Am I the only one that thinks Ruger mania is strange?

[Big Dog Dad]

I am amazed at the posts on every forum concerning Ruger and how they are the greatest thing that has ever hit the firearm world. I'm not knocking Ruger; they make a good, functional product for the money. I have a Mark III Competition 22 pistol that has a very good trigger and is capable of far better accuracy than I can produce. But, it is just that - a basic functional 22 pistol. If I want to step up in that particular specialty, I'll look for a vintage Smith, not spend over a grand with Volquartsen and likes to get my Chevy Vega or Ford Escort type pistol to compete with Porsche. What am I missing here? Again, I'm not knocking Ruger, but all of a sudden, the firearms enthusiasts have elevated these products way above their actual status on the food chain!

-=BDD=-

 

[Manson]

Keeping in mind that the gun industry itself is doing very well right now, no I don't think it's strange. I don't own a Ruger but they are an excellent value.

You yourself said in a revolver you would look at a vintage smith. Not a new one. Many feel that Ruger has maintained it's quality while others have not.

Also the Ruger LCP is one of the best selling guns on the market. Giving the consumer what they want. Good pricing and a solid reputation have all contributed to their success.

Would I run out and buy a Ruger rather than my favorite Sig? No but I wouldn't be surprised to see someone else make that choice.

 

[KMAX]

Affordable

Many of us are concerned with affordability, yet want reasonable quality and reputation. If I could afford $1- $2 k guns I might buy them, but I can't. I drive a Dodge because I can't afford a Lincoln, and it still does the job reliably. I like Ruger for that reason. It is affordable, yet reliable. I don't soup up my vehicles or guns for the most part. I keep them pretty much the way I buy them. I do agree somewhat about having custom work done on a lesser gun. Why not buy one that has the desired features one wants. Personally I don't care for the much touted Glocks or M&Ps, but to each his own. I would go for something better if I wanted to spend much more than I do on Rugers. Just my $.02.

 

[Salmoneye]

So the OP has only been exposed to one Ruger, and he asks 'why' other people like their various firearms...

Maybe broaden your horizons?

 

[Sparks1957]

As various firearm manufacturers have gone through periods of making lower quality products, Ruger has been very consistent in terms of quality. Combine that with reliability, durability, and a price point that is in reach for the average shooter, and you get a winning combination.

Like Salmoneye said, I would also suggest you get more experience with them before you question other folks' preferences.

 

[BGutzman]

I have nothing against Ruger at all.. That said Tacticool and advertising outsells reality every time.

Ruger at least makes a solid product that isnt ugly as sin...

 

[comn-cents]

Well, if you read it on the internet

Plenty of other companies have great new products out there.

 

[NWPilgrim]

I think some of the Ruger enthusiasm is from those of us who have waited long and wearily for Ruger to release some desired models or features, and after Bill Ruger's death suddenly the company is pumping out some interesting new stuff: GSR rifle, AR style piston carbine, LCR, LCP, 20-RD MAGS FOR GOODNESS SAKE, 4" FREAKING REDHAWK AT LAST, etc.

Like the prodigal son coming home we welcome Ruger to the fray with fanfare and hoopla, while the faithful innovators over the last few decades get a quiet thank you on the side.

Having the largest US gunmaker finally join the ranks of self defense industry, especially concealed carry and carbines, adds that much more competition to the market. We all benefit. So yes, it is a good day that has dawned.

 

[oneounceload]

Ruger has been very consistent in terms of quality

You mean all those recalls?

I have owned a lot of Rugers over the years - pistols, rifles and shotguns - of all of them, my MKII has been the best - the rest are gone due to issues, poor performance, etc.

 

[Sparks1957]

Probably every manufacturer has had recalls at some point, honestly. Even top-shelf brands have had ups and downs at some point.

Since Ruger is accounting for about one out of every six guns sold in the US, they are obviously getting something right

 

[Kreyzhorse]

Ruger makes very good firearms, sells them at fair prices and backs them up with great customer service. That means a lot to a lot of people.

Personally, I prefer S&W to Ruger, but that doesn't mean that I don't respect, and own some Ruger firearms. They make some great guns that compare, and exceed some similar S&W guns.

When you have actually sampled some other offerings from Ruger, we can talk about their place on the food chain.

 

[HisDudeness]

-American owned
-American made (Sorry Springfield Armory, Brazil and Europe just isn't the same)
-Reliable
-Good looking weapons (subjective obviously)
-Affordable

Their products have been flying off the shelves, to the point where vendors are having trouble keeping up with demand. This is all in spite of the OP's opinion of Ruger being lower on the "food chain" than S&W. Some folks are Chevy people and some are Ford people. Arguing opinions as if they were facts will never go away, it's part of human nature. It's also great fun sometimes!

 

[testuser]

It seems to me that Ruger has done a good job at recognizing some strong trends in the industry and producing products that are currenlty in demand, especially small, lightweight models for concealed carry. I don't own any, but I've been pretty impressed with their releases.

 

[Chettt]

Ruger seems to be taking over the consumer gun market by offering a quality model for every category. Every new firearm that they have brought out in the past few years seems like it was driven by an intelligent, aggressive management team that wants to win.

 

[Daggitt]

Folks are buying Ruger Handguns faster than the factory can turn them out. 454 Alaskans on Gunbroker , when listed , are $500 over MSRP. The 380 LCP was one of the most popular new guns offered in recent history. Almost every other manufacturer quickly turned out their ,"mimick." I hardly think Ruger is concerned about their position in the OP's , " Foodchain." Rather I think it likely they are trying to figure out how to best invest the profits from their incredible success in the firearms market in recent years.

 

[Single Six]

Show me one gun maker whose guns are unanimously adored by all members of the shooting public, with no exceptions. By the same token, show me one gun maker whose guns do not have some detractors. In either case, no such gun makers exist, because you just can't please everyone. On the other hand, all gun makers have their share of die-hard devotees, and in this regard, Ruger is no exception. That said, I'll freely admit: Ruger mania is not strange [to me] at all!

 

[arcticap]

Some of their models have attained the status of a classic (or at least semi-classic) within a relatively short time after being discontinued. And some others are considered to be classics while still in current production.
That could mean that nearly any Ruger that anyone buys has a better chance of holding it's value even if it's well used.
That's a pretty good hedge against taking a sizable loss on a gun just because you may want to sell it off to buy something else.
And their success is contagious because the more folks that think that Ruger guns are a solid value, then the more likely that other folks will invest in them too, for when they choose to sell theirs on the used market.
It's just like a bull stock market, success and confidence generates more success and confidence.
It's also part of a conscious effort by a lot of folks to be patriotic by helping to not only preserve & protect an American brand, but to actually help grow and strengthen an American industry. Ruger sells guns around the world and not just to Americans. Their successful products signify America's success and it makes folks feel good to be part of it.
In a day and age of financial uncertainty where entire sectors of the economy are capable of suddenly going haywire, the fact that only certain industries like Ruger are still standing as strong as the Rock of Gibralter is a reassurance that our industrial system is still capable of being great and can produce guns that work as intended. All is well in the world.

 

[LockedBreech]

I own two Rugers. I like them because they were very affordable and have done their jobs without a hiccup for years.

My LCP is my daily companion, with a blast of canned air and a few dabs of CLP every few days. It isn't glamorous. It isn't tacticool. It's just a rugged little guy that follows me around and works, like the best kind of dogs.

I'm in the fan camp.

 

[Bud Helms]

I don't understand what this is all about. What "Ruger Mania"? An increase in popularity maybe, but "mania"?

 

[Rifleman1776]

What is to talk about? People buy Rugers because they perform well and are reasonably priced. I shot competition for years...and did quite well, thank you....with a .22 Standard. IMHO, the Redhawk is the best revolver of it's type ever produced. I have shot tens of thousands of rounds through mine and it is as tight and smooth as new. My Single Six is a favorite baby, I would really hate to part with it. Next gun purchase my shopping will begin with Ruger.