Ruger Standard
Blued Ruger Standard model with wood grips
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Designer	William Ruger
Designed	1949
Manufacturer	Sturm, Ruger
Produced	1949–present
Variants	MK I Target MK II MK II Target MK II Government Target Competition model MK III MK III Target 22/45 MK IV
Specifications
Barrel length	4 in (10 cm) 4.75 in (12.1 cm) 5.25 in (13.3 cm) 5.5 in (14 cm) 6 in (15 cm) 6.875 in (17.46 cm) 10 in (25 cm)
Cartridge	.22 Long Rifle
Action	blowback
Feed system	9- or 10-roundbox magazine
Sights	Openiron sights, both fixed and adjustable

TheRuger Standard Model is arimfiresemi-automatic pistol introduced in 1949 as the first product manufactured bySturm, Ruger & Co., and was the founding member of a product line of.22 Long Riflecartridgehandguns, including its later iterations: the MK II, MK III, and MK IV. It is marketed as an inexpensive.22 caliber rimfire intended for casualsport andtargetshooting, andplinking. Designed by company founderWilliam B. Ruger, the Standard model and its variants are the most sold .22 caliber semi-automatic pistols ever produced.^[1][2]

AfterWorld War II, firearm designer and entrepreneur Bill Ruger acquired a pair of World War IIJapaneseNambu pistols from a returningUS Marine, which he successfully duplicated in his garage.^[3] Using the Nambu's silhouette andbolt system, Ruger produced his first prototype, but lacked theventure capital necessary to fund its introduction. When his affluent friendAlex Sturm was shown the 1949prototype Ruger had created, he was impressed by its aesthetic and its slight resemblance to the GermanLuger P08 pistol.

Realizing that prospective buyers would share his sentiment, Sturm invested $50,000 and the two teamed to form the companySturm, Ruger & Co.^[1][2] Ruger's new product was named the "Standard" model. Intended as a low-costrecreation andsporting product for outdoor,hunting and firearms enthusiasts, Ruger employed a number of simple and innovative manufacturing techniques used in the production of the new pistol. These included usingcoil springs made ofpiano wire in the action, instead of the flat springs most manufacturers were using at the time; also, thereceivers were made from two stamped and welded sheet metal halves.

These practices worked well with a firearm which needed to handle only .22 rimfire pressures, and the cost savings it produced allowed Sturm and Ruger to undersell other manufacturers whose production relied on more expensive methods.^[2] Sturm, who had an interest inheraldry, contributed the company'strademark "Red Eagle"coat of arms emblem. This emblem was featured as a medallion on the leftgrip panel.^[1][2] A favorable review published in theAmerican Rifleman magazine penned by the notable firearms authorityMajor GeneralJulian S. Hatcher, coupled with an advertisement printed in the same magazine, resulted in public interest.^[1] The suggested retail price for the new pistol was US$37.50, which was competitive at the time.^[4]

Although Ruger received checks from would-be purchasers, the company did not cash any until the product actually shipped. In a few months theseed money was all spent, but by then the first 100 Standard pistols had been built and distributed to the initial purchasers.^[2]

The pistol was introduced in the fall of 1949 and became popular in the rimfire pistol market. After Alex Sturm died ofviral hepatitis in November 1951,^[2] Ruger ordered the background of the eagle emblem changed from red to black on future production models of the pistol in Sturm's memory.^[1][2]

The Standard model remained in continuous production with minor improvements for the next 33 years. The new corporation expanded the basic Standardarchetype into a product line of pistols over time by the introduction of a number of variant models. These took the form of offering additional barrel lengths and configurations, creating versions optimized for target shooting, and adding the finish option ofstainless steel. The line was also refined with three mechanical "Mark" series upgrades, theMkII,MkIII andMkIV, in 1982, 2004 and 2016.^[2] The MkII added a slide stop that held the slide open on the last round, and also was available instainless steel. The MKII was available in a number of barrel lengths; 4.75 in (12.1 cm) and 6 in (15 cm) lightweight barrels; 4 in (10 cm), 5.5 in (14 cm), 6.875 in (17.46 cm) and 10 in (25 cm) bull barrels, and 5.25 in (13.3 cm) and 6.875 in (17.46 cm) heavy tapered barrels. All guns with bull or heavy tapered barrels are Target models, and are equipped with target sights consisting of an adjustable rear sight and a taller, wider front sight, with an aggressive undercut toreduce glare. In 1999, Ruger offered 18 different variants. The Standard became the most sold automatic .22 handgun, with over 2 million pistols sold.^[1][2]

The Ruger Standard has been used in several notable crimes:

• Patrick Sherril used a Ruger MK II among other firearms in theEdmond post office shooting in 1986 and killed 14 people and injured 6 more.^[5][6]
• Michael Carneal used a Ruger Mark II in the1997 Heath High School shooting and killed three people and injured five more.^[7]
• Kip Kinkel used a Ruger Mark II, among other firearms, in theThurston High School shooting in 1998 and killed 4 people and injured 25 more.^[8]
• Marcus Wesson used a Ruger MK II to murder his 9 children in 2004.^[9]
• Jeff Weise used a Ruger Mk II, among other firearms, in the2005 Red Lake shootings and killed 9 people and injured 5 more,^[10] which revived the public discussion about the use of Prozac for children and adolescents. The Food and Drug Administration had published a warning about it in October 2004 as a factor in increased suicides and violence among youths.^[11]
• T.J. Lane used a Ruger MK III in the2012 Chardon High School shooting that killed three people and injured three others.^[12][13]
• Gabriel Ross Parker used a Ruger MK II in the2018 Marshall County High School shooting, killing two people and injuring 14 more.^[14]
• A 13-year old used a Ruger Standard variant (imprecisely identified—reported as "Ruger MK") along with another firearm in theBelgrade school shooting in 2023, killing ten people and injuring six.^[15][16][17]

The Standard model is an atypical design, lacking theslide found on conventional pistols, instead sporting a cylindricalbolt which cycles inside a tubularreceiver in a manner more characteristic of a rimfire rifle. The bolt of the pistol features protruding "ears" at its rear which are grasped and pulled rearward to feed the initial round and cock the action. Using the basicblowback form ofoperation, the Standard model originally came with abluedcarbon steel finish and was equipped with a 4.75-inch (12.1 cm) tapered barrel.

Themagazine held 9 rounds of .22 Long Rifleammunition and was held in place by a catch on the bottom of the grip frame. Standard models came withPatridge stylefixed iron open sights with the rear sight securely mounted in adovetail. The grip panels were hard blackcheckeredButaprenesynthetic rubber, with pre-1950 pistols featuring the "Red Eagle" trademark as originally designed byAlex Sturm. Themanual safety on the Standard model could be engaged only when the pistol was cocked, and the bolt could be locked open by activating the safety with the bolt held back.^[2]

The bolt was left "in the white" with the unfinished steel providing a visual contrast with the blued receiver.^[1] In 1954 a new model with a barrel length of 6 inches was added to the Standard lineup.^[2] In 1971, one of the few engineering changes ever made to the Standard model took place when the original 22-year-old receiverforming dies wore out.^[2] As a precursor to changes to come with the 1982 introduction of the MK II series, the slot for the magazine follower extension on the grip frame was moved from the right to the left side.

Designated the "A 100" frame modification, this alteration facilitated the eventual improvement of the Standard pistol by the addition of a bolt hold open device as part of the eventual MK II upgrade.^[2] The pistol grip panels and magazines from older Standard models can not be used on post-1971 pistols due to this change, but the later magazines can still be used on pre-1971 guns by moving the magazine follower button to the opposite side.^[2] As the Standard model reached the end of itsproduct lifecycle in 1981, aspecial edition run of 5000 4.75-inch pistols built of stainless steel were manufactured. These pistols were shipped in special wooden cases and featured an engraving of Bill Ruger'ssignature.^[2]

Introduced in 1950, the MK I Target model was basically the same as the Standard pistol, except that it boasted a 6.875-inch (17.46 cm) barrel, adjustabletarget style trigger, a "Micro"adjustable rear sight, and a front sight blade undercut to reduceglare.^[2] In 1952, a 5.25-inch (13.3 cm) barreled version of the MK I Target was added to the lineup, but manufactured only through 1957, making it acollectible rarity today.^[2] A 5.5-inch (14 cm) heavy bull barreled version of the MK I Target became available in 1963, eventually becoming the most popular length for Ruger Target MK pistols.^[2] Like their Standard model brethren, target models underwent the A 100 grip frame redesign in 1971.^[2]

Ruger MK II
Ruger Mark II Target
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Produced	1982—2005
No. built	3,000,000+
Specifications
Mass	46 oz. (w/6+7⁄8 in bull barrel)
Length	11 1/8 in (w/6+7⁄8 in bull barrel)

The MK II ("Mark Two") was made from 1982 to 2005. It replaced theStandard, Ruger's first model, made from 1949 to 1982, and theMK I Target, made from 1951 to 1982. MK II variations include theTarget models, which have heavier barrels and adjustable sights, and the22/45 models, which have apolymer frame with a grip-angle that matches theColt 1911 rather than thesteel frame'sLuger P08–like layout. Three barrel types were available. Taper barrels were available in4+3⁄4″,5+1⁄4″, 6″, and6+7⁄8″ lengths, and could be equipped with fixed sights in any length or adjustable sights on 6″ and6+7⁄8″ length barrels. Bull barrels were available on the Mark II in5+1⁄2″,6+7⁄8″, and 10″ lengths and all had adjustable sights. The slab-sided target models were available with5+1⁄2″ and6+7⁄8″ barrels and had adjustable sights. All Ruger Mark II pistols were available in either a blued finish or stainless steel except for the slab side Target Models, which only came in stainless. The MK II was removed from production in 2004, when it was replaced by theMK III. All Rugerrimfire pistols are chambered in.22 Long Rifle only.

Some special variants that command higher prices are the Government Target Model, a model that was used for pistol training and competition by the United States Army,^{[citation needed]} and the Red Eagle models, which were made from 1949 to the year of company co-founder Sturm's death, in 1951. The Red Eagle models had the Ruger logo in red on a silver background. Since then, the Ruger logo on the grip panels has been either black on silver or silver on black, with the exception of a special 50th Anniversary model that had a silver eagle on a red background. The top-of-the-line Government Target Model comes with a 6.875 in (17.46 cm) bull barrel and wood thumb-rest target grips. The competition Target Model is identical to the Government Target Model with the additional feature of flats cut along each side of the barrel to reduce weight. Sometime during the span of Mark II production, Ruger started drilling its receivers for and providing a low profile scope base, and 1″ scope rings.

Thesuppressed Mk II was used byUnited States Navy SEALs.^[18] This variant is considerably quieter than a standard Mk II and accurate to 70 m (230 ft).^[19] A tactical restraint cutter was also available for hostage rescue situations.^[20]

The AWC TM-Amphibian "S" is an integrally-suppressed variant of the Ruger Mk II Target .22 LR pistol. The sound suppressor uses a primary baffle of 303stainless steel and a secondary baffle of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. The AWC weapon manual states, "This suppressor is 'Amphibious' and can be fired with water. A couple of tablespoons of water can be poured into the suppressor for extra quiet operation."^[21] It uses both standard and high velocity ammunition reliably and is finished in U.S. Navy spec stainless-matte finish. The pistol has an overall length of 13.25 in (33.7 cm), a suppressor length of 7 in (18 cm), a diameter of 1 in (2.5 cm) and weighs 41 oz (1,200 g).^[22] This weapon is classified in the U.S. as aTitle II weapon and requires a $200 transfer or manufacture tax in addition to registration with the ATF.

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Ruger MK III
The Ruger MK III Target with 51⁄2" bull barrel
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Produced	2004—2016
Variants	SeeModels
Specifications
Mass	31–45 oz (880–1,280 g)[23]
Length	9–11.12 in (229–282 mm)[23]
Barrel length	4.75–6.88 in (121–175 mm)[23]
Cartridge	.22 Long Rifle
Barrels	1:16" Right hand twist[23]

The MK III ("Mark Three") is the third-generation successor to the original Ruger Standard. The MK III replaced the MK II in 2004, and production of the MK III ended on December 8, 2016; it was succeeded by the MK IV.

• Addition of a visible loaded chamber indicator on the left side.
• Magazine release moved, from bottom of the grip to behind trigger guard.
• All Mark III pistols with adjustable sights are drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style scope base which ships with the pistol.^[24]
• A newmagazine disconnect prevents the pistol from being fired with the magazine removed from the pistol.
• An internal safety lock has been added. Using a key, the safety can be locked in the "safe" position.
• Shorter tapered bolt ears.
• A smoothly contoured ejection port profile.

Two types of MK III pistols were produced.

The first lineup is simply known asMark III. The pistol's barrel is made from steel bar and is threaded into the receiver which is made from steel tube. The barrel is not removable without machining, though. The layout is similar to theLuger P08, although the operating mechanism was originally copied from theNambu pistol.

• The high-end model is known as theHunter. This pistol features astainless steel frame and comes with either a 4.5-inch, 5.5-inch (a distributor exclusive), or a 6.875-inchfluted bull barrel, fiber-optic front sight, adjustable, V-notch rear sights, and half-checkeredcocobolo wood grip. It features multiple safety mechanisms, and includes a visible loaded chamber indicator (The first ever included in a .22 rimfire pistol)^{[citation needed]} as well as internal and external keyed locks provided.
• The next pistol in the lineup is namedCompetition. It too has a stainless steel frame and 6.875-inch slab sided bull barrel, and adjustable rear sights; the pistol also has the cocobolo grip with thumb rest.
• Target is the next Mark III. This pistol has a stainless or blued finish, a 5.5" bull barrel, adjustable rear sights, and black plastic grips on the blued finish and Cocobolo grips on the stainless finish.
• Thebull barrel pistol comes in stainless steel or blued finish. It has a heavier barrel to help keep the barrel from overheating and to minimize recoil. It has a 5.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights.
• Finally, theStandard Mark III has a tapered barrel, black plastic handgrips and a blued finish. It comes with either a 6-inch or 4.75-inch barrel. It has fixed sights.

The second lineup is namedMark III 22/45. These pistols have apolymer frame, and the steel barrel is installed nearly permanently into a tubular steel receiver. The grip angle emulates that of aM1911.

• The current high-end model, the Mk III 22/45Lite, was introduced at the 2012 SHOT Show. The main features include a light-weight aluminum upper receiver, material reduction on the upper receiver for enhanced appearance and further weight savings, a steel barrel that has been threaded1⁄2"-28 for a compensator orsuppressor, and user replaceable grips. Finally, the receiver of theLite model is drilled and tapped for a Weaver rail section included in the packaging.
• The previous high-end model is known as theHunter. This pistol features a stainless steel 4.5-inch or 6.875-inch fluted bull barrel, HiViz fiber optic front sight, and adjustable rear sights. This model was discontinued for 2012.
• TheTarget pistol comes in a few different variations. It has a heavier barrel to limit overheating, reduce recoil, and increase accuracy.
  • Stainless steel 5.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights (Discontinued in 2012).
  • Blued finish with 5.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights.
  • Blued finish with 4-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights.
  • Blued finish with 5.5-inch barrel, fixed rear sights, and replaceable CheckeredCocobolo grips.
  • Several models previously sold asBull Barrel andSlab Side models had their names changed or were entirely discontinued when Ruger changed their catalog to reflect theTarget lineup.
• TheThreaded Barrel models are very similar in configuration to theTarget models, but with a threaded barrel for the addition of a compensator or suppressor. These models also feature user replaceable grips and the option of either adjustable target sights or Picatinny rails.
• Distributor Exclusive models are specially made versions of the Mk III 22/45 released through certain distributors. For the 2012 lineup, these models include:
  • ATarget model with a "Water Dog" Brown Digital Camo lower receiver.
  • ATarget model with a fluted barrel and adjustable rear sights.
  • ATarget model with a fluted barrel and adjustable fiber optic rear sights.

Ruger MK IV
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Produced	2016–present
Variants	SeeModels
Specifications
Mass	25.0–53.5 oz (710–1,520 g)
Length	8.4–14.0 in (210–360 mm)
Barrel length	4.4–10.0 in (110–250 mm)
Barrels	1:16" Right hand twist[25]

The MK IV ("Mark Four") is the fourth-generation successor to the original Ruger Standard. Introduced in 2016, the MK IV succeeded the MK III.

The most significant feature of the Mk IV redesign is a hinged connection between the upper receiver and the grip frame. This design enables the user to disassemble the firearm with a significantly simplified process compared to prior models.^[26]

Other design changes include: a redesignedtrigger group, a redesigned bolt stop, an ambidextrous thumb safety, and a "drop free" magazine release mechanism.^[26]

In June 2017, Ruger issued a safetyrecall on MK IVs for a defective trigger andsafety mechanism. If the safety were midway between the "safe" and "fire" positions when the trigger was pulled, the gun could discharge when the safety was moved to the "fire" position. MK IVs withserial numbers beginning with "401" (2017 models) or "WBR" (2016 models) were recalled.^[27][28]

Standard Target Hunter Competition Tactical 22/45 22/45 Lite 22/45 Tactical

† Distributor exclusive models

• AMT Lightning pistol
• Colt Woodsman

• Wilson, R. L.Ruger and His Guns: A History of the Man, the Company and Their Firearms. 1996.ISBN 0-7858-2103-1.

• History and Instruction Manuals—Ruger's instruction manuals
• Mark II Manual—Ruger Mark II manual with parts list and exploded assembly diagram
• Ruger-produced Disassembly video
• Ruger-produced Reassembly video
• Field Stripping—guide to field stripping the MK II pistol, with images
• Assembly/Disassembly—guide to full assembly/disassembly
• Overtravel—How to adjust the overtravel screw on a Ruger MK II Target model
• Ruger MK III Instruction Manual (PDF)

• .22 LR pistols
• Ruger semi-automatic pistols
• Semi-automatic pistols of the United States
• Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1949
• Silenced firearms

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