Ruger Kickin’ 2018 off with Loads of New Rifles and Handguns

The first of two new 9mm 1911s for recreational, target and competition. (Photo: Ruger)

Ruger is in a hurry to get 2018 started off right with a solid set of new additions to their catalog, from casual plinkers to hard-hitters. They’re also updating some of their more popular products to make them more market-friendly.

The company is adding a handful of both new and improved rifles and handguns starting with two new 1911 pistols chambered for 9mm Luger.

First up is the SR1911 Target in 9mm, a full-size 1911 and the third Target model so far, following .45 ACP and 10mm Auto. The Target is a competition-ready pistol with aggressive checkering and slide serrations along with a skeletonized hammer and trigger.

Also a new 9mm 1911 for concealed-carry. (Photo: Ruger)

Like the other models, the 9mm version has fully-adjustable target sights and oversize, extended slide stop and magazine release levers. With flush magazines, the Target has a 9+1-round capacity.

Next is the new SR1911 Lightweight Officer, an alloy-framed pistol for concealed-carry. This handgun pairs an officer-style frame with a very compact 3.6-inch slide and frame. The result is a light, 27-ounce single-stack with an 8+1-round capacity.

Both of the new 1911s feature the company’s monolithic frames with integral plunger tubes that can’t come loose. They also come with machined G-10 grips, enlarged beavertail grip safeties, lowered and flared ejection ports and matte stainless slides with nitride-finished barrels.

The Target model has a matching matte stainless frame while the Lightweight Officer has a black hard anodized frame for a bold two-tone look. They’re priced at $1,019 and $979, respectively, so expect real-world pricing to start around $800.

The company is also expanding their American family of rifles with new rimfire and camo options. They’re adding a Ruger American Rimfire Target model with an adjustable black laminate thumbhole stock and free-floated, threaded, match-grade barrel.

For shooters looking to replicate the long-range shooting experience but want to keep things on a tight budget, there’s the new Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle. Built to look and feel like a Ruger Precision Rifle or RPR this new gun is chambered for .22 Long Rifle and uses common 10/22 magazines.

The flagship Precision Rifle now in .22. (Photo: Ruger)

Like all RPRs the .22 model can be customized with AR-pattern grips and selector levers and comes standard with a fully-adjustable stock. One nice touch is an angled 30 MOA scope rail for longer-range shooting. These guns are likely to list for just under $500.

The new Mark IV Target is suppressor-ready. (Photo: Ruger)

Also from now on all RPRs will come standard with modular M-Lok free-floating handguards. Previously Ruger used KeyMod handguards for these guns, the less popular of these two standards.

That’s not the only rimfire gun debuting this 2018. The company’s adding two new Mark IV pistols with improved takedown. One is a Target model with a threaded bull barrel and the other is a Lightweight 22/45 with a skeletonized frame and compact barrel.

This new Mark IV is a capable, lightweight kit gun. (Photo: Ruger)

The new 22/45 should list for around $500 or less. The Target model is a bit more expensive and should list for around $600.

For real long-range shooting Ruger’s introducing their Hawkeye in .300 Winchester Magnum. This target rifle features a heavy barrel with 5R rifling, a removable 20 MOA rail, and adjustable laminate stock. The rifle uses Accuracy International-pattern magazines and comes with one 5-round detachable Magpul magazine.

The new Hawkeye is also very competitively priced with a $1,279 MSRP. Real-world prices are going to be a lot closer to $1,000.

For Ruger fans everywhere, the decision this year won’t be which Ruger to buy, but which Ruger to buy first.

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