
These models were made with a tight chamber to enhance accuracy. It has an adjustable rear sight, 6 7⁄8-inch bull barrel and came with either a blue or stainless finish. This special model is a civilian version of a special model made for the federal government as a training pistol for U.S.

To mark the end of the Mark II series, in 2004 the last 1,000 were marked “One of One Thousand.” A small premium of 10 to 20 percent could be negotiated for this model. Two special “Friends of NRA” models were manufactured for the National Rifle Association’s auctions in 1997 (blue finish) and in 2001 (stainless).

The original price for this model in 1982 was $147.50. With the Mark II there was an optional stainless steel finish. rollmark are believed to be in civilian hands.Ĭhanges for this model were mostly on the inside and included a 10-round magazine instead of the original nine, a faster lock-time, a magazine release button that could easily be moved to either side of the grip, and a device to hold the action open after the last shot was fired.Ī new safety allowed the pistol to be loaded or unloaded, or the action to be manually operated, with the safety on. Only a handful of these models with a U.S. MARK II STANDARD MODEL A civilian version of the Government Model Target. The serial numbers on some U.S.-marked guns measure 1⁄8-inch in height, while standard serial numbers measure 3⁄32-inch. Some were fitted with silencers and used in the tunnels of Vietnam. However, the similarities ended with the outward appearance, for the Ruger’s operating mechanism and blow-back action were nothing like that of the toggle-locked, recoil-operated Luger. This was not a negative, as the Luger was one of the most famous and recognizable guns in the world.

Not only were the names similar, the overall look of the new handgun-the profile, angle of the grip, shape of the trigger guard, the tapered barrel and design of the front sight-said “Luger.”

to an industry that one day would be dominated by the company.Īt a glance, the image of the Ruger pistol was very familiar it bore a striking resemblance to the German Luger. The ad presented the very first Ruger 22 pistol to the shooting public, and it also introduced the name Sturm, Ruger and Co., Inc. When an advertisement for the “.22 Ruger pistol” appeared in the August 1949 issue of the National Rifle Association’s American Rifleman magazine, firearms history was made. Here are Gun Digest's top picks of Ruger rimfire handguns. Ruger hit a grand slam with its first Ruger 22 pistol, introduced to the shooting public in 1949. Updated A first-year Standard Model, serial number 0194, from the first shipment from the Ruger factory in October of 1949.
