Updated 4/9/2022A standard model for the first year, serial number 0194. This was the first shipment to Ruger’s factory in October 1949.
Photo by Don Findley. Ruger’s first Ruger 22 pistol was a huge success. It was introduced to the shooting public in 1949. Here are Gun Digest’s top picks for Ruger rimfire handguns. The Ruger 22 pistol was introduced to the shooting public in the August 1949 issue of American Rifleman magazine. It also featured the name Sturm, Ruger and Co., Inc. This advertisement was a landmark in firearms history. The names were similar. However, the overall appearance of the new handgun–the profile of the grip, shape and design of trigger guard, and the front sight design–all said “Luger.” This was not a problem as the Luger was a well-known and easily recognized gun. The similarities ended at the exterior. The Ruger’s operating mechanism was not the same as the toggle-locked, recoil operated Luger. The first shipment of 100 pistols arrived at retailers, wholesalers, and individuals on October 6, 1949. The first shipment of 100 pistols was sent to wholesalers, retailers, and individuals on October 6, 1949. Alex Sturm, Bill Ruger’s co-founder and partner, designed the medallion. He was an artist and writer as well as a collector and enthusiast of fine firearms. The black eagle grip was used on all Ruger Standard.22 pistols up to 1999 when the red eagle emblem was resurrected to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ruger. Although there are more serial numbers than 35,000, approximately 25,600 pistols with the red eagle medallion grip were made before Alexander Sturm’s death. This is because blocks of serial numbers were often kept aside and used at a later time. RED EAGLE GRAPH MEDALLION, STANDARD MODEL. This Ruger advertisement was placed in American Rifleman’s August 1949 issue. The Standard Model was a simple, reliable blowback design that could be used with standard and high-speed.22 long rifle ammunition. The tubular receiver features a blue finish, checkered rubber grips, thumb safety and a 36 ounce weight. Approximately 890 pistols were shipped via REA inside a wooden “salt code” box. There are no NIB examples, as all of these pistols were used to train. Some were equipped with silencers and were used in the tunnels of Vietnam. Some serial numbers on U.S.-marked guns measure 1/8 inch in height, while standard serial number measure 3/32 inches.MARK II STANDARD MODELA civil version of the Government Model Target. Only a few of these models bearing a U.S. mark are believed to have been in civilian hands. The Mark II was available in an optional stainless steel finish. It was originally priced at $147.50 in 1982. This special model is a civilian edition of a special model that was made for the federal government to be used as a training pistol for U.S. soldiers. It features an adjustable rear sight, a 6 7/8-inch bull bar, and a tight chamber to improve accuracy. One model with the “U.S.” marking on its right side, which is less than 25 of these models, was sold at an auction in December 2013 for $1,500. The civilian Government Model was identical, but it did not have the government markings. The civilian Government Model was identical, but did not have the government markings. There was a blue and stainless finish. The Competition model, a variant of the Target Model series, was introduced in 2005. It includes fixed sights, black-colored grips, and a 6-inch barrel. It is available in stainless and features a 6 7/8 inch slab-side barrel, checkered brown laminate grips and a thumb rest. The model weighs 45 ounces.MARK III 22,/45 LITEThe latest version of this popular model was introduced in 2013. It features a 4.4-inch fluted barrel, Zytel polymer frame and replaceable black laminate grip panels. The weight is approximately 23 ounces.RUGER Mark IV.22 PISTOL
The Ruger Mark IV is a.22 pistol equivalent to the Remington 870. It seems that everyone has at least one in their gun safe. It’s affordable and — in the Mark IV design changes — easy to disassemble and reassemble. The.22 pistol is responsible for many fun weekends of plinking and small game hunting. The Standard Model was a popular choice for Americans. It was cheap, but not necessarily expensive. There would be many variants to suit every purpose. These would be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside the Smith & Wesson Model 41 and the High Standard Supermatic in NRA Bullseye competition. The Mark IV.22 pistol is the most significant design change since the Standard Model’s introduction. They were plagued by Mark III evolutions that required difficult disassembly or reassembly. Ruger Mark IV.22 pistol now has a push-button takedown that snaps back together after cleaning. The 10/22-type rotary magazine has a capacity of 10 rounds and weighs 52 ounces. The receiver has an accessory rail mounted on the top. The Charger was produced from 2008 to 2012.RUGER SR22The SR22 pistol is a modern model with many of the same features as more expensive models. It was introduced in 2012. This semiauto is a traditional double-action semiauto chambered to the.22 Long Rifle cartridge. It operates with a straight blowback design. The SR22 is not a striker fired pistol, unlike the SR9 and SR40 centerfire models. The gun is lightweight at 17.5 ounces thanks to its aluminum slide and polymer grip frame. The barrel measures 3.5 inches in length and the overall length is 6.4 inches. The magazine can hold 10 rounds. Magazine capacity is 10 rounds. The frame is finished in black matte with either a silver or black anodized slide. A threaded barrel option is available. The top is a Single Ten with fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sights. In the center is a Single Six Hunter model with adjustable sights and integral scope mount bases. At bottom, you will find a New Model Convertible model that has adjustable rear and ramp front sight. Fixed sights are optional for the Convertible model. The Single Six in.22 LR was originally introduced with a 5 1/2-inch barrel. Later models came with a 4 1/2-inch, 6 1/2-inch, or 9 1/2-inch barrel lengths. The Single Six could be used with either.22 Short or Long ammunition. As an option, stag or varnished walnut grips were also available. The standard model featured a blued barrel with an aluminum grip frame and a cylinder with a blued barrel. The original Single Sixes had a flat loading gate with a rounded profile front view. Ruger enthusiasts refer to them as Flat Loading Gate models. In 1953, the price was $57.50 and in 1956 it was $63.25 for a Lightweight model. 1959 saw the introduction of a chambered version for the.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridge. It was only 6 1/2 inches in length. The Convertible model, which had interchangeable.22 LR cylinders, replaced the.22 WMR model. The barrel lengths were 4 5/8, 5 1/2, 6 1/2, or 9 1/2 inches. It was produced until 1972. The Super Single Six model was introduced with improved features such as an adjustable rear sight, ramp front, and an integral sightrib. The majority of Super Single Sixes had interchangeable cylinders for.22 LR or.22WMR.NEW BEARCATThe Ruger.22 Bearcat revolver. This old favorite was reintroduced as the Super Bearcat in 1994 with a four inch barrel, fixed sights and rosewood grips. It also has interchangeable cylinders in.22 LR or.22WMR. Smooth rosewood grips and fixed sights were some of the features. There were also interchangeable cylinders for.22 LR and.22 WMR. They were unsafe due to a timing problem and the magnum cylinders were recalled. However, not all of the recalled cylinders were returned to Ruger. More Rimfire Info:Corey Graff contributed to this article. More Rimfire Information:Corey Graff contributed to the article. NEXT STEP – Download Your Storm Tactical Printable Target Package62 Printable MOA Targets – Rifle Ranges in YARDSThis impressive target package from Storm Tactical includes62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range usage. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be found in MOA. Get Free Targets
