Ruger is bringing out numerous special models for the SHOT Show 2024. In addition to an attractive collector's model of the Ruger SR1911, these include an anniversary version of the Ruger 10/22, which was first presented 60 years ago. Ruger is also bringing back a classic with the Mini-14 Tactical and is launching a successor to the popular and affordable American Rifle bolt-action rifle series with the new American Rifle II.
But let's talk briefly about the history of Ruger: the U.S. company, known for its guns that have always offered excellent value for money, was founded in 1949 by William Batterman Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm in Southport, Connecticut. Shortly before the partnership between the two company founders, the ingenious inventor Ruger had duplicated two Japanese Baby Nambu pistols in his garage, modelled on an original brought back by a marine from WW2. On the basis of this successful project, Ruger decided to create his first rimfire production pistol in the form of the now legendary Ruger Standard in .22 LR, whose appearance evoked associations with the German Pistole 08 Parabellum in 9mm Luger and the U.S. Colt Woodsman in .22 LR. The Ruger Standard was such a great success that it laid the foundation for the impressive further development of the company. Today the company, which manufactures ceterfire and rimfire rifles and hanguns in around 40 product lines and around 800 different variations, is one of the largest U.S. gun manufacturers.
Premiere at the SHOT Show 2024: the 2024 anniversary quartet from Ruger, Sturm & Co. and a collector's Ruger SR1911 special edition
To mark its 75th anniversary, Ruger is offering the 10/22 rimfire autoloading rifle manufactured in Newport, New Hampshire, which is also celebrating its 60th birthday this year, which is also celebrating its 60th birthday this year, in two special Sporter models. The rifles have a special laser engraving on the bolt and a choice of walnut or birch stock. Their price is $399 in the U.S. Of course, there is also a special model of the distinctive Ruger Mark IV rimfire pistol manufactured in Prescott, Arizona. The Mark IV also features a laser engraving and – like all "75th Anniversary" models – comes in a throwback-styled box. The price tag for the 75th Anniversary Mark IV Target pistol is $599. Last but not least, the 9mm Ruger LCP Max compact carry pistol, which is produced in Mayodan, North Carolina, is available as a special edition at $479.
The Ruger SR1911 pistol in .45 ACP, which was made in an edition of 750 pieces and is intended for collectors, is particularly impressive, though. The pistol was introduced to the market by Ruger in 2011 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Colt Government in the guise of this legendary evergreen. The new Ruger SR1911 in a special limited edition for the 75th Ruger anniversary has a special "R75" serial number prefix. It features a rich, detailed laser engraving on the slide and hardwood grip panels with decorative scrollwork. MSRP in the U.S. is $1799.
Ruger Mini-14 Tactical and Ruger American Rifle Generation II – A well-known classic and a contemporary update in 2 variants
The Ruger Mini-14 Tactical also became popular in the 1980s as the standard firearm in the successful "The A-Team" TV series. The fictional warriors around John "Hannibal" Smith, who was at the top of the US military police's wanted list, used the Ruger Mini-14 Government Barrel, Folding Stock in stainless steel, which is the full name of the gun that Ruger has now reintroduced as a limited edition in 5.56x45 NATO (also suitable for the .223 Rem.) in the Ruger Mini 14 series. This model was first introduced in 1973 and has been supplemented by several variants to date. The Mini 14 is based on the M14 rifle, which in turn is ultimately based on the M1 Garand, the GI's service rifle during the Second World War, which it replaced. Unlike the M14, however, the Ruger M14-Mini uses a short stroke piston for its gas-operated system. Retail price in the U.S. is $1849.
The manufacturer has also revised its American Rifle budget bolt-action rifle series and is presenting the Ruger American Rifle Generation II at the SHOT Show 2024 in two versions with different barrel lengths: Standard, with 20”/508 mm barrel, and Ranch, with 16.10”-16.40” barrel (409-416 mm, specific barrel length depends on caliber). The first and probably most significant improvements over the Generation I is the three-position tang safety. Than comes the stock: it has been redesigned for more rigidity thanks to the addition of cross webbing, and features a removable comb riser and length of pull spacer, allowing for adjustment for different statures. By simply removing the installed LOP spacer you will obtain a 305-mm LOP for smaller shooters. Sporting a “splatter finish”, the textured stock also provides excellent grip. The Standard model from the second generation has a Cerakote coating in Gun Metal Gray on the receiver and barrel. In addition, there is a dark grey speckled polymer stock. The cold-forged 20" semi-weighted barrel of the Standard is spiral-fluted to improve the balance of the rifle without compromising rigidity or accuracy. The second variant of Ruger's American Rifle Generation II is the Ranch, which is essentially distinguished by a barrel that is only 16" long and also spiral-fluted, a speckled stock in Flat Dark Earth and a darker Cobalt Cerakote finish on the metal parts. A radial muzzle brake is factory installed on both Standard and Ranch models. The American Rifle Generation II incorporates the Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger, which offers a crisp, clean release. Pull weight is user adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds (1,360-2,268 g). Calibers currently available include the 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Win, .308 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, .450 Bushmaster, .204 Ruger, .350 Legend and .223 Rem. for the Standard model, and 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, 450 Bushmaster and 7.62×39 for the Ranch, but Ruger already announced that additional calibers and configurations will be available in Q1 2024. Magazine capacity is 3, 5 or 10 rounds depending on the chosen chambering. Recommended price in the U.S. is $729, the same for both the Standard and the more compact Ranch version, irrespective of caliber.
Further information on the manufacturer and its models presented at the SHOT Show 2024 can be found at www.ruger.com
