Ruger Mk II 22 pistol question

Hi,

I have (what seems like) an unusual question: the serial number on a Ruger Mk II 22LR pistol in on the upper receiver, not the lower frame, which it is like on every other pistol I have. So does this mean the part that can be transferred without an FFL is the lower frame, not the upper.....which is the opposite from an AR-15? I know that one can have an AR-15 upper delivered directly to them, but must have the lower (which is where the serial number is) delivered to an FFL holder.

In short, which part of a Ruger MK II is considered the firearm, the upper or the lower?

Thanks.

Shane

Aha! Your question answered my question.

I have wondered for a couple of months now why the Volquartsen receiver/barrel for the Ruger Mk II had to be shipped to a FFL, when all the other barrels I've seen were simply parts.

It must have a serial number.

Interesting. So if you buy one of these, you have two guns, but you can't use them at the same time. (Now that's a question for trivia buffs! :) )

The reciever of a Ruger MKII is the steel tube that contains the bolt. This is the part that has the serial number rollmarked on it. All other parts, including the lower, and the barrel, if you unscrew it, can be transferred without a FFL.

As a general rule, the serial numbered part is ALWAYS the firearm. (At least on guns made since 1968)

Now, that only helps if the manufacturer only put the serial number in one place. If the manufacturer puts the serial number on the frame and then repeats it on the slide (or wherever), then that rule doesn't help.

Thanks everyone. Your responses confirm what I thought.

Shane

Yeesshh! Wish I'd realized what was going on when I had mine repaired. I guess rather than changing the barrel they just replaced the entire upper.

I was required to register it as a new gun. Given that the cost was up around $100 to get it back and pay for the California requirements I just left it on consignment with the gunshop and took a Mossberg 500 home in trade.

I was required to register it as a new gun. Given that the cost was up around $100 to get it back and pay for the California requirements I just left it on consignment with the gunshop and took a Mossberg 500 home in trade.

A poor choice, IMHO.