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Yesterday I got a chance to pick up what I was told to be a Ruger Mark II for a real nice price. I looked at it and immediately noticed it was actually a Ruger Standard, I believe it to be about a 1966 vintage piece just looking at the serial number. I put it back together for this photo and have already taken back apart for more cleaning. I strongly suspect I am the first person to strip the gun in over 40 years.



For those of you who don't know the Ruger Standard was the gun that started it all for Sturm, Ruger, and Co. Many people today refer to this gun as the Mark I, but that is incorrect. The Mark I, which entered production along side the Standard around two years after the Standard was introduced, featured adjustable sights, a "Target barrel", and a different style front sight.

I have always wanted a Standard, but I didn't think I would find one this easy.

Edit: Broke and fixed the image

NIce find!!

That definitely looks like a Standard with the 4-7/8" tapered barrel. I have one that my dad bought new. Sweet shooter. My oldest boy (who is now 22) was jaw agape when he was about 15, and I demonstrated double-taps on empty 12 gauge hulls. It's not nearly as difficult as it is impressive: stand empty hulls on end in the dirt at about 3 yards. Shoot just low at the base (probably not even hitting the brass), which will kick it into the air, then immediately shoot again to knock down the flying hull.

It's not hard, but it blew him away.

Actually this gun has a six inch tapered barrel, which this is the only example I have seen with this exactly barrel.

I have the same pistol that i bought several years ago(used $75). The grip panel does not have a logo on it. My serial showed 1972 and it is a wonderful shooter. Lost a mag button last weekend so need to find another. Good luck with the new shooter.

G.A. Heath wrote:

I strongly suspect I am the first person to strip the gun in over 40 years.

You may be right, the Rugers are not the easiest semi-autos to break down. I must practice more with my MK III and 22/45.

Nice catch, BTW.

Sidro wrote:I have the same pistol that i bought several years ago(used $75). The grip panel does not have a logo on it. My serial showed 1972 and it is a wonderful shooter. Lost a mag button last weekend so need to find another. Good luck with the new shooter.

Your grip panel on the right side should have the logo seeing how yours is a '72 vintage gun. in 1971 Ruger moved the follower button from the right to the left side and the logo moved from the left to the right grip panel. The switch came about because the dies used to make the frame wore out and Ruger was planning to move the mag button for the Mark II so they moved it when they changed the dies.

Serial says 72 but no logo either side and mag follower button is on the right. Any ideas? Sn 11-35xxx.

probably replacement or aftermarket grips were installed on your weapon. According to Ruger's website yours is actually a 72 vintage piece. For those interested in checking their serial numbers from your Standard or Mark I for production year visit http://www.ruger-firearms.com/service/p ... MarkI.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; you can even download the owners manual if you do not have one.

I just happened to know the serial # span for the 66 vintage pieces because that was what I REALLY wanted, so when I literally stumbled into this deal I snapped it up, after spending $200, cleaning, and firing 30 rounds I have to say it is one of the best $200 I have ever spent.

For all Rugers you can visit http://www.ruger-firearms.com/service/p ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and navigate the links to find your specific firearm.

Oldgringo wrote:

G.A. Heath wrote:

I strongly suspect I am the first person to strip the gun in over 40 years.

You may be right, the Rugers are not the easiest semi-autos to break down. I must practice more with my MK III and 22/45.

Nice catch, BTW.

They're not that hard to break down, but they can be heck to put back together!

not that hard to put back together either, you just have to hold them at the right angle, jump on one foot, wear a pointy hat, chew gum, and sing a song from cats...

really, really nice find on the "Standard"..... now, what was the price

surv

I actually paid $200 for the gun and all the grime inside it. The finish has its rough spots but on a 43 year old gun that was obviously used regularly you can't complain. Out here in West Texas just about all Rugers fetch a premium price and I paid a fair price on nearly everyones market.

nice... I would have gladly paid the $200 price (given the cash on hand). Congratulations on a great find.


surv