Firearms News

Ruger Recognized for Innovation and Leadership
April 20, 2004
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), the nation's largest firearms manufacturer, received several awards presented by Shooting Industry magazine's Academy of Excellence at the 2004 National Rifle Association annual meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On April 16th, Sturm, Ruger received two top awards from the Academy of Excellence and was a top-three finalist in two other categories.

The Ruger M77 Mark II Target Rifle, chambered for the exciting new .204 Ruger cartridge, was named "Rifle of the Year" by the Academy of Excellence. The Target Grey® KM77VT MKII is one of five newly introduced rifles from Sturm, Ruger chambered for the new .204 Ruger. As a further indication of the success of this new cartridge, the Academy of Excellence also presented its "Ammunition of the Year" award to Hornady Manufacturing Company for the development of the .204 Ruger.

The Academy's prestigious "Shooting Industry Award" was presented to Sturm, Ruger President, Stephen L. Sanetti. This award is given to "individuals who have made valuable contributions to the shooting industry through product design, industry representation, or marketing expertise."

The plaque presented to Sanetti includes the following inscription: "For his work in effectively defending against countless ill-conceived lawsuits by individuals, municipalities, and anti-gun organizations. Also for his efforts to support legislation protecting the rights of companies and individuals within the firearms industry for future generations."

In his acceptance of the "Shooting Industry Award," Sanetti noted, "My contribution was very small compared to the efforts of hundreds in the industry and many thousands of concerned shooters, who recognize important principles when they see them - that in America, the law abiding majority are not supposed to be punished for the criminal actions of a lawless few; and that elected legislators, not judges, are supposed to make our laws." He continued, "This award really goes to all of you, and I humbly accept it on behalf of the law-abiding, responsible citizens who make up our industry and our customer base. I am truly honored. Good luck to all of us, and keep up the good fight."

Shooting Industry Editor Russ Thurman said, "People in the industry realize what Steve Sanetti has done for the entire industry. His long-term involvement in the legal issues has not been pleasant or glamorous, but it is important. We need people like Steve and the other nominees in this category - all strong leaders that have worked hard to preserve the Second Amendment and our heritage."

The Ruger New Model Single Six Hunter single-action revolver, chambered in .17 HMR, was a top-three finalist for the "Handgun of the Year" award. Sturm, Ruger was also a top-three finalist for the "Manufacturer of the Year" award.

About Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. The only full-line manufacturer of American-made firearms, Ruger offers consumers over 400 variations of more than 30 product lines. For more than 60 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Our motto, "Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens," echoes the importance of these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms.

The Company may, from time to time, make forward-looking statements and projections concerning future expectations. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to certain qualifying risks and uncertainties, such as market demand, sales levels of firearms, anticipated castings sales and earnings, the need for external financing for operations or capital expenditures, the results of pending litigation against the Company, the impact of future firearms control and environmental legislation, and accounting estimates, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent unanticipated events.

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens”®