Make: Ruger
Model: Mark I
Serial Number: 10-67490
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 6 7/8"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a banded base at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base dovetailed to the rear of the barrel extension.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic panels with black-on-silver Ruger medallions. The grips have even light handling wear with a few light nicks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the inscription is cut through the finish.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The top of the barrel extension has "DR. WM. M. SELDEN" inscribed through the finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are evenly scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some light surface oxidation with a spot of more notable erosion at the right-front of the barrel extension. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a two-piece black and yellow Ruger box with model-matching label, serial number hand-written on one side of the lid, warranty card, and a total of four 9-round magazines.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Mark I is the foundation of one of the most successful rimfire pistol lines in American history, introduced in 1949 as Bill Ruger's first commercially produced firearm. Drawing inspiration from the Nambu pistol and combining it with a simple and reliable blowback design, the Mark I quickly gained popularity for its accuracy, durability, and distinctive profile. By the mid 1970s, production had fully matured, and these pistols were widely used for target shooting, training, and recreational use. The longer 6 7/8 inch barrel enhances sight radius and balance, making it particularly well suited for precise shooting.
Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, the widely used rimfire cartridge introduced in 1887 and long favored for economical shooting and target practice, this example retains approximately 87 percent of its original blued finish with a great bore and strong mechanics. It is a nice find for the collectors with its original factory box and for shooters with its four magazines. It has been inscribed with "DR. WM. M. SELDEN", though no provenance is included to give more information about the Doctor. With its classic design, longer barrel configuration, and included accessories, this Ruger Mark I represents a strong example of an early American rimfire semi automatic pistol. Please see our photos and good luck!
