Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE:RGR) reported that firearms sales were up 55.5 percent in the first quarter to $62.2 million, compared to $40 million in the same period last year. "The level of demand for our products during the first quarter of 2009 has been unusually high, with more than 500,000 units ordered," said Ruger CEO Michael Fifer. First-quarter earnings rose to 30 cents per share, up from 7 cents per share in the first quarter of 2008.