Firearms sales are down in what some call the Trump Slump, people no longer buying “endangered species” guns like AR15s or pistols with double stack magazines on the theory that the current administration will veto attempts to ban them. This has led some firearms industry folks to introduce some bargains.
Ruger offers their Wrangler, essentially a version of their classic Single Six .22 revolver redesigned for production economy that can be passed on to ultimate purchasers. This is genuine Ruger quality at a $250 manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), and I’ve heard of dealers already taking orders for them at $200 out the door.
Early test reports by the respected Quinn family are glowing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwinwnZlmDw&feature=youtu.be .
Link to video here.
They make the point that allowing for inflation, the new Wrangler today is about half the comparable cost of an original Ruger Single Six in 1953, the year that modern/retro classic was introduced.
The “official” introduction will take place this coming week at the NRA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. We’ll be reporting there on other new guns: this conclave is the second largest after the January SHOT Show in terms of new firearms and related product introductions. I expect to see more new “good guns cheap.”
If you’re coming to the meeting, stop by the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network booth on Saturday 4 to 6 PM; I’ll be there with a lot of other folks who’d be happy to meet you.
While I’m not a metallurgist or gunsmith, it’s not clear if the Ruger Wrangler, a handgun whose frame and cylinder are made from aluminum (https://ruger.com/products/wrangler/specSheets/2002.html), could offer much long-term durability or accuracy. But you get what you pay for.
Depends on the aluminum, Spencer. When Illinois State Police had Smith & Wesson pistols with aluminum frames, they stood up to tens of thousands of rounds of 9mm +P+. Ruger used to make an aluminum framed Single Six that never garnered complaints over durability.
Right on, Mas. Remember that aluminum is used extensively in airframes. As in those crazy flying machines of the Wright brothers. Saying aluminum is like saying stainless steel. Stainless steel can be anything from 400 series, like 410, or 416 w/sulfur, to 304 or 316. Basically 304 is like 410, just iron and chromium, and adding nickel. To make 316, you add molybdenum. The 300 series are much more corrosion resistant than the 400 series, but the 400 series are tough and less expensive.
I learned something from working 35 years making steel for the investment cast industry. We sold to Pine Tree Castings in New Hampshire, and then to Sturm Ruger when they moved to Prescott. We also sold a lot to other firearms companies.
Once, in the mid 2000’s, when the recession hit, we had an order from the Columbian government for 160,000 lbs of various steels, such as 6150, 416 w/ sulfur, and 17-4 ph. All for parts and barrels of AK 47’s.
On a side note, 416 is always made with sulfur or selenium added in order to facilitate machining. 316 often has sulfur added to assist with machining as well. It tends to make the long strands break up instead of remain long, and dangerous.
Also, we were the sole source for Mercury Marine outboard motors, for their boat propellers. A friend of mine, who was just a metallurgist, happened to be in Fond du Lac, and stopped in there back in about 1978 or 79, and got them to order 500 pounds of our alloy. Fast forward a number of years, and we were selling them 100,000 pounds a month.
As to the cost of guns, I bought a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 a month ago, and paid 278$ delivered to my FFL. I could not believe the low price of such a high quality gun.
The specs refer to the cylinder frame as being aluminum, nor the cylinder itself. The heavy weight (thirty ounces) makes me believe the cylinder is steel. If you that’s true, this should function well. I would take this over a Heritage Arms any day.
The upper receiver of the .50BMG Barrett M107 is aluminum. As is the upper of the AR family of rifles (and most lowers, too). Most airplanes, too. Which speaks to what _real_ metallurgists know about aluminum.
With regard to aluminum frames on a revolver, I have a Hi-Standard double-nine which is over 60 years old, has had countless rounds of 22. long rifle put thru it and functions as well today as the day I bought it back in the 50’s.
Mas:
I take exception to your premise that:
“…people are no longer buying “endangered species” guns like AR15s or pistols with double stack magazines on the theory that the current administration will veto attempts to ban them…”
Here in Oregon, SB 978 will ban citizens from owning anything that has more than 5 shots available without a reload. Even more insidious, is the requirement that existing guns that do not meet the 5 shot maximum must be destroyed, given to the government (or possibly) sold out of state before the bill takes effect). Since both the House and Senate here in Oregon are overwhelmingly Dems, there is an excellent chance it will be passed and signed by the Governor.
According to the Oregon Firearms Federation website:
“If SB 978 passes almost all of us (Oregonians) are at risk of becoming felons.”
So Mas, respectfully, I think todays political climate is more responsible for the lack of gun sales. After all, who wants to spend money for guns that the government will be taking away from us shortly?
I do know some who are rather motivated NOW to buy such firearms before they are made illegal. Even IF gummit will stomp and holler and hu=ff and puff with threats to come and take them.
Once the new law is passed, should it be, then getting one will be near impossible as long as you are an Oregon resident.
I also know some who live in Washington and who are buying the types that will be requried to be registered come July because of the new Bloomburg Sellout Bill. As it stands now, one will have to take an extensive firearms course (or have proof one HAS taken one that qualifies wtihin the past five years.. but so far no word on WHAT quailfies. Get it now before that roadblock chrashes into place….. at least the BloomingIdiots didn’t make the bill say they’d have to be destroyed if they are already owned.
Just say NO. Better yet, HELL NO!!!
Almost impossible to find on line for any price I could find.
If the Wrangler’s cylinder is made of steel, then I withdraw my concerns. Additional online searches don’t clarify the issue, but perhaps more details will emerge soon.
As an old school firearms enthusiast, I confess to being very fond of steel-and-wood firearms. Nevertheless, I agree that a .22 revolver with a quality aluminum frame and a steel cylinder is probably fine.
Now if we could just get the ammo companies to over-produce, resulting in a glut, ammo prices might come down. Just dreaming.
Could you fire 22 Hollow point or 22 win mags
I believe it’s in .22 Long Rifle and will certainly fire .22 LR hollow points; don’t know if they’re bringing it out yet in .22 Magnum or not.
Maybe have a version that comes with two (2) cylinders? One for .22 LR and another for .22 Magnum?
This is sometimes done with single-action revolvers since it is so easy to swap out the cylinders. Be good for this version to have an adjustable rear sight since the ballistics would differ.
Of course, an extra cylinder and adjustable sights would increase the cost. Ruger might figure that this goes against what they are trying to do with this model.
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