Bull Barrel on a Ruger Mk III?

[FourteenMiles]

So I was looking to pic up a a Ruger Mk III or II and I was wondering if I should get the bull barreled one, or the regular tapered one. I like the look of the tapered one better but I am wondering what advantage a bull barrel would bring.

Seems the vast majority of guys on Rimfire Central have the bull barrel...

 

[458lottTN]

If you get a MK III, all the bull bbl models have adj. sights and are drilled and tapped for an optics rail (included). The tapered bbl models are usually just as accurate, but the adj. sights are nice. The bull models also balance nicely (with a steel frame).

Check out the slab side competition model, too. Nice rig.

 

[tprice]

Pro:
- heavier barrel reduces loss of accuracy from heating up (during long shooting sessions)
- makes gun more muzzle-heavy (helps improve accuracy for some)

Con:
- makes gun overall more heavy
- may reduce aftermarket options for sights, etc (not by much)

Go bull and don't look back IMHO. They make a great base for a tack driver. Would stay away from a polymer lower/bull upper setup though, probably too top-heavy for good balance.

I own a Mk II bull, excellent shooter and quite accurate, after >10,000 rounds and 10 years of ownership!

 

[SGW42]

Hold each in your hand and decide which one ballances better for you. I have a standard barrel Mk II and a slabsided Mk III. For me the extra weight up front on the slabesided barrel helps keep the front sight on the bull. But everyone is different, YMMV.

 

[CZ57]

Personally, I prefer the 6 7/8" Target model. It is also a tapered barrel but heavier than the standard model and the extra sight radius really helps with accuracy. I think it balances better than the bull barreled versions.

 

[metalman8600]

If you go with the bull barrel, you will have the option of having a threaded barrel that has the suppressor as the same diameter, making it look nice and seamless.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

If you like the tapered, get it.

I prefer the bulls, both my MK I and MK II have them. I doubt if I would ever buy a tapered on, simply because I don't care for the look.

 

[CajunBass]

I like both, but I probably like the bull barrel a little more.

 

[Greg528iT]

Buy what YOU like.
My buddy really likes his 6-7/8" heavy taper
I really LOVE my 5.5" bull barrel, with red dot sight.

 

[Pilot]

I like the balance of the bull barrel models. I have two 5.5 inch bull barrel MK II's and a four inch bull barrel MK II-22/45. I do have a standard Anniversary Model, but that remains NIB, so I've never shot it.

 

[Fishbed77]

Is there any noticeable difference between the accuracy of the 5.5" bull barrel on the Target model and the longer slab-sided barrel of the Competition model?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

All the models shoot pretty darn good from what I have seen.

 

[Geno]

My Ruger Mark II Slab Side was worthless. Seriously, my standard weight barreled Mark II was more accurate. I know my Slab Side was an exception, but I never forgave Ruger for letting that one slip through. Once bit, twice shy and all that.

Geno

 

[340PD]

Another option. The Hunter model. Had to borrow the photo.

 

[bannockburn]

I have always liked the looks of the 6 7/8" tapered barrel, but I prefer the balance and overall feel of the 5 1/2" bull barrel. Try them both and pick the one that's right for you.