Bill Ruger Dies

a.. FIREARMS LEGEND BILL RUGER DIES . . . William Batterman Ruger, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Sturm, Ruger & Company, the largest firearms manufacturer in the United States, and widely recognized as one of "America's greatest gun designers," died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 6, 2002, at age 86, after a period of failing health. A legend in American industry, Ruger had a hand in the original design and time-honored styling of every firearm his company has produced, and continued to work on new creations up until his death.

Ruger steered his business from "it can't be done" remarks to a New York Stock Exchange corporation (NSYE: RGR) which has produced more than 20,000,000 firearms for hunting, target shooting, collecting, self-defense, law enforcement and government agencies. Ruger teamed with Alexander McCormick Sturm and established Sturm, Ruger Company in 1949. Subsequent to Sturm's death in 1951, under Ruger's leadership, the company produced more types of sporting firearms than any other firearms firm in the world.

His first firearm introduction in 1949, a stylish .22 caliber target pistol, was considered "the first gun" of many Americans, and is still one of the most popular target pistols in widespread use. "Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in the firearms field," said Doug Painter, NSSF president, "Bill Ruger was a charter founder of the NSSF and a tremendous supporter of efforts to promote our hunting heritage and preserve America's firearms freedoms."

When not involved with his firearms operations, Ruger indulged his life-long passions, including antique firearms, 19th Century Western American art, and his nationally noted antique car collection of more than 30 vehicles, including Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Bugattis, Stutzes, and a 1913 Mercer Raceabout, among others.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, July 13, on the grounds of the Central Station Blue Mountain Forest Association, Central Station Road, Croydon, New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers, contribution should be sent to the Dartmouth Medical School, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755; or Yavapai Regional Medical Center, 1003 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, Arizona 86301.