Ruger Mark 1

[glockdriver]

Ran across 3 different Rugers at my local shop ,"The Gunbroker" today. 2 MK1s an a 22/45 ,one is a bullbarrel target the other 2 have the tapered barrel. $ 200 a piece.

talk to me , should I go back and pick one up (I'm looking for a 22 for my daughter to learn on)
Pros ? Cons?

 

[schigolch]

I have not spent a lot of time shooting it, but I happen to have a MKI sitting next to me that I've borrowed; you may be aware of this already, but just to make sure, I want to point out that the slide does not lock back (unless you hold it back and then flip the safety.) They are fun to shoot, but that is enough of a pain that I would look for a Mk II. I don't know anything about the 22/45.

 

[presspuller]

I have two of them. Very good pistols, they have never caused me any trouble but many hours of fun. The only thing I don't like about them is the fact that the slide does not lock back and I don't care for the mag release being on the bottom of the grip.
But other than that they are great. If those things don't bother you(or her) that sounds like a good price and I would jump on it.
Also for what its worth, my bull barrel target has a much better trigger than the regular model. If you get one get that one.

I do need to add that the mag release and the slide locking back was never a problem till I learned that the newer ones had it. Kinda one of those "don't know what you ain't got till you get it" sort of things.

 

[Blind Bat]

I've shot thousands of rounds from my MK I circa 1964. I inherited it from my father who inherited it from his best friend. God knows how many rounds it has had through it before I start shooting it. It's a 5" bull barrel target model and it is the closest thing I have to a "tack driver".

The only down side (other than the lack of a automatic slide lock) is that the MKI uses different mags than the MKII and MKIII series. They can be had from Midway for about $20 though. The MKI mags have little feed lips that guide the tip of the bullet onto the feed ramp. I did have to futz with the lips a little to get the el' cheapo Wally World Federal value pack ammo to feed consistently. Basically, you just have to tweak the lips so that the Federal bullets hit dead center on the little feed ramp.

One more thing, lots of people believe Rugers are hard to reassemble. If you read the directions (available on the web) it becomes really easy after the first couple of cleanings. I can usually reassemble mine in under a minute.

 

[theotherwaldo]

I love my old Mark I Target Model. I'll probably never buy another .22 autoloader, this one does all that I need.

 

[Bennett Prescott]

The Mark I I've shot is a tack driver, really great little gun. I've been hoping I'd stumble across one so I can add it to my collection.

 

[xHypex]

If you're interested in reading Xavier has a great article on the Ruger Mark I/Mark IIs.

The main thing to know is that Mark Is had two different frames; the original frames required the magazine button to be on the right and the magazines only held 9 rounds. The later, A-100 frame will accept the 9 round magazines with the button on the right, but will also accept the newer 10 round Mark II magazines with the button on the left side. There is no slide lock though if that is important to you.

The Mark II is basically the same as the A-100 Mark I with the addition of the slide lock. Both Mk I and Mk IIs have a European style magazine release on the bottom of the grip; Mk IIIs have a push button magazine release like modern autos. Here is more reading material on magazines if you're interested.

One final note is that grips from the older framed Mk Is will not fit an A-100 framed gun and vice versa; I know from experience. :banghead:

Hope that helps
-hype

 

[Moptop]

Hello all, I have a MKII target and a RST tapered barrel and have enjoyed them both with no problems. The best and most accurate pistols I've ever shot. I just wanted to mention that I "cured" the problem of the butt mounted mag release by installing a Volquartsen extended magazine release. Best 10 bucks each I ever spent and it was a snap to put in. It gives just enough lip to save the fingers. You can get it in both black and stainless. I ordered them from Rimfire Sports, and they paid the shipping. Nice folks!

 

[eatont9999]

I saw a tapered MKI at a local shop with a $140 tag on it. I didn't inquire about it, but it looked to be in good condition. For all I know it did not work. I just thought I would throw that out there.

I think a MKI is good for a range toy or plinking with your little one. So the the slide does not stay open and the mag takes effort to get out. The new shooter will just be glad to have something to shoot.