WFB: One of the nation’s largest gunmakers has massively ramped up production—and still can’t meet unprecedented demand.
Sturm, Ruger & Company said it increased production 50 percent over last year, including a 15 percent surge in the second and third quarter of 2020 alone, according to an earnings report released Wednesday.
Even with increased production, Ruger’s gun inventory remains “near historic lows” due to record demand, said CEO Christopher Killoy.
“Consumer demand showed no signs of letting up during the quarter,” he said, because of “concerns about personal protection and home defense” caused by “civil unrest,” activists’ calls to defund the police, and “the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.”
Killoy said the company began hiring at a “modest, albeit growing, rate” in June after shutting down all new hiring in March because of coronavirus concerns. read more
Ruger built much more interesting product under Bill Ruger, but the stuff they crank out today can really respond to high production demands.
The gun markets not slowing down anytime soon. Even post election. In fact it might ramp up.
They should reintroduce the P Series pistols.
I’m a big fan of Ruger wheel guns and some of their long guns. I’m sure their 1911’s are rock solid too. Their plastic guns, not so much.
If they put a 38+P double action revolver out that was along the lines of their Wrangler Single Action they could sell a gazillion of them. Just tough, durable, reliable and accurate enough. No frills and able to be cranked out like not cakes.
Something tells me the reason they don’t is because they have a better profit margin on other product and don’t want to compete with their own product that is flying off the shelves.
I do like my P 90
JD, I sold a Ruger SP 101 +P .38 years ago and regret it immensely. Still, a few Ruger’s are in my safe. Great hunting rifles and dependable.
Glad they are running strong as a company. I agree with Brad, this gun boom (see what I did there) is going to continue.
JDH,
Have you looked at the Ruger New Model Blackhawk? If it will take 357 Mag, I’m sure it would handle 38+P comfortably. And the models 0308 (4.6″ barrel) & the 0318 (6.5″ barrel) have a “convertible” cylinder for 9mm.
And Remington is bankrupt?
That doesn’t make sense, unless they were run by morons.
“unless they were run by morons”
They were. Colt will be next.
Several Rugers in my inventory, all have given excellent service. It will be interesting to see what they do with their recent acquisition of Marlin assets.
As some have commented above the P-Series pistols are solid. I was disappointed the P85 lost out to Beretta as the military replacement for the 1911.
Am I the only S&W fan here smh. got and old 38 duty gun (model 36 ) and an m&p. been reading how they can’t keep up with demand since April figured it was worth buying 100 shares. The stock has been flat (between 16 and 19) since then go figure.
@ Jethro
Newer Remington is quite bad (Freedom Group ownership). Mine are well over 20 years old and made well.
Shooting forums have very few good things to say about their long guns.
Tikka & Savage also seem to get great reviews. Shotguns seem dominated by Beretta, Benelli, with Mossberg as a value solution.
It is actually a sad story.
I Love my GP100 357Mag, I sleep with it every night.
I have a 760 game master pump 30-06 that was made in the 70’s – awesome.
I have 870 pump 12 gage that was made in th 70’s that was given to me because it was rusty. I cleaned it up and put a sabot slug barrel on it for deer hunting – awesome.
I have two more 870 express magnum 12 gage pumps that I use for waterfowl and small game hunting – both awesome.
Let’s hope new gun owners are getting training.
I can tell by the comments that we share a passion for firearms, freedom and proficiency. There’s a world of difference compared to someone who never imagined owning one of Those Evil Things, but sees the world around them on fire, and decides to BUY one. Most legally required training is a joke – nowhere near enough practical range time as needed to become a safe shooter, much less carrier.
I have a 1954 Ruger Single Six 22 caliber. Nice little shooter. I shoot Trap and Skeet with my 1970’s 870 with fixed choke barrels. It’s my favorite. Sometimes they don’t make em like they used to.
Dan Ryan Galt
I have a 60 single six convertible. 22 mag cylinder. Have you checked the value of those things? I’ve got a 68 Winchester Lever 9422. Holy shit. I’m scared to shoot it.
1st of all
Guns are USELESS without AMMO.
2nd
What was in plentiful supply back in Jan. 2020 is dried up.
IF you can find .223/5.56 it is around $699 a 1000rds. (ammoseek.com/cheaperthandirt.com)
This same military surplus ammo was selling for $279 a 1000 rds back in Jan. 2020. The Gun Shows back in Oct. I saw vendors trying to sell 20rds of 223 in a zip lock baggie for $20. We walked the aisles and left in 20 mins. Everyone was selling cheap AR’s for $899 and better grade models for up $2,500. Hell I purchase good parts and a lower for under $350.
Hence why many got back into reloading during the Obama Admin. and purchase lots of scrape lead and a bullet molds.