[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF WILLIAM BATTERMAN RUGER

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
honor the life of a dear friend William Ruger, one of the greatest gun 
designers and manufacturers in the nation.
  Joining with Alexander McCormick Sturm in 1949 Ruger founded Sturm 
Ruger & Co., the largest firearms designer, manufacturer, and 
distributer in the United States. At the time Ruger's company produced 
more varieties of sport firearms than any other firm in the world. 
Turning out his first design in 1949, Ruger's pistol soon became one of 
America's favorite hand guns, still widely used by many gun owners 
today.
  Ruger would soon design a light machine gun for the United States 
Army and would continue designing and patenting dozens of guns 
throughout the last 53 years. ``Ruger was a true firearms genius who 
mastered the disciplines of inventing, designing, engineering, 
manufacturing and marketing better than anyone since Samuel Colt,'' 
said R.L. Wilson, a firearms historian and Ruger Biographer. ``No one 
in the 20th century so clearly dominated the field or was so skilled at 
articulating the unique appeal of quality firearms for legitimate 
uses.''
  Recently as chairman emeritus Ruger oversaw the manufacturing of 
high-quality rifles, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers that law 
enforcement and sporting enthusiasts have come to expect. Ruger kept a 
watchful eye on the company as it prospered, building manufacturing 
facilities in a number of New Hampshire's towns providing work for 
many.
  I have found great friendship with Ruger throughout the last years of 
his life and continue to admire and cherish the friendship that I have 
with his family. He was not only a great husband and father but a great 
businessman, American patriot, and friend.
  It was an honor representing William Ruger in the U.S. Senate and 
remains a distinct privilege in serving his family.

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