The oldest and newest Ruger .22 pistols compared...

[PALADIN85020]

In preparation for an article I'm writing, I recently took these pics comparing one of the original Ruger "red eagle" Standard pistols with a newly-manufactured Ruger Mark IV. A lot has happened in the intervening period. The Standard was made in the first full year of production, mid-1950. The Mark IV was made in late 2016. I thought it interesting to make the comparison. Hope you like the pics.

John

 

[Qman2]

Cool!

 

[WAYNO]

Very nice photography.


WAYNO.

 

[22/45 Fan]

You might want to mention how much easier it is to go from the field stripped view to the assembled view with a MkIV compared to ANY of the earlier Ruger's.

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

If that point was overlooked it sure wouldn't be much of an article. :roll:

 

[street]

Boy! That is one nice old Red Eagle! Love the serial number.

 

[hittman]

Great pics of a classic, timeless design.

 

[RSIno1]

The more things change the more they remain the same. 68 years later the basic architecture is still as Bill designed it. The only real improvement in all that time is the new takedown system. Everything else was just bells and whistles. Sure wish I could get a MKIV here in Commifornia.

 

[chet15]

Boy! That is one nice old Red Eagle! Love the serial number.

That is also a "milestone" number. Would be interesting to see when it shipped. Wouldn't be surprised if it was there as late as 1958.
Chet15

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Excellent photo presentation!
Thanks for sharing your work.
Terry

 

[Rumrunner]

Well done.

 

[don44]

Thank you.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Boy! That is one nice old Red Eagle! Love the serial number.

That is also a "milestone" number. Would be interesting to see when it shipped. Wouldn't be surprised if it was there as late as 1958.
Chet15

It was shipped in July, 1950 - midway in the first full year of production.

John

 

[black029]

The Mark IV had the right side ambi removed?

 

[Spleenless Dave]

VERY nice pics! Thanks for taking and posting them. I've been thinking about selling my LCRX and trying to find a stainless Mark IV Target. After getting to handle one at a gun store recently, it made me really want one.

 

[VGEHTS]

The Mark IV had the right side ambi removed?

The "side ambi" comes from the factory "installed", along with the spacer if one chooses to remove.

Yes,very nice photos and comparison!

 

[Mike Armstrong]

A genius' design.

(I STILL think the MKII is the "top of the line" tho.).

 

[PALADIN85020]

The Mark IV had the right side ambi removed?

Yes. As a right-hander, the right-side safety lever gouged my right hand index finger's upper knuckle. I removed the lever and replaced it with the spacer Ruger thoughtfully provided. It's easy to do and made a real difference in comfort.

John

 

[farley]

Whoever is responsible for the design of the Mark IV deserves a huge raise.

 

[black029]

The Mark IV had the right side ambi removed?

Yes. As a right-hander, the right-side safety lever gouged my right hand index finger's upper knuckle. I removed the lever and replaced it with the spacer Ruger thoughtfully provided. It's easy to do and made a real difference in comfort.

John

I have much the same issues with 1911's so equipped. Nice to know there is a simple, factory provided solution.
Excellent photography.