The only innovative firearm companies right now are KelTec and HiPoint, and we all know how much love there is for them on these snobby gun forums. They do business and manufacturing their way, and they get alot of flak. It seems everyone wants their cake and to eat it too...
What do you feel is innovative about a Hi Point? Not being cynical; I'm genuinely curious. As far as I can tell, they aren't using designs, manufacturing techniques or materials that hadn't been used for decades prior.
KT has definitely had a lot of firsts, and still produces a few onlys. They definitely lay claim to unique designs and very light weight.
Something that erks me is the misconception that ruger does nothing innovative. How about making some of the absolute strongest revolvers and rifles on the market for a working man's price during an era when other american companies were slimming and trimming their revolvers to the point true 357 loads were pushing the limits? Also whoever it was that posted about Rugers not being know for accuracy, I've certainly never met an m77 I couldn't make shoot exceptionally well with handloads...and I'm certainly not an exceptional rifle shot. Helluva rifle there and I'm willing to bet with some tinkering and a change of handguard that ar-556 will shoot great as well.
Except for the MKI, Ruger's innovations have been in manufacturing, not design. They focused their efforts on casting, and the result was a reduced cost as compared to the competition for a product that was just as strong, at the cost of increased weight. But the cost cutting can be seen in the more utilitarian fit & finish and rougher actions as well. A GP100 is as strong as a 686 (not stronger, BTW), and comes in a good bit cheaper. It is also, however, a tad heavier on account of even their excellent castings not being quite as strong as forged, and I don't think you'll find any honest person who feels that the GP100 action is near as smooth or the gun as generally refined as the 686.
You see the same thing in their autoloading handguns. They're well made and functional, but compared to their contemporaries in the TDA market, such as the S&W 3rd gen autos and Sigs, they are downright rough.
Now, their rifles don't really take advantage of the investment casting technology. Of course, the M77 doesn't really undercut the competition much, either. When we bought my sister her .280, the choice was between a stainless/synthetic M77 MK II and a stainless Synthetic M700 BDL. The price difference was a mere $40. She went with the Ruger for one reason: a 22" barrel carries a lot easier in the woods than a 26".
I still own a few Ruger firearms, and have owned many more. They are what they are: Decent, durable guns that are (mostly) wallet friendly for the working man. But as I've grown older, I've become more selective about my collection, and I learned that much of the Ruger durability reputation was hyperbole. I decided that I was willing to pay a little more for a nicer product, so began replacing Rugers with S&W, Beretta, Browning, Remington and others. The few I have left remain because their is not a better alternative:
In a .454 Casull double action, Taurus is the only competition. Easy choice.
There is no real competitor for the 3" SP-101 .32 mag with adjustable sights.
There is also no competitor for the Single-Six .32 mag
My KM77VT .220 Swift proved to be a damn good rifle, don't feel that I'd gain anything without spending a tremendous amount on a custom.
The SR556 will no doubt be a good entry level AR, having a couple of definite value points over much of its competition. As such, it's a great option for those who, for whatever reason, don't wish to build one. However, it is my not-so-humble opinion that the same amount of money gets one more gun from PSA, whether building or buying complete:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...stainless-mid-length-1-7-freedom-carbine.html
It also surprises me that they opted for a carbine length instead of middy, having to compete with the cheaper DPMS and bushmaster offerings, and leaving PSA and Armalite the only fish in the budget priced factory middy market.