Difference between Ruger 'Standard' and Mark I?

[Twmaster]

I've got a Mark 1 on layaway at a local pawn shop. Hope to pick it up in a couple weeks.

Anyhow. It says Mark I on the barrel. I just got a letter back from Ruger identifying the gun as a 1957 Standard RST-4.

From the info I've found there is no delineation between these two models. I've found a lot of data regarding the differences between the Standard/Mark I and the newer Mark II/III etc.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

(And +1 for Ruger. Not only did they take the time to look my gun up by serial number but they also included a new copy of the original instruction manual. They have earned my future business and my gratitude.)

 

[dfsixstring]

I have a standard also. My understanding is that the MK series has adjustable sights, the standard has fixed.

 

[9mmepiphany]

A Standard RST-4 is the standard model with fixed sights and the tapered 4.75" barrel

The MK I would have a 6.875" barrel, adjustable target style trigger, a Micro adjustable rear sight, and an undercut front sight blade.

There was a 5.25" barreled version of the MK I Target, manufactured from 1952 through 1957, but it is very rare. The most popular MK I was the 5.5" heavy barreled model introduced in 1963.

Which barrel length do you have?
Is the rear sight a Micro?

 

[hardluk1]

MK1 started in 1950 with the target madel. The standard was just the basic fixed sghts.