If I say Ruger, what do you think? Ruger is a fairly diverse company. Some might picture their robust revolvers in a variety of calibers. Others may picture their affordable handgun lineups. Still, others might think of the slick and absolutely wonderful No. 1 rifle series, maybe their affordable AR series, or even something like the Mini 14. What I doubt many people picture is the Ruger MP9 submachine gun. Yes, at one point, Ruger wanted to get into the SMG market and did so with one of its most famed designers.
The Ruger MP9 – An Improved Uzi
It was the mid-1990s. Short carbines hadn’t wiped submachine guns off the international military and police table just yet. They were still a popular option for law enforcement and special operations use. Ruger decided to try to cash into that market and introduced the MP-9 into its catalogs in 1995.
The design is a bit older than the 1990s and tracks by the 1980s. Israeli firearms designer Uziel Gal looked to improve his design. The Uzi entered legendary status. Its compact design made it a favorite for various special operations forces, and it participated in numerous Israeli military campaigns. The United States Secret Service even accepted the weapon.
