22/45 serial number confusion

[John K]

I bought a stainless early model 22/45. It has a serial number of 218-77XXX.
At first I thought it might be a Franken-gun creation but the upper is clearly marked 22/45.
According to the RUger website it would be a 1994 MKII. None of the 22/45 models have the 218- serial number.
I could post pics if needed.
Does anyone know what is going on with this?
Thanks

 

[rugerguy]

your gun is from 1997 when they started to number ALL of the Mark IIs in the same ranges...yes, the other number on a "non 22/45" marked receiver would have been your noted ,earlier date(1994)