In 1987, Ruger pioneered the practice of supplying a lockable box and padlock with its newly manufactured pistols and revolvers. Since then, this safety program was expanded to encompass the entire Ruger firearm line. Currently, every Ruger firearm is shipped from the factory with an appropriate locking mechanism to help our customers meet their responsibility to store firearms unloaded and in a safe condition.

* Customers with the older red cable locks or brass padlocks can obtain a free replacement yellow cable lock (Lock Exchange Program (8.2)) which is relatively more secure from intentional opening without the correct key. (Please click on "Special Safety Announcements".)

By the end of 2005, all newly manufactured Ruger firearms will be shipped from the factory with a new external key-operated locking device. These will be California-approved firearms safety devices that meet the requirement of California Penal Code Section 12088 and the regulations issued thereunder.

The State of Maryland has mandated that all pistols and revolvers manufactured on or after January 1, 2003 must have an “integrated mechanical safety device” to be legally available for sale in Maryland. As a result, beginning in 2004, newly designed and manufactured Ruger pistols will be equipped with internal locks.

Maryland law also provides that pistols and revolvers manufactured before January 1, 2003 may be sold in Maryland after that date, even though they do not have an “integrated mechanical safety device," provided they are accompanied by an external lock. Please contact our Service Department for a list of serial numbers of pistols and revolvers manufactured before January 1, 2003.

While locking devices are an important aid to security measures, they are not a substitute for safe firearm handling and proper storage. Remember that any mechanical device can be bypassed with enough time, knowledge, determination and equipment. At a minimum you should always:

Read the owners manual supplied with your firearm and the instructions supplied with your locking device before attempting to install the locking device on your firearm.

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, including when you are installing and removing your locking device.

Always verify that your firearm is completely unloaded before installing the locking device and storing your firearm.

Store firearms, ammunition and keys separately and securely, away from children and careless adults; do not store your firearm with the keys in the locking device. Do not attempt to work the action of any firearm with the locking device in place; this may damage your firearm or lock.