Ruger Mark II Auto pistol was introduced in 1982. The Sturm Ruger company virtually made its name with its Standard .22 Automatic pistol, which was first introduced in 1949 and has been the firm’s anchor ever since. At the end of 1981, with over one million of this and its target version, the Ruger Mark I sold, it was announced that an improved version, the Mark II, would be marketed during 1982.
Design
The Mark II maintains the same basic form and appearance as its predecessor, a blowback pistol using a fixed barrel and a bolt that reciprocates within a tubular receiver; several parts are, in fact, interchangeable between old and new models.
The changes are minor in form but add up to significant improvements; the trigger has been changed in material and shape, and its pivot system has been redesigned so that it is now possible to retract the bolt to unload or examine the chamber while the safety is applied and with the sear firmly locked; the magazine has been reworked and now accepts 10 rounds instead of the former nine; the rear of the receiver has been cut away on each side so that it is now easier to grasp the bolt retraction ears, and a new bolt hold-open device has been adopted.
The old model used the safety catch as a hold-open device, but the Mark II has a small catch above the left grip which, when depressed, allows the bolt to close after it has been held open by the magazine follower after the last shot has gone.
Models
An impressive weapon, the Ruger Mark II Auto Pistol is available in Standard models with fixed sights and with 4.75 in or 6 in barrel lengths, a Target model with fully adjustable sights and a 6 in barrel, and a ‘Bull Barrel’ model with adjustable sights and a heavy 5 in the barrel.
Technical specifications: Ruger Mark II
| Manufacturer: | Sturm, Ruger & Co., Southport, CT 06490, United States |
| Type: | blowback, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | .22 Long Rifle RF |
| Barrel: | 4.75 in (120 mm) |
| Weight (empty): | 36 oz (1019 grams) |
| Capacity: | 10 rounds |
I love my Mk II target pistol. Owned it since new in ‘82. Very reliable and very, very accurate.
ALMOST BOUGHT ONE OF THESE IN 1967. AT THAT TIME I BELIEVE THEY SOLD FOR $59.95. I HAVE ALWAYS REGRETED THIS MISTAKE.
I have a question, instead of a comment. Will the magazine from the newer Mark 2. Fit , and function in the older Mark 1. I’m having trouble getting an extra for my older Ruger. That I can afford. Thank you.
You forgot the government model with the target sights and 6 7/8″ barrel.
You forgot about the government model with the 6-7/8″ barrel.
I am mediocre shot at best with most pistols. My Mark II (6 7/8″ tapered target model) always redeems me at the range! Most who shoots it offer to buy it from me. MY favorite.
qualified with this pistol for my CWP it’s very accurate it was stolen from me in June 2018 knox tn
You also forgot the 10 in target model
I own 6 variations of the Ruger Mrk II My favorite is the 11-inch Bull Barrel in Stainless.
Can’t seem to get it apart to clean.
Had to use a songs cleaner bath.
i have one with the ruger muzzle brake on it don’t see to many of those.
l have a Ruger 22/45 love it had it for a long time
I have the awesome Mark II Target bull barrel with the Majestic Arms Speed Strip installed, so takedown and cleaning are a cinch.
I have used a RUGER Mark II “Slab Side for indoor target matches for a number of years. Sadly a recent move has put me out of reasonable driving distance to continue. I tricked it with Volquardsen trigger parts and it is a fine shooter! I also equipped it with a Leupold red dot for the target shooting.
just bought one it’s real heavy all black target model brand new $250 bull barrel are these accurate?
I bought my Ruger MKII with 6″ barrel in 1984 for the princely sum of $82.50 brand new! I’ve put thousands of rounds through it will various ammo with no jams or misfires. You can hit soda cans all day long at 20yds. I highly recommend buying one even at todays prices. It’s a fine shooting pistol of heirloom quality if you maintain it properly.