The Red Eagle Ruger

One of the .22 pistols that represents American ingenuity is the Ruger Standard. Approximately 25,500 Red Eagle Ruger Standard pistols were manufactured between October 1949 and November, 1951, before Ruger's business partner, Alexander Sturm died of hepatitis. After Sturm's death, Ruger mandated that the grip medallions be silver and black. The remaining red medallions were depleted by February 1952. The "Red Eagle" pursuit may be a sentimental affection for a long passed plinker, but the red medallion is also indicative of an innovative firearm's first year of production.

Other details of the Ruger Standard pistols include a receiver with no scallops before the bolt knob, a nine round magazine and no bolt hold back mechanism. Very early examples have a square ejection port, and a block rear sight instead of the swept back rear sight shown here.

It is still possible to find Red Eagle Ruger Standards at reasonable prices. I occasionally see one at a gun show, often tired and battered. Not infrequently the seller has heard that he has "something" and on looking the pistol up in the Blue Book, he sees higher listings. He jacks up his asking price accordingly. The red eagle Ruger pistols can still be found through private sales and estate sales. I hope to someday find one at a "take me home price". Maybe at the upcoming gun show.......