"they
turn their direction around to what made Ruger the largest firearms manufacturer in the US"
Bill started, built & made successful his company by making a quality firearm,, using different methods of manufacturing,, that cost less,, allowing the sale of his guns to the average shooter. This is EXACTLY what the current management has done with the Wrangler & other models. And,, under Bill,, they never met the production numbers they have in recent years. Bill never saw production of 1 million (or more) guns in one year. Current management has done so,, more than once.
And let's NOT forget the complaining that used to happen under Bill. Introduce a new gun,, but not have any in the market for many folks for 2-3 years.
And I know the issue with "quality" will be mentioned,, but let's NOT forget the early years,, where the blued guns turned color,,, and many sent their guns back. Or the ones with "lightning streaks" in the metal. Or,, the stocks cracking on the 44 carbine. How about the top strap flame cutting of the 357 Max? Early Lightweight 22's with the cylinders showing chips in the finish?
My point is that even under Bill,, they had PROBLEMS,, and they worked to resolve them. Current management is no different. Bill was smart in not offering a written warranty but instead, chose to just fix things. It saved MONEY!!!!!!!!
Current management does the same. We just happen to see more problems,, because there are MORE Rugers in MORE hands now. ANY production item,, (not just guns,) are going to have a percentage of product with potential issues. Heck, in my stable,, I have a Std Auto where the rear sight blade doesn't have the slot cut in the middle. The corner is cut. And,, many of the early "mistakes" are now highly sought after collectables.
I currently have 3 of the Wranglers. ALL are still NIB,, (my choice,) and are all quite nice. Fit is pretty good overall,, but NOT perfect! Grip frame on one,, just a tiny smidgen offset sideways. Grips are a little small allowing the g/f to be a little proud.
But for the cost,, they are EXACTLY what Bill built his company on. An affordable SHOOTER for the working man.
And as for the "plastic fantastic" issues,,, we have to accept that much of the average joe buying public prefers that. I, as well as many of us here are older,, and blue steel & wood are OUR preferences. NOT so with the current younger folks. So,, while I PREFER Old Model, 4 click SA's,, I can appreciate that the Company is successful,, selling a lot of guns,, and STILL offering many good SA's for us to enjoy. And,, even now,, with the LCP & Wrangler,, AFFORDABLE handguns for the working man.