Ruger Introduces the Ruger® Mark III™ Pistols

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), the nation's largest firearms manufacturer, is proud to announce the introduction of a new family of autoloading rimfire pistols - the Ruger® Mark III™ .22 caliber pistols.

The new Ruger Mark III pistols retain the familiar grip and overall shape of the Mark II pistols but feature many new engineering refinements. A newly-designed, convenient-to-use magazine release button is located on the left side of the frame, behind the trigger guard. The new Ruger Mark III pistols also feature the very first visible loaded chamber indicator for a .22 rimfire pistol (patent pending). These new features, combined with an unobtrusive internal lock, magazine disconnect, and re-contoured sights and ejection port, result in the most innovative .22 pistols ever offered.

"The Ruger Standard Pistol is the foundation upon which our Company was built," said Sturm, Ruger President, Stephen L. Sanetti. "This pistol design began a history of innovation which has made Ruger rimfire pistols the leading choice among shooters for over half a century. Today, with the introduction of the Ruger Mark III pistols, our innovation continues."

While the new Ruger Mark III is truly an innovative design, it still retains the key features that are the heart of the original Ruger Mark II and Ruger Standard pistols. Rather than using a separate moving slide, the bolt moves inside a rigid barrel-receiver assembly upon which the sights are mounted. This unique design ensures that the sights are unaffected by the blow-back action, for consistent accuracy. Recognized for their performance and value, Ruger Standard, Mark I and Mark II pistols have remained the first choice among shooters for over half a century.

"The Ruger Standard, Mark I and Mark II pistols offered simplicity, accuracy, and value that shooters of all skill levels recognize and appreciate," said Sanetti. "We are proud to continue these traditions with the introduction of today's new Ruger Mark III pistols, which have more features for even greater value."

The first Ruger Mark III model is the MKIII512, which will be available in May 2004. This pistol has a 5 1/2 inch bull barrel, micro-adjustable rear sight and a blued steel receiver. The receiver is drilled to accept the new Weaver-style scope base adapter, included with each pistol.