RUGER MARK I
Posted May 25, 2023
The Ruger Mark I Pistol is a classic, iconic piece of American firearm history, and it has stood the test of time for over half a century. Developed in 1949, the Mark I quickly became a popular target shooting pistol due to its accuracy, affordability, and its easy-to-use design. It was so popular, in fact, that it became the primary handgun for the US Military during the Vietnam War, and still remains popular today with recreational shooters and collectors alike.
The Ruger Mark I is a single-action, semi-automatic, recoil-operated pistol chambered for the .22LR cartridge. It is a relatively simple design with few parts, making it easy to maintain and use. The pistol features a 4.75” barrel and an 11.25” overall length. It weighs in at a surprisingly light 29.3 ounces, making it an easy to carry firearm for target shooting or plinking.
The Mark I has a grooved target barrel, making it incredibly accurate and capable of producing tight groups at a variety of distances. It also features a fully adjustable rear sight and a blade-type front sight, both of which are beautifully designed and easy to use. The vast majority of shooters opt for the factory Ruger target grips, although other aftermarket grips and stocks are also available. The pistol also has a well-designed, skeletonized manually operated hammer, allowing shooters to quickly and easily cock the action.
The Mark I is a durable and reliable firearm as well. It is constructed from high quality steel, making it exceptionally strong and capable of withstanding heavy use and abuse. Additionally, it features a blued finish on the barrel and receiver that helps protect against corrosion and wear and tear.
One of the great features of the Ruger Mark I is its affordability. It is extremely affordable for what you get, with an MSRP of only $249. This is a great option for those looking for a quality pistol on a budget. It is also an excellent choice for those just starting out in the world of firearms, offering plenty of accuracy and reliability at an affordable price.
The Mark I is an incredibly accurate and reliable firearm, and it is very easy to use. It has a few quirks, but overall, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality target pistol on a budget, or for anyone who is just starting out in the world of firearms. It has stood the test of time for over half a century, and with its excellent design, affordability, and accuracy, it is sure to continue to remain popular for years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable and Rugged- Ruger MK I pistols are known for their affordability and robust construction that can stand up to intense use and abuse.
- Lightweight- Many models only weigh approximately 22 ounces, which makes them easy to carry and handle without tiring the shooter.
- Easy to Modify- The Ruger MK I has a wide variety of aftermarket parts available to customize the pistol for any situation.
- Easy to Navigate- The simple design of the Ruger MK I makes it quick and easy to clear malfunctions or make other repairs.
Cons:
- Obsolete- The design of the Ruger MK I is dated and has many modern-day alternatives that are more efficient and better suited for modern applications of a firearm.
- Limited Capacity- Standard Ruger MK Is have a small magazine capacity, usually limited to six or seven rounds.
- Poor Ergonomics- The slim grip of the Ruger MK I makes it difficult to get a secure hold on the pistol frame, which can lead to slippage and poor accuracy.
- Finicky Feeding- The blowback-operated design of the Ruger MK I can be a bit finicky when it comes to feeding rounds from the magazine.
Who Should Buy
Ruger Mark I pistols should be bought by people with valid firearms licenses or permits where applicable in the US. It should also be purchased by someone who is knowledgeable in the safety, use and maintenance of the weapon and is comfortable with the recoil of a .22 LR cartridge.
Ruger Mark I pistols should NOT be purchased by minors, people with limited knowledge of firearms or anyone who would feel uncomfortable handling a firearm.
Comparisons
| Product | Weight (oz) | Barrel Length (in) | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUGER MARK I | 28 | 4.75 | 10 | $247.99 |
| Walther P22 | 18 | 4 | 10 | $349.00 |
| Kel-Tec PMR-30 | 14.6 | 4.3 | 30 | $484.00 |
| Bersa Thunder .380 | 22 | 3.5 | 7 | $264.95 |
| Colt Mustang .380 | 13 | 2.75 | 6 | $470.00 |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .22 LR
•Capacity: 10 rounds
•Barrel Length: 4.75"
•Sights: Open Adjustable Sights
•Weight: 27.5 oz
•Material: Stainless Steel or Blued Steel
•Overall Length: 8.5"
•Grip Frame: One-piece Cushioned
•Grip Panels: Checkered Plastic
•Finish: Blued/Stainless Steel
Popular Accessories
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- Hogue Speed Grips
- Tactical Solutions SBR Slab-Side Barrel
- EGW Picatinny Rail
- Hi-Viz Fiber Optic Sights
- Weaver Mounted Scope Rings
- Volquartsen Extractor
- MagPul Magwell Adapter
- B-Square Scope Mount
- Subsonic Suppressor
- Tactical Solutions Extended Magazine Release
Accuracy
The Ruger Mark I is known for having an extremely reliable accuracy. This accuracy comes with practice and a proper stance, but its precision-tuned trigger is renowned for its very short, smooth pull, helping shooters consistently hit their target on every shot. Despite its age, the gun is as accurate as ever and still favored by tactical shooters and competitive competitors. Over all, the Ruger Mark I is still an accurate and reliable gun, even more than 30 years after it was released.
