Ruger Donates two “U.S.” marked Mark II Pistols to Benefit the Scholastic Action Shooting Program
Ruger Firearms has generously donated two rare and collectible “U.S.” marked Mark II .22 LR caliber pistol to benefit the Scholastic Action Shooting Program. The pistols are being auctioned on Gunbroker.com as follows:
manufactured for the U.S. Army from 1984 – 1986. The pistol has a heavy tapered 6-7/8 inch barrel. The “U.S.” stamp is larger than the contracted models, and the front sight is a higher Patridge-type fixed front sight. Additionally, the U.S. Army pistols’ serial numbers began with prefix 210-. In 1983, Ruger was awarded a contract from the U.S. Army, Rock Island Arsenal for a .22 caliber target and training pistol for the U.S. armed forces. A new model was established to meet the U.S. Army's requirements (catalog no. MK678G), and this was the first time Ruger Mark II pistols were equipped with 6 7/8" bull barrels. The MK678G pistols were rollmarked "U.S." on the right side of the barrel/receiver assembly, had finer sights, a roller-burnished chamber, and enhanced accuracy. Special targeting methods were developed using a (then) new laser sighting system, which was later granted a U.S. patent. The laser targeting system worked very well during production, and each pistol was packed with a target attesting to its compliance with the U.S. Government accuracy standards for such pistols. The duration of the contract lasted until 1986, and the Company ultimately shipped over 17,000 pistols to the U.S. Army. No "U.S." marked pistols were shipped commercially during the period of the government contract. The pistol is being sold “as is,” and the purchaser assumes all liability for its safe and proper ownership, storage, use, and resale. The pistol is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction. Note: the winner of this auction will be responsible for paying the Federal Excise Tax. Ruger has committed to supporting the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in 2018 through a series of Gunbroker.com auctions starting in January and running through mid-April, with a new auction beginning each Wednesday at 12:30 pm EST.
- Serial number is 19-79748 through January 31, 12:30PM eastern time.
- Serial number is 19-79749 through February 7, 12:30PM eastern time.
manufactured for the U.S. Army from 1984 – 1986. The pistol has a heavy tapered 6-7/8 inch barrel. The “U.S.” stamp is larger than the contracted models, and the front sight is a higher Patridge-type fixed front sight. Additionally, the U.S. Army pistols’ serial numbers began with prefix 210-. In 1983, Ruger was awarded a contract from the U.S. Army, Rock Island Arsenal for a .22 caliber target and training pistol for the U.S. armed forces. A new model was established to meet the U.S. Army's requirements (catalog no. MK678G), and this was the first time Ruger Mark II pistols were equipped with 6 7/8" bull barrels. The MK678G pistols were rollmarked "U.S." on the right side of the barrel/receiver assembly, had finer sights, a roller-burnished chamber, and enhanced accuracy. Special targeting methods were developed using a (then) new laser sighting system, which was later granted a U.S. patent. The laser targeting system worked very well during production, and each pistol was packed with a target attesting to its compliance with the U.S. Government accuracy standards for such pistols. The duration of the contract lasted until 1986, and the Company ultimately shipped over 17,000 pistols to the U.S. Army. No "U.S." marked pistols were shipped commercially during the period of the government contract. The pistol is being sold “as is,” and the purchaser assumes all liability for its safe and proper ownership, storage, use, and resale. The pistol is a part of the Ruger factory collection in Southport, Connecticut, and a Certificate of Authenticity will be mailed to the winner of the auction. Note: the winner of this auction will be responsible for paying the Federal Excise Tax. Ruger has committed to supporting the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in 2018 through a series of Gunbroker.com auctions starting in January and running through mid-April, with a new auction beginning each Wednesday at 12:30 pm EST.
“The SCTP/SSSF is very excited and honored to be part of this great support by Henry Repeating Arms, Gunbroker.com and The Hunting Heritage Trust” said Tom Wondrash, the Scholastic Clay Target Programs National Director. “SCTP is the Nation’s leader in the youth clay target shooting sports industry and a big part of the reason is because of groups like these that see and understand what we do! We are not just a youth shooting program, we are a youth development program. Thank you to these great supporters of our heritage and our youth and a special Thank You to Anthony Imperato and Henry for making this happen! This handsome serial number 20HENRY16 is fully hand engraved just like the hand-engraved 20HENRY01 which recently auctioned on GunBroker.com for $25,225.00! The engraving on this rifle is by the internationally-known and award-winning Baron Engraving of Trumbull, Connecticut. Baron has provided custom engraving services for most of America’s major firearm manufacturers and hunting and conservation organizations including the Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and many others. Baron has also designed and engraved more than 25 one-of-a-kind firearms for the official SHOT Show Auction. 
An icon in the firearms industry, Henry Repeating Arms is proudly celebrating 20 years of American manufacturing. Since 1997, Henry Repeating Arms has stood for quality, reliability and has provided award-winning customer service on a personalized level that sets the brand apart. Throughout its history, Henry Repeating Arms has had a steadfast and unwavering commitment to keeping its manufacturing operations in the United States and providing its customers with firearms that are “Made in America or Not Made at All.” “Over the past two decades, I’ve come to realize that it’s our customers that make Henry the brand it is today,” said Anthony Imperato, President and owner of Henry Repeating Arms. “Henry is a brand that represents many different things for customers from all walks of life. It’s their stories, their passion for Henry and shooting sports that continue to push us to be the best possible firearms manufacturer we can be.” Supporting the shooting sports has always been at the core of Henry Repeating Arms’ DNA, so Imperato felt it would be fitting to continue that tradition as the company marks its 20th anniversary. Henry has partnered with the Hunting Heritage Trust to auction the “One of Twenty” Anniversary Edition Big Boy .44 Magnum rifles with 100% of the proceeds going to non-profit organizations working to support hunting, shooting and wildlife conservation in America. “The incredible, positive impact that these organizations have had on the shooting sports industry is immeasurable and we’re proud to have the opportunity to help fund their work for years to come,” added Imperato. “Collectors and Henry enthusiasts alike will be drawn to the intricate, hand-engraved details these rifles will feature, along with their extraordinary AAA grade American Walnut and special “One of Twenty” Edition serial numbers.” All rifles in the “One of Twenty” Edition will come with the custom Henry Walnut Wall Display shown in the listing photographs. The High Bidder for each “One of Twenty” rifle will receive a signed “Certificate of Authenticity” from Henry Repeating Arms President Anthony Imperato certifying that the rifle was one of only 20 produced in recognition of the company’s 20Th Anniversary was auctioned to raise funds in support of America’s hunting and shooting sports heritage and highlighting the organization that benefited from the auction. Henry collectors estimate that the “One of Twenty” edition will raise in excess of $100,000.00 for programs in support of America’s hunting and shooting sports heritage.