2428

CONSECUTIVE PAIR RUGER PROTOTYPE 50th ANNIVERSARY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,400.00 USD
CONSECUTIVE PAIR RUGER PROTOTYPE 50th ANNIVERSARY
MKII SEMI AUTO PISTOLS. BOTH: cal. 22 LR. Bbls. 4 3/4" w/ standard fixed sights. Mfg. Oct. 1998 in Prescott, AZ. Left side of receiver marked "Fifty Years of Ruger Firearms" over "1949 ~ 1999". Created to resemble original 1949 pistol w/ checkered black plastic grips having red background silver eagle on right panel fitted w/ stainless bolts, to simulate unfinished bolts of originals. Common silver trigger plus departure from originals having MKII frame w/ hold open feature. Higher level of polishing than on standard production models; most noticeable on front sight band. Very rare pairing of 2 prototypes likely from 2 sources. True 50th Anniversary Model designated MK450 w/ logo over chamber, red background silver eagle medallions on both grips & packaged in red plastic case w/ anniversary logo. MK450 was Ruger's most popular model ever w/ approx. 56,000 produced in one year. MAGS: 2 factory 10 rd. red eagle removable bases. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: matching numbered gray plastic case for each w/ standard MKII manual. 2019 Factory research letter for 222-03014 stating produced Oct. 1998 & shipped Nov. 2017 to Sara NW LLC in Ronan, MT. Undated letter signed by CEO Michael Fifer indicating 222-03015 test fired Oct. 6, 1998. Letter points out that it does not have regular anniversary features & states that it is "likely a proto-type for the anniversary model". Letter further states "This pistol is the fourth consecutive serial numbered early sample anniversary pistols." Printout of Gunbroker advertising page by Ruger for S# 222-03014 indicating sold by special Ruger auction & that it was part of Ruger factory collection. CONDITION: all aspects of both near excellent; appearing new & unfired. 1) S# 222-03014. (21-1279/NW). 2) S# 222-03015. (21-1284/NW). BOTH MODERN. $900-1,400.