Ruger MkIII

[mdauben]

I was wondering what the general consensus on these pistols are for their price range. Also, which model is considered the best?

For current production guns, the MkIII is my first choice for a target/plinking .22 semiauto (with the Browning Buckmark a close second). If you are willing to look at used guns, in many ways the OOP MkII is a better gun IMO.

As far as which model, it really depends on what you want it for. I've got a "Competition" model w/6.88" bull barrel. The "Competition" or "Target" with optical sight would be my choice for formal paper punching at the range. The 4.75 inch "Standard" with iron sights would be my choice for casual target shooting and plinking. For hunting any of the bull barrel versions are nice, but personally I might chose the 6.00" "Standard" perhaps with some adjustible after market sights.

 

[pittspilot]

Bought my Mk.III Hunter used for $315.00. One of my best buys. I love that gun. Smooth, super accurate, and reliable. I'd do it again in a second.

 

[jstein650]

On my MKII, I had the tapered 6 7/8" barrel, which I think is the most aesthetically appealing. After hunting squirrels with my buddy's 5" bull barrel though, I definitely feel that is without a doubt, the best balanced in the hand. I did some 'trigger work' on mine - little polish on the sear and set down the overtravel, which you can do if you're careful. Honestly, I'm lucky I didn't muck it up, as it worked pretty damn well, and still does after 1000's of rounds. Got a set of the thumb rest walnut target grips for it, which are sweet.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Dumb question but what is the mag disconnect? I own a Lite model.

 

[CZ9shooter]

A feature that prevents the gun from firing unless a mag is inserted in the mag well. On this particular gun it consists of a little spring and lever dohicky attached to the end of the hammer bushing. It is easily removed by replacing the entire bushing with one designed for a MKII.

I took mine out mainly to get the mags to drop freely. But then later I installed some VQ trigger parts, so I probably would have done it then if I had not already.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

A feature that prevents the gun from firing unless a mag is inserted in the mag well. On this particular gun it consists of a little spring and lever dohicky attached to the end of the hammer bushing. It is easily removed by replacing the entire bushing with one designed for a MKII.

I took mine out mainly to get the mags to drop freely. But then later I installed some VQ trigger parts, so I probably would have done it then if I had not already.

So thats why I have to pull the mag out every time? It is kind of a hassle. Thanks for the explanation.

 

[Darkbob]

An aftermarket bushing to remove the magazine disconnect can be added easily and inexpensively. I bought one from Sam Lam last year and it was only $11 shipped to me. I think it improved the trigger a bit all by itself (getting rid of the magazine disconnect).

 

[Pilot]

After hunting squirrels with my buddy's 5" bull barrel though, I definitely feel that is without a doubt, the best balanced in the hand.

I agree, that's why I bought a second 5" bull barrel Target Model MK II. My first one I modded with Volguartsen trigger, hammer, and sear along with thumbrest grips to make it a bit more easy to shoot accurately. The second one I found LNIB a couple of years ago, so I've kept it totally stock, and to my surprise I can shoot it just about as accurately as my modified one.

 

[foghornl]

I have a MK II that I bought just as the MK 3's were just coming out. Oldest brother has one of the very old "Standard Model" with the 9-round magazine.

Can't tell a penny's worth of difference in the accuracy & reliability of them.