Tag: Ruger

Ruger Firearms has generously donated two rare and collectible “U.S.” marked Mark II .22 LR caliber pistol to benefit the Scholastic Action Shooting Program. The pistols are being auctioned on Gunbroker.com as follows:

• Serial number is 19-79748 through January 31, 12:30PM eastern time.
• Serial number is 19-79749 through February 7, 12:30PM eastern time.

We have for auction two “U.S.” marked Mark II .22 LR caliber pistols with a rollmark date of November 3, 1983. These are likely a proto-type of the MK678G training pistols manufactured for the U.S. Army from 1984 – 1986. The pistol has a heavy tapered 6-7/8 inch barrel. The “U.S.” stamp is larger than the contracted models, and the front sight is a higher Patridge-type fixed front sight.

Additionally, the U.S. Army pistols’ serial numbers began with prefix 210-. In 1983, Ruger was awarded a contract from the U.S. Army, Rock Island Arsenal for a .22 caliber target and training pistol for the U.S. armed forces. A new model was established to meet the U.S. Army’s requirements (catalog no. MK678G), and this was the first time Ruger Mark II pistols were equipped with 6 7/8″ bull barrels. The MK678G pistols were rollmarked “U.S.” on the right side of the barrel/receiver assembly, had finer sights, a roller-burnished chamber, and enhanced accuracy.

Special targeting methods were developed using a (then) new laser sighting system, which was later granted a U.S. patent. The laser targeting system worked very well during production, and each pistol was packed with a target attesting to its compliance with the U.S. Government accuracy standards for such pistols. The duration of the contract lasted until 1986, and the Company ultimately shipped over 17,000 pistols to the U.S. Army. No “U.S.” marked pistols were shipped commercially during the period of the government contract.

The pistol is being sold “as is,” and the purchaser assumes all liability for its safe and proper ownership, storage, use, and resale. The pistol is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction. Note: the winner of this auction will be responsible for paying the Federal Excise Tax.

Ruger has committed to supporting the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in 2018 through a series of Gunbroker.com auctions starting in January and running through mid-April, with a new auction beginning each Wednesday at 12:30 pm EST.