(Article) Ruger Steps up for Gun Owner’s Rights

Ruger Steps up for Gun Owner’s Rights

Responding to what NRA Executive VP Wayne LaPierre “the most dangerous period for the Second Amendment and our freedom,” Ruger CEO Mike Fifer has once again demonstrated the company’s commitment towards gun rights advocacy through the “2.5 Million Gun Challenge” pledge. The company committed to donating $2 for each new firearm sold between the 2015 and 2016 annual NRA meetings lending much needed support to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA-ILA, speaks to the important industry example set by Ruger through this initiative, “Ruger’s 2 Million Gun Challenge is a model of good corporate citizenship in defense of American freedom. By supporting the NRA’s fight to defend the right to keep and bear arms, Ruger not only advances the rights of American gun owners and hunters – they also directly benefit the freedoms and safety of all Americans. That’s as visionary as it is vital to the rights and traditions we hold dear."

The current campaign builds on the success of the much-praised “Million Gun Challenge” of 2011/2012 that made history by directly associating firearms sales with 2^nd Amendment advocacy, a first within the industry. During that year-long challenge, Ruger was able to donate $1,253,700 to the NRA and cited the program’s popularity with helping the company set historic manufacturing records. “We believe that Ruger is the first firearms manufacturer to build and ship more than one million firearms in one year.”

The NRA/Ruger partnership demonstrates that industry and advocacy go hand-in-hand as the country realizes a new political shift that can pose new concerns for gun owners. For more than 60 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Ruger’s motto, “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens,” echoes the importance of these principles as they work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms.

CEO Fifer has basically double-downed on the previous campaign solidifying their commitment, “"We're bringing back the One Million Gun Challenge with a twist. Our goal is to sell two million firearms between the 2015 and 2016 NRA Annual Meetings. With that, we pledge to donate not one, but two dollars to the NRA for every new firearm sold during that time. We accomplished our goals to support the NRA in 2012, and with the help of our loyal customers, we believe we can do it again." The company is well on their way to realizing their $4 million goal and judging by the program’s popularity it has benefitted both the company and their customer’s interests; a win-win for both.

Daniel Williamson