#154 • Ruger MK II NRA Commemorative Semi-Automatic Pistol - .22 LR

Part of WINTER SPORTSMAN CONSIGNMENT AUCTION MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 6:30PM (live auction by Edinburg Auction Sales. Inc. )

Status: Available

Category: FIREARMS

Ruger | Mark II NRA William B. Ruger Endowment Commemorative | .22 LR | Blued | Ivory-Colored Grips The Ruger Mark II NRA William B. Ruger Endowment Commemorative is a special-edition .22 LR semi-automatic pistol introduced in 2003 to honor Ruger founder William B. Ruger (1916–2002) and support the NRA Foundation's William B. Ruger Endowment. Produced through a collaboration between Sturm, Ruger & Co. and firearms distributor Davidson's, this commemorative combines the established Ruger Mark II design with distinctive factory markings, contrasting ivory-colored grips, and specially numbered receivers. The Ruger Standard pistol, introduced in 1949, was the first firearm manufactured by the company founded by William B. Ruger and Alexander Sturm. Its distinctive tubular receiver, internal cylindrical bolt, and reliable blowback operating system helped establish Ruger's reputation in the American firearms industry. The Mark II, introduced in 1982, continued that design with improvements that included a ten-round magazine and automatic bolt hold-open after the final shot. The NRA Endowment Commemorative features several details that distinguish it from standard Mark II pistols. The top front portion of the receiver bears a commemorative Ruger/NRA crest, incorporating the William B. Ruger Endowment designation and the dates 1916–2002. William B. Ruger's signature is rollmarked on the receiver near the ejection port, while the bolt features an additional Ruger eagle emblem. The pistol's traditional blued steel finish contrasts with its distinctive checkered ivory-colored grips, which feature red Ruger eagle medallions. Ruger's original announcement also identifies matching red Ruger medallions on the magazine bases. These decorative details give the commemorative a recognizable appearance while preserving the classic styling of the Mark II. According to Ruger's original announcement, $25 from each regular commemorative pistol sold was contributed jointly by Ruger and Davidson's to the William B. Ruger Endowment. The pistols were distributed exclusively through Davidson's, with special NRA-prefixed serial numbers. Serial number NRA-00000 was designated for display at the NRA National Firearms Museum, while several of the earliest numbered examples were reserved for additional fundraising auctions. This example, NRA-08218, represents the original ivory-grip commemorative configuration introduced in 2003. Firearm Specs Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co. Model: Mark II NRA William B. Ruger Endowment Commemorative Caliber: .22 Long Rifle Action: Semi-Automatic, Blowback Operated Barrel Length: 4.75" Finish: Blued Steel Stock/Grip: Checkered Ivory-Colored Grips with Red Ruger Eagle Medallions Capacity: 10+1 Rounds Sights: Fixed Front Blade / Fixed Rear Notch Year of Manufacture: 2003 Commemorative Issue Ruger Model Number: 00169 Catalog Designation: MK4NRA Receiver: Tubular Steel Receiver with Commemorative Rollmarks Bolt: Internal Cylindrical Bolt with Ruger Eagle Marking Operating System: Simple Blowback Magazine Type: Detachable Single-Stack Box Magazine Safety: Manual Thumb Safety Country of Manufacture: USA Serial Number NRA-08218 Condition Excellent condition. The pistol presents very well overall, with no significant cosmetic imperfections reported. The blued finish retains an attractive appearance, and the distinctive ivory-colored grips complement the commemorative configuration. The bore is bright and shiny. Extras & Features Two magazines Original Ruger hard case Original factory paperwork A well-preserved example of the 2003 Ruger Mark II NRA William B. Ruger Endowment Commemorative, featuring distinctive factory commemorative markings, ivory-colored grips, and a special NRA serial number. Its excellent condition and accompanying factory accessories make it an appealing addition to a Ruger or commemorative firearms collection.