Ruger Mark II Government Target Model questions

[firefighterjohn]

A LGS had a Ruger Mark II 6 3/4 bull barrel model come in. I didn't look at the right side marking on it but if it ends up being a 'Government Target Model' does that make it more desirable than a regular Mark II model? It's the gun and one mag only, no box or paperwork included.

Curious to learn more about this model before I go back to look at it again. Thanks in advance for help with this; it looked really clean except for some scuffs around the muzzle mabye from holster wear.

 

[marvin02]

Some info in this article:

Ruger .22 Handgun: Gun Digest's Top Pistol Picks (2022)

Ruger hit a grand slam with its first Ruger 22 pistol, introduced to the shooting public in 1949. Here are Gun Digest's top picks of Ruger rimfire handguns.

gundigest.com

if stamped US on the right side it is a rare one:

A very limited number with a “U.S.” marking on the right side of the frame—perhaps no more than 25—are believed to have found their way to civilian hands.

Possible source for more info:

Ruger Owners & Collectors Society

www.rugersociety.com

It's an interesting rabbit hole.

 

[spencer rifle]

I just picked up one of these recently. Besides the chamber work, they were sighted at the factory with some kind of laser sighting apparatus. Rifling is supposed to be a bit tighter. All the special work done for the US target models was done for these - just marked "Government" instead of "US." Originals came with a factory-fired target.

 

[Jaybird1980]

A LGS had a Ruger Mark II 6 3/4 bull barrel model come in. I didn't look at the right side marking on it but if it ends up being a 'Government Target Model' does that make it more desirable than a regular Mark II model? It's the gun and one mag only, no box or paperwork included.

Curious to learn more about this model before I go back to look at it again. Thanks in advance for help with this; it looked really clean except for some scuffs around the muzzle mabye from holster wear.

Yes they are more desirable than the regular Mark 2. The Government is sought after by many. I have a Competition Target model which is similar, but would still love to have a Government model

 

[Longhair]

My Government Target on the right in the first pic.

 

[Jaybird1980]

My Government Target on the right in the first pic.

Someone's just showing off now, and I'm jealous

 

[Longhair]

Everybody likes pics right? I have three more not in the pic, The Mark 2 is a great pistol and not made anymore. OP if you can buy this for a fair price do it! Or tell me where it is and I may add one more to my collection. Below is one of my favorites.

 

[marvin02]

Interesting thread from The High Road:

Government Model Ruger MKII

I remember when the "Government Model" Ruger came on the market, but never saw a real Government Model till a recent Bullseye Pistol Match. All Guard shooters were there, some using these, and I got to take a couple of pictures of real, genuine, Government Property, Ruger MKII's. I did not take...

www.thehighroad.org

Some nice pics there.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Some info in this article:

Ruger .22 Handgun: Gun Digest's Top Pistol Picks (2022)

Ruger hit a grand slam with its first Ruger 22 pistol, introduced to the shooting public in 1949. Here are Gun Digest's top picks of Ruger rimfire handguns.

gundigest.com

if stamped US on the right side it is a rare one:


Possible source for more info:

Ruger Owners & Collectors Society

www.rugersociety.com

It's an interesting rabbit hole.

Thanks for the links marvin02, they were very informative.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Yes they are more desirable than the regular Mark 2. The Government is sought after by many. I have a Competition Target model which is similar, but would still love to have a Government model

Thanks Jaybird1980, I have only seen them on gunbroker and not in person. Sure sounds like it would be a nice one to get.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Everybody likes pics right? I have three more not in the pic, The Mark 2 is a great pistol and not made anymore. OP if you can buy this for a fair price do it! Or tell me where it is and I may add one more to my collection. Below is one of my favorites.

Wow Longhair, those are absolutely beautiful MK iis you have there. The stainless models really jump out at you!

 

[CB1911]

A LGS had a Ruger Mark II 6 3/4 bull barrel model come in. I didn't look at the right side marking on it but if it ends up being a 'Government Target Model' does that make it more desirable than a regular Mark II model? It's the gun and one mag only, no box or paperwork included.

Curious to learn more about this model before I go back to look at it again. Thanks in advance for help with this; it looked really clean except for some scuffs around the muzzle mabye from holster wear.

I had one for 20+ years. It looks like a pistol but will group like a rifle if you do your part.

 

[snapping turtle]

The first pistol I bought was the ruger mark 2 government target model. Still have it. Will always have it. Have the box target paperwork and original grips but she wears wooden finger grips with the ruger logo in them and has since I bought it.
other weird target versions were an 8 inch version, the more popular 10 inch.

pain to clean yes until you do it over and over.

Go back and buy it. Buy it twice if they have two.

 

[700 LTR 223]

The Government model was the only MK series I know of that included a factory test target.

 

[ancjr]

The Government model was the only MK series I know of that included a factory test target.

My MKII came with a fired round, but no target.

 

[Jaybird1980]

My MKII came with a fired round, but no target.

The Government model was the only one with an accuracy guarantee, the target is to support the claim.

 

[ancjr]

IMHO, even the plain MKII itself is the best out of the entire MK series.