Ruger MK I

The Ruger MK I is an american pistol.

Description

The first Sturm, Ruger firearms produced was the “Standard Model” .22 rimfire auto loading pistol in 1949. The pistol, based on the Japanese Baby Nambu pistol and priced at $37.50, was an instant success. The profile of the 4 3/4-inch barreled pistol was reminiscent of the popular German Luger pistol. The earliest pistols from 1949 through 1951 had a silver eagle with a red background. In 1951 Bill Ruger changed the background to black due to the loss of his friend and company co-founder Alexander Sturm. A bull barrel version of the Standard Model known as the “Mark I” was first produced in December of 1950. Variations of the Ruger Mark I were produced from 1950 until 1982 when the Mark 1 was replaced by the upgraded Mark II. These upgrades included a bolt hold open device and a 10 round magazine, as opposed to the 9 round magazine of the Mark I. Another improvement was the ability to open the bolt to check the chamber while the safety was engaged.

References

*http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aast50rugersa.htm
*http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger_50th.htm