Ruger KMK4BL model 00198

[WhatdoIhave]

I recently bought this Ruger and have done quite a bit of research it has the gold trigger and the serial number puts it I am sure it is a Lipsey's but it has a checkered grip on the right side and a smooth grip on the left side both have the red medallion. Model 00198 I am just trying to figure out if it is original and what the current value is. Thanks for any help

 

[hittman]

Welcome to the forum.
The s/n and especially a pic or two would be a big help.

 

[Watertender]

It should look like this. The grips are smooth cocobolo with the S/R logo. It should be in a green box. It sounds like someone changed the grips. The original blued MK4B had laminated grips with a thumb rest on the left grip for right handed shooters. If you were left handed you would have to buy a set of left handed grips for the thumb rest on the right grip. You could either use the set or use both smooth grips to make it ambidextrous.

 

[WhatdoIhave]

Welcome to the forum.
The s/n and especially a pic or two would be a big help.

I got a couple pics and serial added

 

[Uncle Howie]

My Lipsey's versions look just like Watertender's.

I suspect someone replaced the right grip panel on Whatdolhave's pistol.

This is my favorite MKII configuration!

(I bought a second one, just in cae I "wear out" the first… )

 

[WhatdoIhave]

The person I've got this from doesn't believe it had ever been fired. Do you have any idea what the value on this gun is at current prices?

 

[WhatdoIhave]

Welcome to the forum.
The s/n and especially a pic or two would be a big help.

I have attached two pictures of the gun and the label on the box. It came in showing serial number and model. Hopefully that will help me get more information.

 

[Watertender]

Your KMK4BL was shipped in 2003. The grips on the right are the original style that should be on it. The ones on the left are the checkered grips that you have half of.

 

[Uncle Howie]

The person I've got this from doesn't believe it had ever been fired. Do you have any idea what the value on this gun is at current prices?

It really of depends on how badly a person wants it… and how knowledgeable the seller is.

If you really like it, I don't think that $500 is out of line- especially if it's a local/private sale and you can (potentially, depending upon local laws) avoid shipping/background/tax costs.

If you could get it for $400, that'd be a sweet deal- but probably unlikely.

The MK II series values really went up after they were discontinued, and the MK III was foisted upon us. When the MK IV series came out, the MK II prices began to fall, somewhat.

A KMK 512 (same basic pistol, but w/5.5" barrel instead of 4") is one of the more popular configurations in the MK II series. You can usually find a bargain on one of them on GunBroker, etc., if you keep your eyes peeled.

***How much of a premium are you willing to pay, for that "shorty" barrel?

I'm an accumulator/shooter, not a collector. For me, the true value is how much fun I'll have shooting some pop cans… To a picky collector, the non-original grip panel might be a good bargaining chip- or even a potential deal-breaker. It wouldn't give me pause, for more than about ten seconds.

RF member "onegunsnotenough" has done a lot of wheeling/dealing in the MK II series, over the years. Hopefully he'll chime in with a possible value estimate.

 

[s4s4u]

The person I've got this from doesn't believe it had ever been fired. Do you have any idea what the value on this gun is at current prices?

I'd take that with a grain of salt, and not use it as a value point.

 

[WhatdoIhave]

It really of depends on how badly a person wants it… and how knowledgeable the seller is.

If you really like it, I don't think that $500 is out of line- especially if it's a local/private sale and you can (potentially, depending upon local laws) avoid shipping/background/tax costs.

If you could get it for $400, that'd be a sweet deal- but probably unlikely.

The MK II series values really went up after they were discontinued, and the MK III was foisted upon us. When the MK IV series came out, the MK II prices began to fall, somewhat.

A KMK 512 (same basic pistol, but w/5.5" barrel instead of 4") is one of the more popular configurations in the MK II series. You can usually find a bargain on one of them on GunBroker, etc., if you keep your eyes peeled.

***How much of a premium are you willing to pay, for that "shorty" barrel?

I'm an accumulator/shooter, not a collector. For me, the true value is how much fun I'll have shooting some pop cans… To a picky collector, the non-original grip panel might be a good bargaining chip- or even a potential deal-breaker. It wouldn't give me pause, for more than about ten seconds.

RF member "onegunsnotenough" has done a lot of wheeling/dealing in the MK II series, over the years. Hopefully he'll chime in with a possible value estimate.

I more curious of what everyone thinks it is worth I gave $400 for it on a local auction so I didn't get hurt on the price never getting rid of it will pas it on to grand kids we are definitely going to shoot it and enjoy the gun. I really appreciate everyone's input about it. I bought it because I like Rugers and this makes a nice addition to my collection.

 

[hittman]

Fair price.

 

[contender]

At $400 you got a fair deal. Shoot it & enjoy it. And if you desire to replace the grips,, that's easily done.

 

[contender]

Deleted double post.

 

[Uncle Howie]

I more curious of what everyone thinks it is worth I gave $400 for it on a local auction so I didn't get hurt on the price never getting rid of it will pas it on to grand kids we are definitely going to shoot it and enjoy the gun. I really appreciate everyone's input about it. I bought it because I like Rugers and this makes a nice addition to my collection.

I concur with others- you got a fair (to good) price on it.

Of course, I'm biased- I LOVE how that short bull barrel balances!

I like your style, re: shooting it, and passing it on!

 

[Uncle Howie]

Here's a pair of "correct" grips, if you just have to have them:
(eBay link below, but showing up "goofy" in my post!)

Pardon Our Interruption...

NDIH, but I believe the seller is Bill Lett, who is "family," connected to Lett grips, longtime OEM supplier to Ruger. Verify with seller, if you care to…

I swear these OEM wooden grips seem slightly wider/more "filling" than the plastic MK II grips… but my measurements say they're basically identical(?).

You can certainly shoot that pistol with the grips you have for a few decades, until some other grips catch your eye!

 

[black1970]

Buy some Lett grips off eBay. That little pistol is worth at least 700 bucks. Don't let the tite wads on here low ball your Ruger. At 400 bucks you stole it. BTW I have one too!

 

[Watertender]

There were 1002 KMK4BL pistols made

 

[WhatdoIhave]

Buy some Lett grips off eBay. That little pistol is worth at least 700 bucks. Don't let the tite wads on here low ball your Ruger. At 400 bucks you stole it. BTW I have one too!

I just ordered the grips it's going to look really good with them.

 

[WhatdoIhave]

There were 1002 KMK4BL pistols made

I am really glad I own one of them can't wait to get out and shoot it. My grandson's are gonna love it.