Ruger® SR9c™ Named 2010 "Handgun of the Year"

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), is proud to announce that a Ruger® handgun has been named the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence "Handgun of the Year" for the third straight year. The Ruger SR9c™, the first line extension in the SR9® striker-fired pistol, is the compact version of one of the slimmest and most ergonomic 9mm pistols on the market today.

"Ruger is honored to receive this award for the third year in a row," said Ruger President and CEO Mike Fifer. "We are gratified that Ruger's innovation and excellence in product design has once again been recognized by members of the firearms community." The SR9c compact pistol gives customers a very comfortable carry option in a reliable, 9mm platform. Incorporating the best features of the full-sized SR9, the SR9c offers an even smaller, more concealable option, ideal for discreet carry. "The SR9c reflects our commitment to provide consumers with affordable, quality products that meet their needs," Fifer said.

The award was presented during the 8th Annual Shooting Industry Masters in Grand Island, Nebraska on July 23rd. The Academy, a 500-member group consisting of manufacturers, editors, writers, distributors and retailers from within the shooting industry, votes to honor outstanding achievements in product design and service to the industry.

The SR9c compact pistol weighs 24 oz. and features an overall length of 6.875", a height of 5.00", and the same slim 1.27" grip width as the full-sized SR9. It comes with two magazines that provide options in both capacity and grip size. The standard magazine holds 10 rounds and features a flat bottom butt plate; a finger grip extension floor plate also is included. The second magazine features a grip adapter and holds 17 rounds, instantly transforming the smaller, compact grip into a full-sized 9mm grip. The 3.50" barreled pistol features an integral accessory rail that accommodates most lights and lasers.

The Ruger SR9c compact pistol utilizes the same adjustable, high-visibility 3-Dot sight system as its full-sized predecessor, setting it apart from many compact pistols that offer only fixed sights. New serrations are located on the front portion of the slide, making it easier to both manipulate the slide and to press check the chamber. The SR9c features a glass-filled nylon frame and through-hardened slide in either a brushed stainless or blackened finish. It also is available with two, 10 round magazines for those states or locales that limit magazine capacity.

Just like the original, full-sized SR9, the SR9c is loaded with modern safety features like a 1911-style ambidextrous manual safety, internal trigger bar interlock and striker blocker, trigger safety, magazine disconnect, plus a visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator.