I like the looks of the wrangler, but ill wait and see how they test out.
I love ruger products. but it seems anytime even a reputable company trys to compete with companys turning out a lesser quality product, they have to reduce the quality to compete.
we will know in about a year how the wrangler is holding up. I can wait.
I don't think that Ruger has reduced quality at all. The Wrangler looks darn good close up and shoots very well.
However, by using an aluminum cylinder frame and an alloy grip frame, they reduced production and machining costs hugely.
And, by using MIM parts instead of machined investment castings, more savings.
And, a Cerrakote finish instead of blueing and anodizing, even more.
Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Ruger is susidizing the low price tag on the Wrangler from the profits from their other guns in order to keep the price low.
Perhaps what they lose on the price of a Wrangler is more than made up for by not losing sales to the clearly inferior Rough Rider competition.
And when you take into consideration that the low price, superior quality over the competition, and the accuracy, the high volume of sales will make the low price sustainable.
Henry Ford figured that out with the Model T, when he was able to reduce the price by over 30% in only 4 years of production.
And, since Wranglers are selling like Big Macs, I don't think that it is going to take as long as a year for the reports to come back from the field.
While Heritage would be very happy if everyone sat on the fence and waited to buy a Wrangler, I'm sure, why would you bother at a retail price of around $180.00?
