Carter's Country Honored as 2012 Ruger Retailer of the Year

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce that Carter's Country of Houston, TX has been named the 2012 Ruger Retailer of the Year. Owner, President and CEO Bill Carter, Vice President and Operations Manager (son) Billy Carter and Buyer and Merchandiser Manager Tommy Zdunkewicz were recognized for their support of Ruger, their innovative advertising campaigns and their industry leadership in firearms retailing. All were recipients of an engraved Bisley™ Ruger Vaquero® in recognition of their accomplishments. The awards were presented during the 142nd Annual Meeting of the National Rifle Association in Houston.

"The fact that Carter's Country is celebrating 50 years is validation of their successful business practices and we are proud to recognize them for their accomplishments," said Ruger President and CEO Mike Fifer. "The extensive product knowledge exhibited by the staff and their attention to customer service contribute to their five decades of success," added Fifer.

"The Ruger Retailer of the Year Award recognizes firearms retailers that are industry leaders," said Shawn Leska, Ruger Director of Sales. "Bill Carter attributes his success to his staff and their focus on building long-term relationships. The commitment of Carter's Country to their customers, employees and vendors is evident in their success. In addition, the entire organization has a commitment to the industry, the outdoors and the Second Amendment," Leska concluded.

In 1960, Bill Carter worked as an ironworker and helped build the Houston skyline. On the side, he worked as a custom gunsmith in his garage. Bill incorporated his first store in 1963 on the north side of Houston where their gun range is located. In 1974, Bill opened the I-10 location and demand drove him to open two more stores in the 1980's. As the firearm and hunting business grew, Bill built his own distribution center to provide logistical support for his store inventory needs.

Today, Carter's Country is the largest independent firearms retailer in Houston with four locations and nearly 100 employees. All stores contain a large firearms and accessory inventory, including the full line of Ruger® handguns and long guns.

For more information on the extensive line of Ruger® firearms, visit www.Ruger.com. For more information on Carter's Country visit carterscountry.net