MK ll 4 inch barrel differences

[Quick Draw]

Wondering if there are any differences if any beside the gold trigger and thumb rest on grip between the Lipsey 4 inch 00138 and a 00139? I know the Lipsey model only had 2,455 produced making it harder to find. Also any numbers on how many 00139s were produced? I can't believe how many variants Ruger has made over the years.

 

[Highstandardguy]

Not that I can tell. Crazy thing to me is that the 00139s are selling for as much as the 00138s, and sometimes more????? Ruger doesn't release production numbers on most firearms except the ones where they write the number on the barrel.

Oh, and there is one version, I guess you would call it, of the 00139 that has regular black plastic grips.

 

[eveled]

Not enough pictures in this thread.

Was this the only model that got these special smooth thumbrest grips?

 

[1gunsnotenough]

View attachment 14280
Not enough pictures in this thread.

Was this the only model that got these special smooth thumbrest grips?

Yes. I think that is a Davidson Distributor Model

 

[Quick Draw]

These 4 inch versions are by far my favorites. Great heft and balance. So far this Lipsey is the crown jewel in my collection.

 

[1gunsnotenough]

To my knowledge these are the only 4" BB models made. Top two Lipseys. Bottom right Davidsons. Bottom left just standard Ruger 4B. The Lipsey's KMK4BL is the hardest one to find. The bottom left MK4 with the black plastic grips is actually pretty scarce as well.

 

[Quick Draw]

To my knowledge these are the only 4" BB models made. Top two Lipseys. Bottom right Davidsons. Bottom left just standard Ruger 4B. The Lipsey's KMK4BL is the hardest one to find. The bottom left MK4 with the black plastic grips is actually pretty scarce as well.
View attachment 14343

What about the 22/45 4 inch version? Catalog P4 Model 00189. I prefer the standard grip over the 45 angled grip but I know that's pretty much a personal preference.

 

[1gunsnotenough]

What about the 22/45 4 inch version? Catalog P4 Model 00189. I prefer the standard grip over the 45 angled grip but I know that's pretty much a personal preference.View attachment 14381

Yes. There are two versions of the 22/45 with 4" BB. SS and Blued. But they're just variations of the same models.

 

[Highstandardguy]

Yes. There are two versions of the 22/45 with 4" BB. SS and Blued. But they're just variations of the same models.

Variations of what same models? My 4" 22/45s have individual model numbers 00189 and 00167 which are different than the Mark II model numbers. However, I believe the two pistols in the bottom row of your picture are both model numbers 00139. or variations of the same model.

And there is the 4" bull barrel P4MKIII model 10109.

 

[Watertender]

I guess this is an oddball in the MK4B, MK4BL, KMK4BL saga. There is no gold trigger, and the opposite side is marked 22/45. It looks like a KMK4BL, but it isn't. Any ideas other than it being a Franken-Ruger?

 

[Mobuck]

No idea what model my 4" 22/45 III is but it has muzzle threads and set back front sight.

 

[Highstandardguy]

I guess this is an oddball in the MK4B, MK4BL, KMK4BL saga. There is no gold trigger, and the opposite side is marked 22/45. It looks like a KMK4BL, but it isn't. Any ideas other than it being a Franken-Ruger?


View attachment 14439

Mark II stainless lower with aftermarket grip screws. 22/45 stainless upper with Mark III front sight. Screams Franken-Ruger. Is there a Ruger logo on the back of the bolt? Is there a label on the box?

 

[Highstandardguy]

No idea what model my 4" 22/45 III is but it has muzzle threads and set back front sight.

Based on your description, it's a P4MKIII model 10109 that's been under the knife.

 

[Dan in MI]

well that saved me a lot of typing.

 

[Watertender]

Mark II stainless lower with aftermarket grip screws. 22/45 stainless upper with Mark III front sight. Screams Franken-Ruger. Is there a Ruger logo on the back of the bolt? Is there a label on the box?

The box label is strategically torn to obliterate the model number and serial number. The serial number comes back to a 00167 KP-4B made in 2000. There is a Ruger logo on the back of the bolt. Neat very usable pistol but it appears to be something put together but someone wanting the best of both worlds. I prefer the original grip frame and angle instead of the 22/45 so it's a winner

 

[Highstandardguy]

It looks like someone decided to make a "KMK4BL". Understandable with the price and rarity of the real thing. Not a big deal to do once you gather the parts and get the 22/45 upper and Mark II lower to fit together. Sometimes want can be the mother of invention as much as necessity. I like it.

 

[Dan in MI]

It looks like someone decided to make a "KMK4BL". Understandable with the price and rarity of the real thing. Not a big deal to do once you gather the parts and get the 22/45 upper and Mark II lower to fit together. Sometimes want can be the mother of invention as much as necessity. I like it.

I saw a MK-II barrel chopped from a 10" to an 8" on GB.

A re-crown from a hack saw job and Viola! Now I have a "not so Great Eight!" Shoots like it should be Great.

 

[eveled]

After getting my 4 inch gun, I’ve been tempted to chop one of my slab sides down.

I never will, but I’m tempted.

A stainless 4 inch MKII is about the perfect .22 IMHO.

My favorites have always had barrels that are super short, or super long.

 

[Highstandardguy]

Unfortunately Ruger only made one model and it was at the request of Lipsey's. They're a little hard to come by. I consider myself lucky to have found one.

 

[eveled]

Maybe a stainless 4 inch MKIV is in the future? Who knows.

There were so many different MKII variants made, it makes them fun to collect.

 

[Watertender]

The MK4B, MK4BL, KMK4BL and Franken-Ruger are great little pistols. A friend of mine had a MK4B with the thumb rest grip, he was left-handed, so he ordered a set of left-handed thumb rest grips and used the flat panels to make it work better for him. I told him to use a set of standard MK2 grips to make it more useable for himself. I am really surprised that they were not more popular. If carried in the right holster it's a great field pistol and if you are a good enough shot it can bag a squirrel with no problem.

 

[Quick Draw]

Here's a rare MK IV 4"barrel.
OK It's a standard 5.5" target model with a 3.5" Volquartsen threaded barrel.
I still like the looks of it. And it should make a great suppressor host as well.

 

[Watertender]

That MK IV with the 3.5-inch barrel looks like a perfect carry pistol. The size would be great to keep on your hip and very handy

 

[Watertender]

Here are 4 nice examples of the MK4B, MK4BL and a Franken-Ruger KMK4BL look alike. I think this configuration is one of the handiest Ruger pistols ever made. Especially since it's on the Mark 2 frame. The Mark 1 does not stay open on the last shot as we all know as Ruger aficionados. The Mark 3 is a lawyer inspired let's not get sued model and the Mark 4 is a great idea for the ease of takedown and reassembly. I would like to see the MK4B and KMK4B offered in the Mark 4 lineup, but it probably will not happen. Simply Rugged made a great high ride holster for it and I would like to see them make a copy of the Lawrence 120 holster for it as well. With any one of these great little .22 pistols and a couple of extra magazines you are set for a nice walk in the woods.

 

[wproct]

Well, this isn't a stock version, but this is my Volquartsen Custom Match Carry that is quite similar.