Gun Culture And Society
Connecticut warns Fairfield-based gun maker Sturm Ruger about possible litigation
Connecticut warns Fairfield-based gun maker Sturm Ruger about possible litigation
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Fairfield, Connecticut
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is putting a spotlight on the gun manufacturing practices of Sturm, Ruger & Co., a prominent Fairfield-based firearms company. In a letter delivered Monday, Tong expressed serious concerns regarding the RXM nine-millimeter pistol, alleging that it can easily be converted into a fully automatic machine gun using illegal conversion devices. This warning follows scrutiny from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, which has publicly urged Ruger to either modify the design of the RXM or withdraw it from the market altogether. Tong raised alarm about the potential misuse of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs), stating that these permits transform semi-automatic pistols into illegal fully-automatic weapons with little more than a simple attachment. "If the RXM can be easily converted to a machine gun," Tong warned, "Rugers quest for profits may violate Connecticuts Firearms Industry Responsibility Act and Unfair Trade Practices Act." His letter elaborated on shocking incidents in the state over the past year tied to the misuse of MCDs, including a shooting just two miles from his office that led to two deaths. The issue is particularly troubling in light of evidence suggesting MCDs can enable bursts of up to 1,200 rounds per minute rates comparable to military-grade weapons. Data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reveals that in 2023 alone, 31 of these devices were found in Connecticut, exacerbating an already dire public safety situation. Ruger has responded to Tong's inquiries through a spokesperson, defending its commitment to manufacture safe and quality products in compliance with the law. Notably, the spokesperson emphasized their disappointment over what they called a lack of dialogue from Tong's office before the letter was issued. This highlights an ongoing tension between manufacturers and regulators in an evolving legal landscape surrounding firearm safety. Moreover, Tong's dismay extends to Ruger's marketing tactics, where the RXM is positioned as compatible with a variety of Glock accessories, further complicating controls over potential astronomical rates of fire in civilian hands. "I was disturbed to read that you tout the ease with which your pistol can be modified," Tong remarked, highlighting a sense of neglect for public safety in favor of corporate profit. Adding fuel to the fire, reports indicate Glock may be considering pulling its easily modifiable pistols from the market as scrutiny over MCDs grows. This could signal broader implications for firearm manufacturers, indicating a shift in how they might respond to mounting pressures from both the public and legislative entities. As litigation looms for Ruger, which is already facing legal challenges tied to other incidents, the scrutiny from state officials like Tong serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between industrial innovation and public safety. Rugers ongoing commitment to expand its RXM family and maintain production amidst these controversies will be telling as the situation unfolds. In light of all these concerns, Tong's demands for documentation regarding the RXM's development and marketing strategies reflect a proactive stance that seeks to hold manufacturers accountable for their influence and responsibility in the public domain. Without improvements to safety standards and a reevaluation of firearm designs that can lead to deadly conversions, the future of the RXM remains uncertain. ---