I like Ruger. I think their automatics are often ignored, but they are a solid budget-conscious choice in a sea of polymer plainness. Their revolvers are either tanks or the LCR, and there is hardly anything in between. Their ARs range from solid starter models to holy crap, this is a really small AR-10.
If you had told me that Ruger would seemingly be leading the charge for new releases into 2025, I would have laughed. Ruger makes solid guns, but they are rarely an innovator. Look how long it took them to get a PCC out the door.
Typically, Ruger takes time to release anything new. They don’t submit to the fads and whims of the gun industry. However, in the last few years, things have changed. I think the LC Carbine, LC 45, and LC 10mm have shown that Ruger is making changes. Coming into 2025, Ruger seems to be leading the charge into SHOT Show 2025. They have three notable releases
The Ruger RXM
Ruger’s biggest release has been the RXM. The RXM, or Ruger X Magpul, is a collaboration between Ruger and Magpul for what’s essentially a modified Glock Gen 3. Yep, Ruger is making a Glock. Specifically, they are making a 19-inch Glock. It’s a polymer frame, striker-fired 9mm, that’s compact and takes Glock mags. It’s compatible with Glock Gen 3 accessories and the aftermarket.
It’s not just a Glock Gen 3. The RXM uses a removable chassis system, much like the SIG P320. The RXM gives us the Glock compatibility, reliability, and everything we love about Glock, with a removable fire control chassis. This allows you to swap grip modules, which seems silly at first. Swapping from compact to full size is a bit overblown, but what about things like the Flux Raider?
Imagine having the Glock series of compatibility and reliability, with the ability to create a PDW? An SBR? A braced pistol? That’s all in the realm of possibility. The RXM has an interesting future, and it was quite the surprise.
Ruger Precision Rifle Gen 2
Ruger’s Precision Rifle created a legitimate precision rifle that is out of the box and could get you into precision shooting. It wasn’t fancy. It was heavy but reliable, very accurate, and perfect for entry-level long-range shooters. It’s been around for years now, and Ruger has finally decided to upgrade the gun.
The Generation 2 of the Ruger Precision Rifle will come in six calibers, including 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, and .338 Lapua Mag.
The Gen 2 Ruger Precision Rifle features a heavy contour, a cold hammer-forged barrel, an improved muzzle brake, a Magpul MOE-K2 vertical pistol grip, and a black DLC-coated bolt. The aluminum handguard is equipped with M-LOK slots for compatible accessories and also features an ARCA rail machined into the underside. The new stock is nice, and users of Gen 1 RPRs can swap it if they choose to do so.
Ruger Ultra Lightweight 10/22 Carbon Fiber
America’s favorite rimfire rifle, the 10/22 is getting a facelift this year. The new Ruger ultra Lightweight 10/22 series is cutting the pounds as its New Year’s Resolution. To do so, they’ve implemented a 16.1-inch cold hammer-forged tensioned barrel with a carbon fiber sleeve. The carbon fiber cuts weight while reducing vibration and improving accuracy.
Ruger is doing two of these ultra-lightweight models. One will feature a Magpul stock. The other will have a custom chassis from Grey Birch. Weight has been dropped to as little as 3.5 pounds. This makes these semi-auto rifles absurdly light. The BX triggers are also a nice touch. It shows that our old friend, 10/22, still has some room to grow and expand into a new market.
Ruger Leads The Way
Ruger is killing it this year. Who knows what SHOT Show will bring? I love it when companies take charge and move forward, and Ruger is doing just that. Maybe they’ll bring back the Ruger MP9 as a braced pistol? A guy can dream, right? Until then, maybe an LC Charger in 5.7 will make a fantastic PDW, and a Ruger RXM will be calling my name. Ooh, maybe a grip module based on the MP9? Just maybe!
Read the full article here
