Ruger Mark II Government Target Model Serial Numbers: A Complete Guide for Collectors and Shooters

If you are a fan of Ruger pistols, you may have heard of the Ruger Mark II Government Target Model, a special variant of the popular Ruger Mark II rimfire pistol. This model was designed for the U.S. Army as a training and competition pistol, and features a longer barrel, adjustable sights, and a distinctive roll mark on the receiver. The Ruger Mark II Government Target Model is a highly sought-after collectible and a superb shooter, but how can you tell if you have one? And how can you find out more about its history and value? In this article, we will answer these questions and more by looking at the serial numbers of the Ruger Mark II Government Target Model.

What is the Ruger Mark II Government Target Model?

The Ruger Mark II Government Target Model is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It is based on the Ruger Mark II Standard pistol, which was introduced in 1982 as an improved version of the original Ruger Standard pistol that debuted in 1949. The Ruger Mark II features a redesigned bolt stop, magazine release, and safety, as well as a 10-round magazine and a loaded chamber indicator.

The Ruger Mark II Government Target Model was developed in response to a request from the U.S. Army for a .22 caliber pistol that could be used for training and competition by military personnel. The Army wanted a pistol that could mimic the feel and function of the M1911A1 .45 ACP pistol, which was the standard service sidearm at the time. Ruger modified the Mark II Standard pistol by adding a 6 7/8 inch bull barrel, a fully adjustable rear sight, and a Patridge front sight. The pistol also had a special roll mark on the left side of the receiver that read “GOVERNMENT TARGET MODEL” and “RUGER .22 CAL. LONG RIFLE”.

The Ruger Mark II Government Target Model was first delivered to the Army in 1986, and was used for various training and competition programs, such as the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF), and the National Rifle Association (NRA). The pistol proved to be very accurate and reliable, and earned a reputation as one of the best .22 target pistols ever made. The pistol was also sold commercially to civilian shooters who appreciated its quality and performance.

How to identify the Ruger Mark II Government Target Model by serial numbers?

The easiest way to identify the Ruger Mark II Government Target Model is by looking at the serial number on the right side of the receiver, below the ejection port. The serial number consists of three digits, a dash, and five digits. For example, 215-50462.

The first three digits of the serial number indicate the product code of the pistol. The product code for the Ruger Mark II Government Target Model is 215. This means that any Ruger Mark II pistol with a serial number starting with 215 is a Government Target Model.

The dash and the five digits after it indicate the production sequence of the pistol. The production sequence starts from 00001 and goes up to 99999. For example, 215-50462 means that this pistol is the 50,462nd Government Target Model produced.

The serial number can also tell you the year of manufacture of the pistol. You can use the serial number lookup service on the official website of Ruger Firearms to find out when your pistol was made. For example, if you enter 215-50462 in the serial number lookup field, you will see that this pistol was manufactured in 1991.

How to find out more about your Ruger Mark II Government Target Model?

If you want to learn more about your Ruger Mark II Government Target Model, such as its history, variations, and value, you can consult some of these sources:

The official website of Ruger Firearms has a lot of information about their products, including instruction manuals, safety notices, product history, customer service, etc.
The official forum of Ruger Firearms has a section dedicated to Rimfire Pistols where you can ask questions and share your experiences with other Ruger enthusiasts.
The Blue Book of Gun Values is a comprehensive guide that lists the current market values of thousands of firearms, including Ruger pistols.
The Standard Catalog of Firearms is another authoritative reference that provides detailed descriptions and specifications of various firearms, including Ruger pistols.
The Gun Digest Book of Rimfire Rifles Assembly/Disassembly is a handy manual that shows you how to disassemble and reassemble your Ruger Mark II pistol step by step.

How to care for your Ruger Mark II Government Target Model?

Like any firearm, your Ruger Mark II Government Target Model requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its optimal function and longevity. Here are some tips on how to care for your pistol:

Clean and lubricate your pistol regularly, especially after each use. Use a cleaning rod, patches, brushes, and solvents designed for .22 caliber pistols. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual or watch the video tutorial on the Ruger website.
Store your pistol in a safe and dry place, away from children and unauthorized persons. Use a gun lock, a gun case, or a gun safe to secure your pistol when not in use.
Use only high-quality ammunition that meets the specifications of your pistol. Avoid using reloaded, remanufactured, or damaged ammunition that may cause malfunctions or damage to your pistol.
Inspect your pistol regularly for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If you notice any problems, contact Ruger Customer Service or a qualified gunsmith for repair or replacement.

How to customize your Ruger Mark II Government Target Model?

One of the advantages of the Ruger Mark II Government Target Model is that it is highly customizable. You can modify or upgrade your pistol to suit your personal preferences and needs. Some of the common customizations include:

Changing the grips: You can replace the factory-installed black plastic grips with wooden, rubber, or synthetic grips that offer better comfort, grip, and aesthetics.
Changing the sights: You can replace the factory-installed adjustable rear sight and Patridge front sight with different types of sights, such as fiber optic, tritium, red dot, or scope sights that offer better visibility and accuracy.
Changing the trigger: You can replace the factory-installed trigger with an aftermarket trigger that offers a lighter pull weight, shorter travel, and smoother action.
Changing the barrel: You can replace the factory-installed 6 7/8 inch bull barrel with a shorter or longer barrel that offers different performance and handling characteristics.

Before you customize your pistol, make sure you check the local laws and regulations regarding firearm modifications. Also, make sure you use only quality parts and accessories that are compatible with your pistol. If you are not confident or experienced in customizing your pistol, seek professional help from a qualified gunsmith.

Conclusion

The Ruger Mark II Government Target Model is a rare and remarkable pistol that combines the quality and reliability of Ruger with the performance and precision of a target pistol. It is a valuable and versatile firearm that can be used for training, competition, or recreation. It is also a collectible and customizable pistol that can be enhanced and personalized to your liking.

If you own or want to own a Ruger Mark II Government Target Model, you can use the serial numbers to identify and date your pistol, as well as to find out more about its history and value. You can also use the resources and tips provided in this article to care for and customize your pistol. By doing so, you can enjoy and appreciate your Ruger Mark II Government Target Model for years to come.

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