Has Ruger ever made an attractive, iconic firearm?

[Archie]

Definition of iconic (Merriam - Webster)
1: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an icon

2a: widely recognized and well-established (an iconic brand name)
2b: widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence (a region's iconic wines)

I think a number of Ruger products fit definition 2a.
Attractive? Rather subjective evaluation, I'd say.

Other than the Standard Model .22 pistol, I find all the Ruger semiautomatic pistols rather plain looking. They seem to function better and provide greater accuracy than they look beautiful, but handling isn't the same as looks. Whereas the centerfire pistols are not bespoke target pistols, they are quite adequate for use. I like the single action pistol's looks, by and large. I carried a Security Six for a number of years and find it just about perfect, but it looks 'funny" to me. I find the Red Hawks to be rather homely and I have no use for them; but they seem to sell.
Most of the rifles look attractive to me. Particularly the No. 1s, the M77 line (especially the International versions), the 10/22 is nicely configured and I have one of the M77 Hawkeye rifles with synthetic stock (which I normally abhor) and it has a functionality look that appeals to me.

May I suggest one not confuse good looks with functionality?

 

[cc-hangfire]

I do enjoy reading this thread! And to misquote Forest Gump,
“Beauty is as beauty does.”

That said, my Ruger revolvers are beautiful - Every last of them. I think my 870 20ga Wingmaster is beautiful.

And I think my grandpas’ 1100 12ga is beautiful; he passed in 1980 and I can see him with his hunting vest on when I look at it (I inherited that one).

 

[army_eod]

Many. Some already listed here.
Add M77 Hawkeye African and Scout.

 

[Dibbs]

OH, like the M77 Patrick Swayze used in RedDawn ?

Like the Ruger Vaquero ?

Like the new Blackhawk Hunter?

Like the Mini-14s they used on the A-Team?

You'll have to be more specific, I'm not sure what you're looking for.
The 10-22 Break-down is surely a lot more attractive, accurate, and dependable than the AR-7.

I've always appreciated the "form follows function" aspect of Rugers, which always are functional, and affordable.

 

[Armybrat]

The GP in the OP certainly is fugly, as bad as a Glock, but my SP101 is a beauty....

 

[SC45-70]

Yes that's all they make!
SC45-70

 

[amd6547]

The tread title almost seemed like a joke.

 

[FROGO207]

WELL we have to have SOMETHING to talk about that is different don't cha know.

 

[Golfanaticshooter]

Mine's not pretty like yours anymore, and never had that fine wood, but I like it for it's utilitarian look and function.
View attachment 911121

I wish I could say thank you, it's not mine yet. Still trying to convince my wife I NEED it.

 

[Zerodefect]

The Ruger Precision Rifle.

Pretty much single handed re sparked precision shooting enthusiasm. Looks decent with a PRS stock, and the target results are pretty darn attractive.

 

[Mark1964]

Never considered myself a Ruger fan, but danged if it doesn't turn out I own four of 'em.
- Mark III 22/45
- LCP (1st gen)
- 10/22
- RRL in 28 gauge (the sweetest RRL, btw .. a perfectly proportioned and fast-handling upland gun)
Of the ones I own, I'd say only the RRL could be considered aesthetically attractive. OTH, I find a lot to admire in affordable, reliable performance.
Watch out -- those ugly Rugers, they'll sneak into your safe if you're not careful.

 

[tactikel]

Ruger No 1, Super Blackhawk, Mark 1, 10-22 and maybe Mini-14.

 

[Pudge]

Who cares? Glock has certainly put its mark on the firearms world without producing anything that even approaches attractive. Beauty is subjective, and there seems to be something for almost everyone. You can dump an awful lot of money in a gun that isn't more reliable, functional or accurate than a Ruger, but if what you want are good looks, then it's money well spent.

 

[orionengnr]

I have always found the Mini-14 attractive. First bought one in 1984 or so.
I think I am on my fourth if you can count a Mini-30 in there.
Also own a MkII or two, maybe borderline iconic; attractive is always subjective, and I'm not sure I will put the MkII in that category.
Although I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

The RSI Guns are nice looking but they are not iconic to Ruger.

I do applaud Ruger however for putting the full stock on many of their different rifles to include the M77, 10/22, and No 1. Don’t know if they ever did it but it would be nice to see on the 77 Rimfire series as well as the 77/44 and 77/357.

The RSI in SS are iconic to Ruger IMO.

 

[Ignition Override]

Excellent photos here!

And that is whether or not the posters own the depicted guns.

 

[Ks5shooter]

I have one of these and its easy on the eyes..........Ruger Trap Model made one year.

 

[Armored farmer]

You're downright cold-hearted if you cant abide by some of these ruger offerings:

 

[Bwana John]

77/(22,357,44), Blackhawk, Red Label, 77 Mk2, Mk II Goverment, No. 1.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have one of these and its easy on the eyes..........Ruger Trap Model made one year.
View attachment 911399

I've never seen one of those in the wild!

 

[jeff-10]

Bill Ruger's thing, at least initially, was modernizing older designs. Nambu to Mark 2, M14 to Mini 14 and Peacemaker to Blackhawk. I would argue all 3 of those early Rugers are iconic and good looking firearms.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I think the Security Six line was iconic (I have 4 of them), the Super Blackhawk in .30 Carbine is iconic, and the GP 100 series are very pleasing to shoot. The 1022 was the second rifle I ever bought and I really like the LCR for a concealed carry weapon. For such a short barrel it is very accurate.

 

[smike223]

My blackhawks and redhawk and especially my super redhawk are both attractive and iconic. But it's ironic that they'll take load after load of ruger only that will reduce their competition to smouldering ruins.

 

[danez71]

Reverse the question.....

Have the guns that Ruger has produced made them an attractive, iconic company?

 

[Monac]

Archie said: "Definition of iconic (Merriam - Webster) 1: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an icon"

I have clicked repeatedly on every Ruger firearm in this thread, and nothing happened. I conclude that none of them are iconic, because none of them have the characteristics of an icon. Case closed.