Rōnin Series

On a snowy December night in 1702, a lone messenger traveled from Edo to Ako to chronicle a tale of revenge that began almost a year earlier. In what is known as the Tokugawa era, Japanese imperialism relied on hierarchy and honor. At the top sat the emperor, followed by the shōgun (military officials appointed by the emperor) and several daimyō (feudal lords).

Serving under each daimyō was a band of samurai warriors (the word samurai originally meant "one who serves") who followed what is known as the bushidō (a code of conduct meaning “Way of the Warrior”). One specific virtue of the bushidō demanded “loyalty over life” to their master.

And here our tale begins…

One particular daimyō, named Asano, was hosting a gathering for officials. Other daimyō and the shōgun were all in attendance. During the celebrations, a feudal lord named Kira continually dishonored Asano. Driven by greed, Kira schemed and provoked an attack from Asano. Asano took the bait and struck, leaving a faint wound on Kira’s head.

However, Asano’s offense would be enough to warrant a penalty known as seppuku (an honorable, ritualistic death at one’s own hands). In addition, his samurai were expected to follow suit or be reduced to rōnin (a disgraceful title given to masterless samurai). While most of Asano’s family became outcasts, his samurai became rōnin. And a fraction of them set in motion a plan to right the wrong committed.

Forty-seven of them, to be exact.

A year passed, and Asano’s rōnin now gathered outside the walls of Kira’s mansion. In upholding the bushidō code, the rōnin laid siege to Kira’s household, avenging the dishonor and death of their master by beheading Kira. The shōgun realized this small band of warriors upheld the most important code of the bushido—justice—and granted them seppuku rather than execution. And thus, the legend was born.

Every model of our Rōnin Series has been designed to capture and reflect each one of these noble samurai. While these firearms and accessories are affordable, their dependability and utility are of the utmost importance.