I found one of the 50th Anniversary models in an out of state gun store several years ago, and not knowing too much about Ruger Mark pistols, assumed it was a special gun. Well, it is, by definition, due to the cosmetics and marked box, but otherwise just a regular Mark II. I've since learned a bit more about the Ruger Mark series pistols, and general consensus seems to be that the Mark II was the best of the lot. Unfortunately, mine does not shoot as well as those owned by others.

At the same out of state gun store, they also had an old Ruger Standard model pistol (1951), which also managed to find its way home with me. Now that pistol does shoot very well. Why my Mark II doesn't is a mystery to me, they are basically the same gun. Luck of the draw I suppose.

And the first time I broke them down for a long overdue cleaning, it was an exercise in patience and a steep learning curve. A good video and frequent use of the pause, rewind, and play functions helped immeasurably.