Ruger Mark III?

[Dave Markowitz]

Saturday night I went shooting with my brother, wife, and dad (RON in PA). My wife shot Dad's 50th Anniversary Ruger Mark II autoloader and really liked it. As a result, I find myself in the market for a Ruger autoloader. (The wife has gone from being totally anti-gun to wanting one of her own. )

The Mark IIs are a known quantity but how about the new Mark IIIs? I.e., are they as reliable and accurate as the Mark IIs?

Inquiring minds want to know. TIA.

 

[Quickdraw Limpsalot]

My MarkIII 22/45 is nothing short of a great gun. It's just as accurate as Ruger semiauto .22's have always been. The major difference is the thickness of the grip, so make sure you like that before you grab one... then spend a night reading your manual and practicing stripping & reassembly. Then it's cake man.

 

[weregunner]

Hi,The size of the grips on both Mk III 22/45 and the MK III are slighly different in width, or so it seems.Try them both and see which one allows you to have a firm hold.Check to see if you can reach the trigger decently.Do you shoot with the pad of the finger or do you use the joint of he finger to pull the trigger? Usually target shooters use the pad of the finger to pull the trigger. I have the MK III with the 5.5in. barrel.The grip on the MK III was right for me and I have stubby fingers.The 22/45 moved a tiny bit more and did not feel just right nor could I reach the trigger as well.This being subjective,I am using myself only as an example.Other users and knowlegeable gun store staff should be able to help. More knowledge should be forth coming from other posters.Good luck.

 

[Bullseye57]

The Mark III is virtually the same platform as the Mark II, it just has a few added in features. The internal dimensions are the same between these pistols. The 22/45 Mark III version has an improved grip but this grip has a thinner girth than the earlier Mark II 22/45 model.

Here's a couple of links to help with fieldstripping and disassembly, if you decide to buy a Ruger 22 Auto.

http://www.guntalk-online.com/fsprocedures.htm
http://www.guntalk-online.com/detailstrip.htm
http://www.guntalk-online.com/TroubleshootingPage.htm

Hope this helps.

R,
Bullseye

 

[weregunner]

Bullseye57 is right. He mentioned the thinner grip is on the 22/45. I wasn't implying the MKIII regular models girth was less.Forgot to add that. I should have clarified that.The MK III just worked out better for me.

 

[ZeroCool]

I thought the difference between the MKIII over the MKII is that the MKIII has the "regular" (near trigger guard) magazine release, loaded chamber indicator and built in safety lock. I know my MKIII has all of those and I didnt think the MKII did. Oh yeah, the MKIII comes with a scope base from Ruger.

While I'd rather not have the LCI and built in lock, the magazine release is what really sold me on the MKIII. I have the stainless bull barrel version and it is very accurate and reliable as well as "good looking". I really dont know how reliable it is with cheap bulk ammo, because I am well stocked with CCI (its the only ammo my finicky 10/22 will 100% eat).

 

[Quickdraw Limpsalot]

The ONLY ammo I use in mine is the dirt-cheap 550 count boxes of Federal from Wally World. No problems of any kind (except I keep running out!)

Mag release on the Mark III changed to what it was on the Mark II 22/45 (and of course still is on the Mark III 22/45.)

 

[zoom6zoom]

I believe the magazine safety is also new on the Mk III.

 

[41 Redhawk]

Shameless plug!

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=2676807#post2676807

 

[51Cards]

Mark III

I have a 6-7/8 Mk III Hunter (Target). Since I got it (about 6 months ago) I've had three red-dot sights on it, the original grips, then the thumb-rest, and finally the Hogue wraparounds (the Mark II's fit --- but trim the safety recess a bit). My current (and, I believe, final) configuration is the Hogue's plus an ATN Compact red-dot.

This gun is a sewing machine needle. Off a rest at 50 feet it will easily group 3/4" or less, depending on what I feed it. (And I need new glasses!!!) I understand from other posts that some folks get excellent results from an assortment of CCI's. Sadly, mine is no cheap date. In order of performance (best first): Lapua M; Eley Biathalon Match; Federal Premium Gold; Eley Pistol Standard, CCI Pistol Match. Yours will probably be different, as well.

I've also read some posts where people had some FTE's and FTF's. After about 1200 rounds, I have had three failures. Keep the mags clean.

I also have a High Standard "B," and, of course, there's little comparison. The Mark III not only performs, but I can guarantee you folks will want a better look.

 

[weregunner]

Guys and gals. First poster here hasn't been heard form since Sept.5th. Since I don't hear him breathing and nothing posted back it seems he is gone. Might be wrong though.

 

[RON in PA]

Dave is not gone and in fact he did buy a Mark III, but has not shot it yet.

Since he bought it for his wife (my daughter-in-law) she won't let him shot it cause it's hers and she wants to be first.

All very heartening to me and Dave as before we "turned" her she was an anti, but she has seen the light.

 

[weregunner]

Good to know Dave is still with us. All we heard was the chirping of crickets for a long time. Test report time. We assign homework here. Range report please? Like the National Inquirer, we just have t know. Turning a wife to the "Light side" can be most difficult, but satisfying. Only took my wife 25 years to figure it out that guns were not evil and could be fun.

 

[BrainOnSigs]

The Mark III is virtually the same platform as the Mark II, it just has a few added in features.

Yes...the lovely features for the lawyers.....

Loaded chamber indicator....mag disconnect.

I'll stick with my MKIIs.....especially after seeing 3 MKIIIs go back due to flaws associated with the loaded chamber indicator.