New Ruger Products Capture Attention of SHOT Show Attendees

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE:RGR) officials declared the 2007 SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Tradeshow), recently held in Orlando, Florida, as confirmation that Ruger is listening to its customers and delivering what they seek.

"I am struck by the vitality of this industry and the enthusiasm of the participants of the show," said new Sturm, Ruger CEO Mike Fifer. "I am pleased by the leadership role that Ruger has and I intend to see that we continue to fill that role. I am particularly gratified to see the excitement generated by our new products."

Among the new products on display in the Ruger booth were the M77 Hawkeye rifles, a refinement of the Ruger M77 Rifles. Newly introduced features include the smooth and crisp Ruger LC6™ trigger for improved out-of-the-box trigger pull and a new red rubber recoil pad that provides more effective recoil reduction. Key features of the Ruger M77 Mark II have been retained in the new M77 Hawkeye rifles, including Mauser-type controlled feeding and a powerful claw extractor, 3-position safety, hammer forged steel barrels and free Ruger patented scope rings.

The new Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifles are available in two versions. The first is a matte blued alloy steel featuring a newly designed, slimmer walnut stock with wrap-around cut checkering on the forearm and more rounded contours on the bottom of the stock and top of the pistol grips. The matte stainless version features a synthetic stock with a new recoil pad.

"The M77 Hawkeye rifles are the result of Ruger listening to the customers," said Sturm, Ruger President, Stephen L. Sanetti. "Although some well-known, reliable features of the Ruger M77 Mark II have been retained in the M77 Hawkeye rifle, it also incorporates new and improved features. I am extremely pleased with the comments we have heard from dealers handling the Hawkeye Rifles. The new LC6 Trigger is what they have been asking for and they all note the slimmer, trimmer stock with improved checkering and the steel floorplate."

The Ruger Hawkeye rifles chambered in the new .375 Ruger cartridge were among the most handled and discussed at the show. The rifle and cartridge, co-developed with Hornady Manufacturing, are based on the Ruger Long Action receiver, the same one used for .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield. This new cartridge delivers performance from the 20" barrel that equals the venerable .375 H&H from a 24" barrel. The .375 Ruger "Alaskan" is a matte black 20" barrel and action on a Hogue® OverMolded™ synthetic stock. The 23" blued action and barrel M77® Hawkeye "African" rifle features a trim walnut stock with wrap around cut checkering. Both rifles will feature a windage adjustable shallow "V" notch rear sight and a large white bead front for instant sight alignment. They are also delivered with Ruger's patented scope rings for installing the shooters choice of optics on the integral mounts.

Another new rifle that caught the eye of all those entering the booth was the Mini-14 Target Rifle, a new target rifle for today's rapid-fire action shooting competition events where "minute-of-angle" accuracy is required. The "Target Mini" features a distinctive heavyweight, hammer forged, matte stainless steel target barrel with a recessed target crown and an adjustable barrel weight, so that each owner can "tune" the rifle to obtain the best accuracy from the particular ammunition being used. One-inch groups at 100 yards can be regularly obtained with suitable ammunition for the individual rifle.

The Target Rifle's grey laminated target stock features the wide, flat forend for easy holding or resting on sandbags while a non-slip grooved rubber buttpad with three spacers makes it easy to change the length of pull by up to 1-1/2 inches. Patented Ruger scope bases are machined directly into the receiver and never shoot loose. A set of stainless steel Ruger scope rings, an $80.00 value, is included. A patented recoil buffer protects the scope reticle from damage due to rapidly moving parts when firing this autoloading target rifle, and its side ejection of cartridge cases easily clears the lowest-mounted scope.

Among the most handled of the new Ruger handguns on display was the Redhawk® with a four inch barrel. This stainless steel .44 Magnum revolver is the latest addition to the family of strong, reliable Ruger® double-action revolvers. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a powerful, yet shootable, side arm, the 4-inch barreled .44 Magnum Redhawk has a low-maintenance satin stainless finish and features a newly designed Hogue® rubber grip that provides sure handling and reduction of perceived recoil. A micro-adjustable white outline rear sight complements a pinned distinctive red ramp insert front sight. The solid stainless steel frame has no side-plates to weaken its structural integrity and the 6-shot cylinder is positively aligned owing to the Ruger patented triple-locking mechanism.

Other products introduced at the 2007 SHOT show were the latest caliber offerings in the Stainless Frontier Rifle, The 50th Anniversary New Model Blackhawk® Matched set revolvers in .357 and .44 Magnum and the limited edition consecutively numbered Cowboy Matched pair of engraved Vaquero Single-Action Revolvers.

During the 2007 SHOT Show Ruger made two major contributions to shooting programs. A check for $150,000 was presented to members of USA Shooting, the governing body of the Olympic Shooting Team. Ruger, in conjunction with the TALO Distributing group, is manufacturing and selling a special edition Ruger 10/22 Target rifle with part of the sale price of each rifle going to USAS.

"We have worked with Ruger before to develop a unique product that appeals to consumers and delivers the value and performance Ruger is known for." Said Bob Coyle, TALO Executive Director. "This partnership continues to raise money for USA Shooting and the outstanding athletes that represent our country in competitions around the world."

Ruger also presented the 4-H Shooting Ambassadors and Staff with the five millionth Ruger 10/22 firearm manufactured. This .22 carbine will be enhanced and engraved by Baron Technology and sold to raise funds for the 4-H shooting program. The Ruger 10/22 has been in continuous production since 1964.

"We are extremely pleased to receive this milestone firearm from Ruger," said 4-H shooting director John Kvasnicka. "Ruger recognizes the important role of 4-H in training young people in the safe and proper use of firearms. Ruger's generous gift will allow hundreds of dedicated adults to continue this rewarding work."