Back in the days when Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers dominated the U.S. police market, William B. Ruger, co-founder and CEO of Sturm, Ruger & Company and one of the most accomplished gun designers in American history, wanted a piece of the action. His .22 autoloading pistol was the best selling gun of its type, as were his single action rimfire (Single Six) and centerfire (Blackhawk) revolvers.