Ruger History

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained unchanged since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .22 caliber autoloading pistol--a design which was so successful that it became the cornerstone upon which one of the most comprehensive lines of sporting firearms ever made in America was established. After Alex Sturm's death in 1951, William B. Ruger continued to direct the company alone and today, as Chairman of the Board, he is actively involved in the creative engineering of new products and continues to provide the leadership which has made this 44-year-old company a sound and successful enterprise.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, in this relatively short time, has established itself as a leading small arms design organization, developing a unique and broad line of fine quality sporting, military and police firearms to become one of the world's most famous producers of revolvers, pistols, rifles and shotguns. From 1949 thru 1993 Ruger craftsmen have built more than thirteen million firearms. During its four decades of growth and progress under the leadership of William B. Ruger, the company has developed a business philosophy and implemented policies which represent a constructive influence in the life of modern America. From the beginning, Sturm, Ruger & Company played a positive role in conservation efforts and has supported the interests of its customers through its membership and participation in the programs of the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and many regional sportsmen's organizations. The company has always endeavored to market its firearms for constructive or recreational purposes, to emphasize the traditional aspects of shooting, to render meaningful public services and to encourage shooters in constructive and responsible participation in the shooting sports.