Ruger Mark I Target .22 LR Semi-Automatic Pistol – 6 7⁄8" Tapered Target Barrel, 1981 A100-Frame
This late-production 1981 Ruger Mark I Target pairs a 6 7⁄8-inch tapered Target barrel with the desirable A100 frame, making it one of the final Mark I pistols built before the Mark II transition. Its fixed barrel/receiver design delivers a stable sight plane, while fully adjustable iron sights and a smooth single-action trigger help maximize the .22 LR’s accuracy potential. Collectors and shooters alike will appreciate the pistol’s compatibility with later-generation Mark II/III magazines and its classic hot-salt blued steel construction.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The blued finish displays scattered scratches and noticeable areas of finish loss, particularly along high-contact edges and the grip frame.
What’s Included
- One factory Ruger Mark I/II 10-round steel magazine with removable floorplate
The A100 frame introduced a magazine release cut on both sides of the magazine body, allowing the pistol to accept the same magazines later used in the Mark II and Mark III lines. This backward-compatible feature adds practical value for shooters who already own newer Ruger rimfires.
The 6 7⁄8-inch tapered Target barrel is machined from carbon steel, offering extra weight up front for steadier off-hand balance and faster follow-up shots. A 1-in-16" right-hand twist stabilizes a wide range of standard and match-grade .22 LR loads.
Sight regulation is handled by a Patridge-style front blade paired with a fully adjustable square-notch rear, giving the shooter precise control over windage and elevation. The rear sight is mounted on the fixed receiver, so zero remains consistent even after field-stripping.
Controls are traditional: a heel-type magazine release, manual safety, and internal hammer fired via a smooth single-action trigger. The dual-ear bolt makes charging easy, and the simple blowback action is known for reliability and straightforward maintenance.