MKIII government target?

[Rickkling]

Well, here’s another question that I’m sure y’all can answer.
I was at a gun show today looking at 2 mkii G/T’s when the gentleman mentioned that ruger had built a MKIII Government Target, but very few.
Is this correct? If so, how many were built?
As usual, thanks for any help.

[67stingray]

Rick, I believe that all the Government Contract MKIIIs had bull barrels. Though there wasn't many of them.
Bennett

[brenemkj]

Yes they did build a MKIII Government Target Model in blue only. Best answer I've seen on numbers is less than 200 but I'm not sure anyone actually knows.

[Rickkling]

Well then, that gives me one more unicorn to search for!
Thank you,
Rick

[chet15]

yes, they are tough!
The comment that they were contract guns is incorrect, they were not. But they were leftover barrels from Mark II production.
That is the closest estimate we've been able to make so far, a total of around 200 in two separate blocks that are close to each other.
Chet15

[chet15]

I researched serial numbers 227-04001 through 227-07600 and found that there are 96 of the MKIII678G between 227-04595 and 227-04701 and another 103 in the second block between 227-06892 and 227-06994 for a total of 199, which makes the MKIII678G just as rare as the Old Model Super Single-Six SC4 (also 199 made).
Chet15

[Rickkling]

Wow! Thank you for the research.
I’ll add I to the growing unicorn list.
I’m sure on will pop up eventually.
Rick