Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Standard
Serial Number: 0099
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Rimfire, Blowback, fed by detachable magazines.
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked with the Ruger southport address and the serial number, "0099". The left side is marked, "RUGER 22 CAL. LONG RIFLE / AUTOMATIC PISTOL".
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade pinned to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered black synthetic panels with a red-on-silver Ruger medallion on the left side. The medallion appears to have been re-applied. The checkering is well defined with light to mild peak wear. There is mild handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling in the grooves. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are scattered light scratches and wear marks with wear along the leading edge. The action has light wear. There is rust on the front of the bolt face. There is intermittent oxidation. Much of the finish on the straps has turned to a mottled patina. There is rust around the outside circumference of the muzzle. There is light corrosion on the charging handle. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about 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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A single 9-round magazine is included, alloy floorplate, two-tone body, cast follower.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Standard Model is one of the most important American rimfire pistols of the postwar era, introduced in 1949 as the first firearm produced by the newly formed Sturm, Ruger & Co. Designed by Bill Ruger, the pistol combined simple blowback operation, a durable cylindrical receiver, and styling that echoed earlier European service pistols (as well as the Japanese Nambu) while delivering an affordable and accurate .22 semi-automatic for the American market. Its success launched Ruger as a major firearms manufacturer and established a design family that would evolve into the Mark I, Mark II, Mark III, and Mark IV series. This first-year 1949 example, serial number 0099, is especially notable as a very early production pistol from the company's inaugural year, giving it stronger collector interest than later Standard Models. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, it offers mild recoil, low shooting cost, and the practical accuracy that made Ruger's first pistol a landmark success.
This example retains about 85 percent of its original blued finish, showing honest use wear consistent with its age. The early black grip panels with reapplied red-on-silver Ruger medallion are in Very Good condition. The bore is in good shape and the action functions correctly. The pistol includes one 9 round magazine in Good condition with minor oxidation near the top of the body. Overall, this is a desirable first-year Ruger Standard with a very early serial number and significant historical appeal as an example of the pistol that started the Ruger legacy. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
