Ruger Original Standard .22 Pistol Versus MKIII Standard?

[nero45acp]

I'm going to buy my first Ruger Standard .22 pistol and I'm trying to decide between an excellent condition original Standard for $225, or a NIB MKIII Standard for about $300. I'd appreciate any info/opinions on if one is generally considered to be better than the other. Thanks.



nero

 

[Shear_stress]

More or less the same gun, depending on the features. The MKIII has a lot of fussy safety features I don't really care for, but that's up to you.

 

[Six]

I had an MKIII for plinking, it was amazingly accurate but the safety features get annoying. There's something wrong with a design that requires you to insert a magazine and then pull the trigger for take down/reassembly.

Now I shoot a Buck Mark, and while I wouldn't hesitate buying a Ruger .22 again, it would not be the MKIII generation.

 

[xHypex]

Shooting wise the Rugers are all similar unless you car about the magazine disconnect and loaded chamber indicator on the Mark III. The main things to consider when shopping for a Ruger Standard .22/Mark I versus a Mark II/Mark III are:
1) The Mark II/III have a catch that holds the bolt open after the last round.
2) the Mark II/III has a bevel that allows you to more easily grab the bolt to cock the gun. Mark I on the left; Mark III on the right

3) The Mark I comes in two different frame versions. This won't matter much unless you want to change grips (I did; if you care get the A-100 frame)
4) The Mark I has a 9 round magazine; Mark II/III have a 10 round magazine
5) The Mark I has the magazine release in the heel of the butt; II/III have a magazine release button.

Most of these differences may not seem like a big deal, but if you shoot a lot having (1) and (2) plus an Ultimate Clip Loader sure helps keep your hand from getting worn out loading the gun. If you want more details read this
-hype

 

[tlen]

.............

 

[tlen]

What's an "original Standard " ?
Get the MKIII and if you don't like the LCI and Mag disconnect you can remove them. I'd recommend getting the adjustable sight model that is drilled & tapped and comes with a scope mount. A red dot on a Ruger is a slick setup. I have the MKIII678.
http://www.guntalk-online.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=934
http://www.guntalk-online.com/service.html

 

[premiumplus]

I'm loving my old standard. It feeds everything I give it and shoots where I point it. It's just a joy to own and satisfying as all heck to shoot!

 

[ArmedBear]

Note that a Volquartsen hammer will remove the magazine disconnect on the Mark III.

I prefer the Mark II, but you don't have to live with that annoyance if you have a Mark III. And Mark II's aren't going for cheap from what I've seen.

I use a Mark II for match shooting, so the 9-round magazine of the Mark I would be a real PITA.

 

[gb6491]

5) The Mark I has the magazine release in the heel of the butt; II/III have a magazine release button.

The all metal Mark II pistols have the heel magazine latch; only the 22/45 had the magazine release button near the trigger guard (as all Mark III versions do).
Regards,
Greg