Ruger Mark 2 Government Target 22lr

The Ruger Mark II Government Target Model in stainless steel (often abbreviated as KMK678G) is a discontinued variant of the iconic Ruger Mark II semi-automatic pistol, chambered exclusively in .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR). Introduced in the early 1980s, it was specifically designed to meet U.S. military specifications for .22 caliber target shooting and training pistols. Ruger secured a contract with the U.S. Army's Rock Island Arsenal in 1983, leading to the development of this model with enhanced accuracy features. Production continued until the Mark II line ended in 2004, after which it was succeeded by the Mark III series. The stainless version is particularly prized for its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, though it can develop minor pitting if not properly maintained.

This model is not a mass-produced standard pistol but a premium target configuration, often rollmarked with "U.S." on the right side of the barrel/receiver for early military-contract examples. It's celebrated among collectors and shooters for its reliability, precision, and historical significance—many owners report firing tens of thousands of rounds with minimal wear.

Key Specifications

Caliber: .22 LR (handles both standard and high-velocity ammunition reliably)

Action: Semi-automatic, blowback-operated

Barrel: 6 7/8-inch (approximately 7-inch) heavy bull barrel (slab-sided profile for weight distribution and reduced muzzle flip; no other barrel lengths were offered for this variant)

Capacity: 10 rounds (single-stack magazine)

Sights: Adjustable target rear sight; undercut front blade sight to reduce glare

Finish: Matte stainless steel (model prefix "K" denotes stainless)

Overall Length: Approximately 12 inches

Weight: Around 38-40 oz (unloaded; the heavy barrel contributes to stability)

Grips: Checkered black plastic (laminate-style; aftermarket options like walnut or Hogue rubber are common)

Serial Number Prefix: Early military models used "210-" (e.g., 210-00001 to 210-50000); later production shifted to random blocks starting around 215-10XXX

Model Designation: KMK678G (K = stainless, MK = Mark II, 678 = Government Target configuration, G = Government model)

Special features include a roller-burnished chamber for smoother feeding and extraction, heat-treated chamber for tighter tolerances, and factory testing to achieve 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards using CCI Green Tag ammunition. All Mark II pistols, including this one, feature the classic Ruger one-button takedown for easy cleaning.

History and Development

The Mark II series (1982-2004) improved on the original Mark I with better sights, triggers, and manufacturing tolerances. The Government Target Model emerged from the 1983 U.S. Army contract, making it the first Mark II with the 6 7/8-inch bull barrel. Approximately 200 stainless Mark III versions were briefly produced around 2011, but the Mark II remains the definitive run. Early examples (1983-1985) were built to stricter military specs, including laser-sighting compatibility for training. Civilian versions followed, with stainless becoming available shortly after.

Owners often note its basement-range suitability and offhand accuracy— one user reported 8-9 out of 10 shots grouping in a 3/4-inch circle at 10 meters after 15,000+ rounds. It's equally at home in competitions like Bullseye shooting or casual plinking.

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