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Ruger Firearms for Every Occasion
Ruger has built a reputation for itself by making quality firearms that don’t break the bank and can be relied upon to go bang every time. They are like your 1980s Chevy, pure American muscle.
When Ruger and Magpul collaborate, you know you’re in for a treat. Source
Some brands aim to dominate a specific niche. Ruger, on the other hand, offers a product for nearly every shooter on the market, ranging from concealed carry to long-range competition. The question isn’t whether Ruger makes a firearm that fits your needs. The question is which Ruger firearm best fits your needs for each specific firearm-related activity.
Concealed Carry: Ruger LCP MAX, MAX-9, and LCR
Concealed carry is about trade-offs. When selecting a firearm for concealed carry, you are balancing size, weight, and shootability against the realities of daily carry. Ruger provides many options for concealed carrying, and today we’ll look at three of them.
My well-loved LCP II with my newer LCP MAX.
First is the LCP MAX. The LCP MAX is one of the ultimate “always guns.” At under 11 ounces, the LCP MAX, like its predecessor, the LCP II, can be slipped into a pocket holster and simply disappear.
It stands out from earlier iterations of the LCP by holding 10+1 rounds of .380 ACP, compared to the earlier pistols, which hold 6+1 rounds. You can also have 12+1 if you get the right magazines. The LCP MAX isn’t designed to win a shooting competition, but to be the pistol on you when you need it most. Both the earlier LCP II and the LCP MAX are in my rotation for when I need to throw a pistol in my pocket quickly.
The MAX-9 is Ruger’s entry in the micro-compact category. Source
The MAX-9 is a micro-compact pistol that follows the path trailblazed by the Sig P365. It isn’t much bigger than the LCP MAX but is chambered in 9mm with a 10+1 or 12+1 capacity. It ships with an optic-ready slide as well.
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Ruger MAX-9 9mm 10 Round Magazine
19 reviews
Original price was: $32.99.$19.99Current price is: $19.99.
Many shooters consider this the sweet spot for concealed carry firearms. The 9mm is more effective than the .380; it offers a respectable capacity and has a footprint that is easily concealable.
The Ruger LCR is one of the best revolvers for concealed carry. Source
For those who prefer revolvers, Ruger’s LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver) is one of the few modern wheelguns designed for concealed carry. The LCR sports a polymer-aluminum hybrid frame, which keeps it light enough for concealed carry, and the Hogue Tamer grip helps manage recoil. Ruger has kept the LCR versatile, with it being chambered in .38 special, .357 magnum, and 9mm. Speed loaders help compensate for the limited cylinder capacity of revolvers.
Everyday Carry/Home Defense Hybrid: Ruger RXM
If the year were 2007, the Ruger RXM might be the king of concealed carry. It is a Glock 19-sized firearm, which, for many, makes it a do-it-all form factor. It is a “Goldilocks” if you will. The RXM is compact enough for concealed carry, accepts Glock magazines, and is large enough to accommodate a 15-round mag, making it an excellent choice for home defense.
Since getting my RXM, it is one of my favorite pistols to shoot.
The RXM comes with a standard optics cut, and the ergonomics on the pistol are fantastic. I was an early adopter of the RXM, and my experience has been nothing short of excellent. It feels great in the hand, shoots well, and is a whole lot of pistol for an affordable price point from Ruger.
Pistol-Caliber Carbine: Ruger PC Carbine and PC Charger
Ruger’s PC Carbine and PC Charger are its entries in the Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) market. The resurgence of PCCs has led to numerous players throwing their names in the hat, and Ruger’s offerings are particularly strong entries.
The versatility of the Ruger PCC makes it a go-to firearm for many gun owners. Source
The PC Carbine is a very versatile design. I appreciate that it features a takedown mechanism for easy transportation, as well as both optics and accessory rails, and interchangeable magazine wells. This allows you to run both Ruger magazines and, more useful in my book, Glock-style magazines.
The PC Charger utilizes the same system as the PC Carbine, but shrinks it into a compact, braced pistol format. Both the PC Carbine and PC Charger are suppressor-ready, making them convenient firearms.
.22LR for Competition: Ruger Mark IV
Ruger’s Mark series of .22LR pistols is legendary for its accuracy and precision. Get on just about any forum or social platform, and you can find people praising the Mark series, specifically the Mark IV. I have owned and shot lots of .22LR pistols over the years, and very few have performed as well as the Mark IV.
The Ruger IV 22/45 Lite is a striking firearm. Source
The Mark IV is the best of the Mark series to date. Ruger listened to shooters and added a one-button takedown to the firearm for easy cleaning. Depending on the type of shooting or competitions you participate in, you can opt for the Mark IV with longer barrels, optics rails, and precision triggers.
The recoil on the Mark IV is virtually non-existent, which allows you to focus on your shooting mechanics, speed, and precision. The results? An excellent gun for competition, offered at a very competitive price.
When purchasing magazines for the Ruger Mark IV, be aware of the two different grip styles the pistol can be purchased with. There is the Mark IV 22/45 and the Mark III & IV style.
SALE 
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 .22 LR 10 Round Magazine (2 Pack)
134 reviews
Original price was: $61.99.$44.99Current price is: $44.99.
Out of stock
Utility & Rimfire: Ruger 10/22
For over 50 years, the Ruger 10/22 has been the go-to rifle for new shooters, plinkers, small-game hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who needs a firearm that is rock solid. My very first gun was a Ruger 10/22. My most commonly used firearm on my farm is a Ruger 10/22. The first gun I put in a new shooter’s hands is a Ruger 10/22.
They are reliable, have endless aftermarket support, and shoot easily. Additionally, the factory magazines are tough and just work. I use both the full-size 10/22 and the pistol-braced version, the 22 charger, all the time, and could not be happier with the firearms. It is also an excellent suppressor host.
When selecting magazines for the 10/22, you have numerous options, with OEM magazines available in 10-round, 15-round, and 25-round capacities. On my farm, the 15-rounders get the most use.
SALE 
Ruger 10/22 22LR 25 RD Magazine (2 Pack)
553 reviews
Original price was: $68.99.$44.99Current price is: $44.99.
Hunting Rifle: Ruger American Rifle Gen 2
The Ruger American Gen 1 was the budget rifle champion of its time. With the Ruger American Rifle Gen 2, Ruger listened to the community’s recommendations and added a host of upgrades.
The lightweight design, adjustable trigger, and bedding system that made the Gen 1 successful remain. What Ruger did was upgrade the stock, improve the finish, and make changes that increase accessory compatibility.
The Ruger American Gen 2 is an upgrade of the already popular Gen 1 rifle. Source
The American Gen 2 is available in a wide array of calibers and with several models that change the feel and length of the rifle. This means you can tailor your Ruger American Gen 2 to suit hunting whitetail in the piney woods of East Texas or elk in the rolling hills of the West.
When purchasing magazines for your Ruger American, be aware that the Gen 1 and Gen 2 rifle magazines are specifically designed for their respective generations. The Gen 2 rifle uses AI-style magazines. Ensure you get the correct magazine for your rifle.
Heirloom Revolver and Long-Range Competition
I would like to discuss a couple of final firearms before I wrap this article. The Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) is one of the best long-range competition rifles you can buy without starting with a custom rifle.
It is a rifle that performs phenomenally and is still available at a price point that everyday shooters can justify. Chambered in long-range favorites like the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, the RPR has a free-float barrel, chassis system for rigidity, and an adjustable stock.
The Ruger Precision Rifle is one of the best off-the-shelf precision rifles you can buy. Source
Every collection needs a revolver that will outlast its owner. For Ruger, that’s the GP100. Overbuilt to handle a steady diet of .357 Magnum, it also shoots soft-recoiling .38 Special for range days.
The Ruger GP100 is an heirloom-quality revolver.
With its triple-locking cylinder, robust frame, and tank-like construction, the GP100 has earned a reputation for near-indestructibility. I remember buying my GP100, and it still holds a special place in my heart.
Last Words
Ruger doesn’t just make one good gun; it makes good guns for almost every single firearm category. From the LCP MAX in your pocket to the legendary 10/22 to the American for your hunting needs, Ruger’s lineup is comprehensive. The company understands that different shooters have different needs and designs its firearms accordingly.
These picks aren’t just the “best Rugers” on paper; many of them compete for the best firearm in their category and work in the real world.
