barrelled variant, scrap the thin-barrelled Mini-14/30, and introduce standard-barrelled Mini-14/30s, and ensure that there are plenty of 20 and 30 round magazines for each.

I would also say that RGR will not sell to federal/state/local agencies unless they initiate Form 4473s for EVERY SINGLE federal/state/local agency employee. Also, all makes of Ruger firearms that is available for sale to federal/state/local agencies will also be available for sale to private citizens.

[MoNsTeR]

Redesign their blasted rear revolver sight.

How about a stainless 6" Super Single Six .32H&R? mmmm.....

[seeker_two]

...and make really, really small "canned hams". :D

[dantaylor]

i really like your idea for the 5 or 20 round box magazine for the m77. i own one and i have been searching up down left and right on how to modify it to use a clip. anyone got a suggestion?

[rogertc1]

i have a few rugers..they do kinda suck in their inovation vs working.

[DesmoDucRob]

Has anyone taken count of how many of these changes have occured prior to this thread being brought back to life?

[ConstitutionCowboy]

...And a family of 1911s...

Woody

[MM60]

Bring back the original Mini-14 folding stock on both the Mini-14 and Mini-30 models, and also sell it separately for under $100.00.

Make the Mini-14 accept AR mags.

Make the Mini-30 accept AK mags.

Give both the Mini-14 and Mini-30 appropriately threaded muzzles.

Make the LCP in 9mm.

[Werewolf]

1. Liquidate all assets - i.e. sell off everything sellable
2. Keep a million or 2 for myself and divide the rest of the cash up between the employees
3. Burn the place(s) to the ground
4. Cheer

Easy to tell I'm no fan of Ruger and believe it or not that has absolutely nothing to do with ole Bill's politics.

[NMGonzo]

5 shot GP100 size .44 magnum.

3 inch barrel, roundbutt

[MetalHead]

Where to begin............
Re do the 10/22 so it will shoot as accuratly as a Marlin 60.
Bring back the #3 falling block at MSRP of no more than $250
Build so some SP size revolvers in 32H&R with fully adjustable
sights on 6 and 8 inch barrels.
Fix the Mini? dont think its possible with out changing it so much
that its a new design.

[Kimber45acp]

Completely redesign the .22 handguns.

The OP has some dang good ideas. I just noticed this thread is ancient :)

Wishful thinking with gunmakers goes nowhere though. Support the gunmaker that is making what you want. If you want a mini 30 that takes AK mags, get an AK.

[doc2rn]

Make a 77/22 with a thumbhole stock in .22lr
Bring back the Sp 101 in 9mm and .22lr
Make a 1911 in 9mm, 45 acp, and 40

[Balog]

Necro!!!!!!

Also, GP-100 in .45lc 3in half lug with a round butt DAO. Of course, I'd rather take over S&W and make a scandium K frame 3in 5 shot .45lc.

[ming]

I'd like to see a 22/45 with 'real' 1911 grips.

[FROGO207]

If I owned Ruger I would suggest to my lead designer that while he was waiting for that pizza to be delivered tomorrow evening that he start a "wish list on a respectable firearms forum and heed the thoughts of the members for profit and innovation.:what::D

[SaMx]

I'd make a revolver based on the lcr, that was a 6 shot .357, or a 5 shot .44 special or 5 shot .45 ACP.

[BHP FAN]

Cheygriz is a genius..."And how about a little 5 shot Bearcat in .32 Magnum?" a big plus one there,buddy!

[Elm Creek Smith]

In 2005 or 2006, Ruger shut down the Mini-14/Mini-30 production lines while the guns were redesigned and retooled with a heavier barrel, closer tolerances, and an improved rear sight. From what I understand, they are all Ranch Rifles now with a protected front blade sight, protected non-folding rear sight, and integral scope mounts with rings provided. The barrel was increased from 1/2 inch diameter to 5/8 inches and is even thicker back next to the gas block. It's still no match rifle, but it's much better than it was with 2 1/2 inch groups the norm at 100 yards.

ECS

[svtruth]

the LCR in .327?
How about SP101 in .44spl?

[TimM]

If I owned Ruger I would suggest to my lead designer that while he was waiting for that pizza to be delivered tomorrow evening that he start a "wish list on a respectable firearms forum and heed the thoughts of the members for profit and innovation.

It's been almost 7 years since he ordered that pizza. I don't suppose he is waiting on it any longer. Talk about a blast from the past.

[NMGonzo]

Heavy barrel lever gun to go with either my .357 and .44

[jimmyraythomason]

OP,I like all of your suggestions especially the E2 minis and the .44mag carbines. I don't however think that those presently in charge of Ruger(nor should you hypothetically) apologize for something they/you did not say or do. Nobody but holdovers who hate Bill Ruger for his remarks prior to the 1994 "crime" bill even know about or remember them. It is a dead issue so let's move on.NO APOLOGY

[jnyork]

#1 Medium Sporter in .22 LR.

[MinnMooney]

This thread has been continuing for almost 7 years now. That must be close to a record ! :what:

[PT1911]

Sometimes a DNR is a good thing... then again....not always.

[Dravur]

Awwww, so many ways to make a business... go out of business.

Everyone wants their own pet gun created whether it is economically viable or not. a 7 shot GP100? why not? even after all the tooling you only sell 3 of em.... Lock or no lock? why not?

Oh well, create your own gun businesses and see how you do

[blue_ridge]

Not sure I understand why Ruger should need to issue an apology. What have they ever done that warrants an apology?

If owned Ruger, I'd start with kneeling down a kissing the ground that Bill Ruger walked on, every day that I woke up.

Then, I'd bring back the Ruger Deerfield 44 mag. Might even toss the recent plastic hand guard and go old style like they originally made them.

I'd make a Ruger 1911. So many of Rugers guns are tributes to American ingenuity. Why not an American made Ruger 1911? Blued, dark walnut checkered grips, GI style.

I would lighten the trigger on the SR-9 and smooth out the manual safety. Both are a bit rough and would make an otherwise outstanding gun a true front-runner.

I would investigate the possibility of a Field grade side by side shotgun with double triggers that was somewhat affordable.

A model 77 tactical in 6.5 Creedmoor.

A line of lever action rifles to compete with Marlin that could handle 45-70 as well as possibly the Ruger compact magnums, especially 338 RCM.

Lastly, how about Ruger being able to offer a Cowboy action trifecta? Reproduction Pump shotgun and lever action to go along with a Blackhawk.

[NMGonzo]

I'd make a Ruger 1911. So many of Rugers guns are tributes to American ingenuity. Why not an American made Ruger 1911? Blued, dark walnut checkered grips, GI style.[/B]

Stainless steel, 6 inch barrel, with blue grips and gold emblem and call it "Commodore"

[Dr.Zubrato]

SR 556 gas piston AR in .308

[jnyork]

This thread has been continuing for almost 7 years now. That must be close to a record

I THOUGHT this looked familiar!! :scrutiny: :D

[akodo]

I'd really love a carbine in 44 magnum that has capacity somewhere around a dozen.

[thorazine]

If I owned Ruger

I would change the name to fuger just for the lolz.

[oldfool]

an ALL STEEL LCP, with ~ 1/2" more handle, and ~ 1" more barrel
and an improved trigger

in which case the price would double, and I probably (?) wouldn't but it, of course
:uhoh:

[wow6599]

I think everyone has it just about covered, except if I owned Ruger I wouldn't sell Mini-14 mags for $40 and $50 each.......what a joke. $25 max.

[PT1911]

6 shot LCR in 327 mag.....

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

What happened to Nightcrawler anyway---don't recall seeing his posts for sometime.

[stuckinsocal]

Definetly like the E2 Mini's. Heavy Ar-15 type barrel, Ar magazines, Ar style mag relase if possible. It would definetly be a good alternative to the AR-15 for those of us unlucky enough to live in CA.
I'd also start a line of M14 rifles, M1911s, and lever guns.