Excerpt from this Ruger Guide:
The .22 Ruger Pistol - 1949
Instant Success
The Ruger .22 is the best selling .22
pistol in the world. Since its introduction in 1949, the Ruger .22
Standard Model pistol quietly took over the .22 pistol market. Its good
looks, superior performance and very reasonable price tag gave it an
instant advantage over long established brands on the market such as the
High Standard or Colt Woodsman. America’s shooters found a .22 pistol
that delivered solid value and outstanding performance for the money.
Ruger Mark I Standard Pistol circa
1949, with its “salt cod” box and Ruger cardboard carton, circa
1954-1960. Cost: $37.50
Since 1950, the demand for these Ruger
pistols exceeded supply. Ruger enjoyed a back-order condition into the
mid 1970’s.
The .22 Ruger Pistol - 1951
In 1951, The Mark I Target Pistol was
introduced, with an adjustable rear sight and a 6 7/8” barrel. Cost:
$57.50 During 1952~1953 Ruger produced a Mark I with a 5 1/4 tapered
barrel. Due to lack of interest, this version was dropped from
production. It remains one of the only Rugers ever discontinued as most
have been replaced by design improvements. This short-lived model is
sought after by most pistol collectors.
In 1955, Ruger made an aftermarket
muzzle brake available, but it was discontinued. Ruger introduced the
“Bull Barrel” in 1964. These 5 1/2 inch barrels have a front sight base
attached by screws. In 1971, the black emblem was moved to the right
grip panel. All Standard and Mark I pistols made in 1976 have barrels
stamped with “Made in the 200th Year of American Liberty”.
All Ruger firearms since 1977 have the
roll marking on the barrels that say: “ BEFORE USING GUN - READ WARNINGS
IN INSTRUCTION MANUAL AVAILABLE FREE FROM STURM, RUGER, & COMPANY, INC.,
SOUTHPORT, CT., USA.”
