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I just received the letter back from Ruger on my stainless RST-4S and it has an April 1982 production date.

So I guess the Standard Stainless Series (17-XXXXX) were produced after production of the Mark II (18-XXXXX) had already started. And here I thought that the stainless Standard was the last of Standard/Mark I series produced BEFORE the Mark II’s came out. Learn something new everyday.

So is the Stainless RST-4S still the first stainless .22 auto pistol from Ruger, or did the Mark II come out with one first?

That was made a month after I was born. Pictures, please!!

The early one of five thousand RST4S guns started late 1981 and continued in 1982 with 17 prefix. About early 1982 the Mark IIs were introduced by Ruger and began with a prototype mk II's in a 17 prefix but became production with a 18 prefix.
From what I remember the RST4S guns were the first stainless guns Ruger produced but actually had hired an outside company to weld the two stainless grip halves together. Don't forget about the CAL Freedom RST4S.

CAL. FREEDOM RST4S.

RPM, the Cal Freedoms are new to me! I may have to begin my search.

Only 26 produced and I only know where 5 are.

I like a challenge!

Rugerologist wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 6:38 pm That was made a month after I was born. Pictures, please!!

Here you go.

rpm enterprises wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 7:08 pm The early one of five thousand RST4S guns started late 1981 and continued in 1982 with 17 prefix. About early 1982 the Mark IIs were introduced by Ruger and began with a prototype mk II's in a 17 prefix but became production with a 18 prefix.
From what I remember the RST4S guns were the first stainless guns Ruger produced but actually had hired an outside company to weld the two stainless grip halves together. Don't forget about the CAL Freedom RST4S.

Interesting, good info, thanks! My stainless is a 2 digit and the letter said It was produced in April 1982, so I assumed being an early serial# that they started production at that time.

Speaking of stainless autos, The Chief sent me this image. Not sure exactly what model it is.