The story of Ruger began in 1949, when William B. Ruger, an inventive firearms designer, partnered with Alexander McCormick Sturm, an artist and firearms enthusiast, to launch a new kind of gun company. With just $50,000 in startup capital and a small rented machine shop in Southport, Connecticut, the duo introduced the Ruger Standard .22 LR pistol, a design that would become an instant classic and set the tone for the company’s future. The early years were marked by both triumph and tragedy: the untimely death of Alexander Sturm in 1951 left Ruger to steer the company alone, but his legacy lived on in the iconic red eagle logo. Over the decades, Ruger expanded its product line to include the legendary 10/22 rifle, the Mini-14, and a wide array of revolvers and centerfire rifles. The company’s commitment to innovation was further demonstrated by its pioneering use of investment casting, which allowed for cost-effective, high-quality production. Major milestones include going public in 1969, acquiring Marlin Firearms in 2020, and consistently adapting to changing market demands. Today, Ruger’s vision remains rooted in its founders’ values: to build firearms that are reliable, affordable, and accessible to responsible citizens, while continually pushing the boundaries of design and manufacturing.