How do you feel about Ruger today?

[Airman193SOS]

Those of us who remember when the Assault Weapons Ban was passed remember what Bill Ruger said, and the backlash was swift and firm. I often wonder how much business Ruger actually lost because of it, but that's a question for another time. The company's policies have changed over time, and the objectionable policy is long since gone.

My question today is this: how do you feel about the company nearly two decades later? Is there still anger? Would you buy a Ruger? Does it matter to you anymore at all?

 

[Sam1911]

Absolutely it colors my view of the company!

I look at Ruger and I see where they were then, and I see how they've changed in response to customer demand and outcry, and it makes me feel very positive about the firm.

Sort of like the Zumbo incident, I am proud of them, and of US the shooting and RKBA-advocate public, for making such strong, clear strides. It is not an easy thing, necessarily, for such a strongly-branded company to break with certain of the traditions and beliefs of its founder and yet continue to successfully follow the course he set in other ways.

Now, as to whether I'd buy their guns, that depends entirely on my needs at the time and my perception of how well one of their models fits my needs.

I have absolutely no reservations against purchasing a weapon from them based on their long-past faults, because they have so publicly corrected them.

 

[JohnBT]

I didn't care then and I don't care now.

It's a free country, right?

John

 

[HOWARD J]

I liked his guns too much to worry about what he said.
Most people don't like what some guy said or stands for--BUT--they keep voting him back in office.

 

[CajunBass]

I didn't care then and I don't care now.

It's a free country, right?

John

That about sums it up for me.

 

[natman]

Bill Ruger did a lot of great things for the world of firearms. His position on the magazine capacity issue was wrong. He's dead now, and it's crystal clear that he's no longer running the company. They're making AR clones now. It's time to move on.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd buy a Ruger revolver without reservation IF it fit my needs. I own Ruger products. I do have reservations about their non-22 pistols and center fire rifles. I tend to look at other companies first when it comes to centerfire pistols and rifles and only turn to Ruger if the product truely matches my perceived need at the time or if I don't have any reasonable alternatives.

I'm not bitter or unhappy with the company due to past poltical issues. I am more unhappy they have discontinued certain products.

 

[Alec]

His position didn't jive with most of the RKBA community. IMO it's no better to call his position wrong than Ruger saying the same of ours.

I don't agree with where he stood on the matter but I think it's water under the bridge now.

 

[Ken451]

Bill Ruger did a lot of great things for the world of firearms. His position on the magazine capacity issue was wrong. He's dead now, and it's crystal clear that he's no longer running the company. They're making AR clones now. It's time to move on.

Agree, it's time to move on, there is nothing to be accomplished by harboring 20 year old grudges against someone who is dead. Be happy to support an American manufacturer of well made guns.

 

[Legionnaire]

As others have said, didn't care then, and don't care now. Bill's politics didn't affect the quality of his company's firearms (unlike the stupid S&W lock). I'd buy a Ruger I liked without hesitation. Love their wheel guns ...

 

[wankerjake]

It's still about quality for me. Ruger makes it, therefore I buy it.

 

[youngda9]

bill ruger did a lot of great things for the world of firearms. His position on the magazine capacity issue was wrong. He's dead now, and it's crystal clear that he's no longer running the company. They're making ar clones now. It's time to move on.

^^ this

 

[CraigC]

Bill Ruger did more for the shooting industry than anyone else in his time. Ole Bill was operating under the false assumption that these morons could be reasoned with. He was trying to compromise with the anti's on the magazine capacity issue to prevent even further legislation and further lawsuits. Remember, this was at the time when government sanctioned lawsuits against a lawful industry were rampant and all the gunmakers were hurting. The statements he made were clipped from an interview, twisted and taken out of context by the liberal media. The result? Shooters are quick to turn on each other at even the slightest hint of dissention and this was no exception. Apparently despite the facts. Now, years later, folks are still holding a grudge for a reason they do not even understand.

Let it go.

 

[MMCSRET]

He spoke his opinion and backed it up; that is the responsibility of every free man. If we don't do that then none of us could buy a firearm, his or any other. Cooper did the same thing a couple years ago, remember the big HOO HAA here on THR when that word got out. Ruger and Cooper arms are what they are, not what the titled head of the board says in politispeak. I have Rugers and I want a Cooper.

 

[PapaG]

I didn't agree with Bill on his magazine stance but supported his right to say it and respected him for having the guts to do so when he had to know it would cost him business.

I search for abused and neglected Rugers and have them sent off for rebuild. They still have the best customer service, among the best products, and I am a solid fan.

 

[merlinfire]

Ruger makes quality products for (usually) pretty decent prices. They cater to a wide variety of shooters and have reacted to the market without reservations in recent years. the LCR/LCP come to mind for carry, the SR-556, the larger mags for the Mini's, and the copious use of flash suppressors. I've owned one or more rugers since my very first gun

 

[USAF_Vet]

I was still a kid too young to even purchase a gun when the AWB went into effect and Bill Ruger said what he said. What exactly he said, I haven't bothered to look up, as it has zero effect on my life, or my gun purchases. I would buy a Ruger with no reservations if it suited my needs and was the best bang for the buck.

 

[hogcowboy]

I hate to admit it, but I don't remember what he said. I remember the controversy but exactly what he said, no. I remember thinking at the time I'd never buy another Ruger but I did. So I guess you know how I voted.

 

[FirinFlatTop]

said what so long ago,,, bought then and still buying....

RC

 

[teumessian_fox]

I'm a big fan of Ruger firearms. Bill's choices meant nothing to me as I was always able to find hi cap mags for my minis.

It was his business to do with as he pleased. If he chose to liquidate and buy jelly beans, that was his prerogative.

I bought Ruger then and I'll buy Ruger now.

The only thing I won't buy is a modern manufacture Smith, but that's only because that ridiculous looking Clinton zit is butt ugly.

 

[speedway]

Bill is dead. Time to move on.....

 

[RimfireChris]

I don't particularly care any more about what was said. I still like their wheel guns, but the quality/value of some of their other offerings doesn't appeal to me. At least they're still in business.

 

[essayons21]

I picked the last one, because that reflects my feelings about Bill Ruger. However, that's not why I won't buy a Ruger. Their product line just doesn't excite me, their quality control and reliability is mediocre, and the only new ideas they come up with are usually shamelessly taken from other companies and then poorly executed.

The only Rugers I am the least bit interested in are some of their SAAs and the 10/22, but both designs have been executed better by other companies.

 

[JayBird]

I just purchased an ole 1964 3 screw unmodified yesterday.

I also own an LCP.

So, Yes...I guess I have to say that I would buy a ruger

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

My last 5 new purchases have been Rugers:

P95--wanted a cheap backup to my G19

10/22--once I saw the new(old) finish--I had to have it for fear they would go back to matte/crinkle.

SR9c--figured I try one with all the glowing reports on the web.

P944--not that much interested but they are DC-ed so figured I better get one before they're gone---I like it more and more now that I own it.

KMini-14-----have been Mini-less for a couple years and have been playing with my AR's--wanted a new toy and the Mini was my first semi-auto .223 so has always had a special place with me.