Ruger Standard

Ruger Standard
Blued Ruger Standard model with wood grips
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Designer	William Ruger
Designed	1949
Manufacturer	Sturm, Ruger
Produced	1949–present
Variants	MK I Target MK II MK II Target MK II Government Target Competition model MK III MK III Target 22/45 MK IV
Specifications
Barrel length	4 in (10 cm) 4.75 in (12.1 cm) 5.25 in (13.3 cm) 5.5 in (14 cm) 6 in (15 cm) 6.875 in (17.46 cm) 10 in (25 cm)
Cartridge	.22 Long Rifle
Action	blowback
Feed system	9- or 10-round box magazine
Sights	Open iron sights, both fixed and adjustable

The Ruger Standard model is a firearm introduced in 1949 as the first product manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co., and was the founding member of a product line of .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge pistols. It was marketed as an inexpensive .22 caliber rimfire intended for casual sport and target shooting, and plinking. Designed by William B. Ruger, the Standard model and its offspring went on to become the most accepted and successful .22 semi-automatic pistols ever produced.

In 1949 renowned inventor, gun designer, self-taught engineer, and entrepreneur Bill Ruger wished to produce and market a new handgun; and acquired a World War II Japanese Nambu pistol from a returning US Marine. Ruger successfully duplicated two Baby Nambu pistols in his garage. Using the Nambu's silhouette and bolt system, Ruger produced his first prototype, but lacked the venture capital necessary to fund its introduction. When potential financial backer Alex Sturm was shown the prototype Ruger had created, he was impressed by its sleek traditional aesthetic and its slight resemblance to the classic nostalgia-evoking Luger pistol.