Who Makes Ruger Firearms?
Ruger is a well-known American firearms manufacturer that has been producing high-quality firearms for over 70 years. The company was founded in 1949 by William B. Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm, and since then, it has grown to become one of the largest and most respected firearms manufacturers in the world.
The Company’s History
Ruger’s history dates back to the 1930s, when William Ruger, a skilled machinist and engineer, began working on various firearms projects. In the early 1940s, Ruger and Sturm, a fellow machinist, formed a partnership to develop and manufacture firearms. In 1949, they officially founded the Sturm, Ruger & Co. company, which was initially located in Southport, Connecticut.
Manufacturing Operations
Ruger’s manufacturing operations are located in two main facilities:
- Main Factory: Located in Newport, New Hampshire, this is the company’s largest facility, covering over 700,000 square feet. It is here that Ruger produces the majority of its firearms, including the iconic 10/22 rifle and the SR9 pistol.
- Southeastern Facility: Located in Mayodan, North Carolina, this facility is responsible for producing Ruger’s bolt-action rifles, including the popular 77/17 and 10/22 Target rifle models.
Manufacturing Process
Ruger’s manufacturing process is highly regarded for its quality and efficiency. The company uses a combination of human craftsmanship and advanced machinery to produce its firearms. Here’s an overview of the manufacturing process:
- Design: Ruger’s design team, led by Chief Designer, Mark Gurney, creates the initial designs for new firearms. These designs are then reviewed and refined by a team of engineers and product managers.
- Tooling: Once the design is finalized, Ruger’s tooling department creates the necessary molds and tools to produce the firearm. This process can take several months to complete.
- Manufacturing: The firearm is then manufactured on the production line, where it is assembled and quality-checked.
- Inspection: Every firearm produced by Ruger undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure that it meets the company’s high standards.
- Testing: Finally, the firearm is test-fired to ensure that it functions properly and accurately.
Components and Suppliers
Ruger uses a combination of in-house manufacturing and external suppliers to produce the components that go into its firearms. Here are some of the key components and suppliers:
- Barrels: Ruger manufactures its own barrels in-house, using a combination of CNC machining and hand-finishing techniques.
- Actions: The company uses a combination of external suppliers and in-house manufacturing to produce its actions, which include the iconic 10/22 and 77/17 rifle actions.
- Triggers: Ruger’s triggers are designed and manufactured in-house, using a combination of CNC machining and hand-assembly techniques.
- Suppliers: Ruger has a network of trusted suppliers that provide components such as stocks, receivers, and other hardware.
Workforce and Training
Ruger employs over 2,000 people at its two manufacturing facilities. The company takes pride in its commitment to training and development, with a focus on ensuring that every employee has the skills and knowledge they need to produce high-quality firearms.
- Apprenticeship Program: Ruger’s apprenticeship program is designed to provide new employees with the skills and knowledge they need to become skilled craftsmen. The program includes on-the-job training, mentorship, and formal education.
- Quality Control: Ruger’s quality control team is responsible for ensuring that every firearm meets the company’s high standards. The team includes experienced inspectors and quality control specialists who work closely with production line employees to ensure that every firearm is defect-free.
Conclusion
Ruger is a well-respected American firearms manufacturer that has been producing high-quality firearms for over 70 years. The company’s manufacturing operations are located in two main facilities, with a combined workforce of over 2,000 people. Ruger’s manufacturing process is highly regarded for its quality and efficiency, with a focus on producing firearms that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Ruger Firearms Production Statistics
| Product | Annual Production |
|---|---|
| 10/22 Rifles | 1.5 million |
| SR9 Pistols | 200,000 |
| 77/17 Rifles | 100,000 |
| Other Rifles and Pistols | 500,000 |
| Total | 2.2 million |
Ruger Firearms Models
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| 10/22 | .22 LR rimfire rifle |
| SR9 | 9mm pistol |
| 77/17 | .17 HMR rimfire rifle |
| 10/22 Target | .22 LR rimfire rifle (target shooting model) |
| Security-9 | 9mm pistol (self-defense model) |
Note: The statistics and models listed above are subject to change and may not reflect the company’s current production levels or product lineup.
