I found a Ruger MK 1 but it was made in Mexico. What is it?

Well I was out going to a garage sell or two here in the Texas panhandle and I bought a Ruger MK 1 that says it was made in Armamex Mexico. Not sure what it is but its in about 90% condition and I was able to get it for a 100.00 bucks. Is this some kind of parts gun ? Sn starts with a R and is real close to a 1000. It only has one mag and shoots great. Thanks

I don't remember for sure. But in I think it's Munnells? book on ruger rimfires, he says they are pretty rare. I think you might've just gotten a steal of deal.

You did GOOD! Try a search here using "Armamex".

I will give you $200.00 for it right now..

It's not a Mark I. These were "Standard Pistols" that were assembled in Mexico from parts shipped there by Ruger in 1955-1958. There's quite a story behind them. Most of the ones recovered are in pretty poor shape.

They can bring BIG BUCKS from a collector or hardly anything as just another beat-up old Ruger with strange markings. They are extermely scarce today, as only about 250 were ever made . . . 200 of the 4-3/4" variety and 50 of the 6" type according to RENE.

Only about a dozen are currently known. I'd say you made an extremely neat buy. Prepare to be swamped with offers.

One of my dreams to find at a yard sale or flea market.
You have found an EXCELLENT collectable Ruger.

We're all interested to hear the SN on your gun (send me a PM if you wish) to see where it falls in the R1000 to R1250 serial number range. Also curious if your gun has a 4-3/4" or 6" barrel on it.
A great discovery on your part!! Most of the Armamex's that are known today came in on one boatload of imported guns from Mexico.
Chet15

Well that all sounds great. I left this morning and will be gone for a week but I thought it was the same as my 6/7/8 MK ll. I will check and get back to you all. Thanks

I think the sn was r1242 but not sure. Will check when I get home. Thanks

Oh, man . . . a long-barrel Armamex . . .

At a garage sale . . .

For $100 . . .

I have just GOTTA hit more garage/yard sales !

guys just curious, if that thing is in as nice shape as he says, what kind of realistic value range does the 6" model have?

If it's a true Armamex,, and it's in good shape, a 4-3/4" can be around $1400-$1500 with a 6" being a bit higher in the $1600-$1800 possible range.

You did good!!! Make sure to give Chet15 the rundown on the s/n and all. He is the expert and historian and it will help document to collectors what you really have.

Check this out: http://www.rugercollectorsassociation.c ... o1_Armamex

How old is that RCA report?

I'm surprised that Donnie, Jim and them Texas boys, have NOT checked out every "garage" and flea market in the entire state of Texas in all these years gone by.... :roll:

Volume II, Number 1, May 1978.

Hmm, I guess it's 31 years old!



flatgate

Just wondering. As far as I know, Colonel Applegate's been dead for ten years or so. Also appears that further info has been uncovered since that piece was written.

that was a great deal even if it was not a rare one did it have a box

no it has no box but it did come with a sock.