What's the difference between Ruger Mark I and Mark III?

[MbMinx]

Just wondering. I'm really enjoying my Mark I (until I have to clean it). I saw a Mark III in the shop the other day and wondered what the difference was between models.

Thank you.

 

[Colt556]

What is the difference between ruger mkI, mkII, and mkIII .22lr pistols? - Yahoo! Answers

I prefer the MKII version. I think I have 4 of them.

 

[snapping turtle]

Basically mags, trigger, hold open last shot and age.

I also think that the Ruger mark II gov't target is the best and the super eight. I am very biased because it was the first pistol I ever purchased. Still use it all the time.

 

[Thegeek]

II

 

[Ian]

Basically mags, trigger, hold open last shot and age.

I also think that the Ruger mark II gov't target is the best and the super eight. I am very biased because it was the first pistol I ever purchased. Still use it all the time.

Where did you get that sweet scope mount? I want one!

 

[Bunnykid68]

II

That was my first thought too

 

[JettaKnight]

Basically mags, trigger, hold open last shot and age.

And stupid loaded chamber indicator

Not to say a Mk III can't be improved to undo all this crap Ruger stuck on - it just cost time and money.

 

[shootersix]

arn't the mk3's also drilled and tapped and include a scope mount?

 

[BlueEagle]

My Mark III was drilled and tapped, and I still have the scope mount in the box. Haven't had any issues out of the gun at all. It's a great piece.

 

[Obiward]

Mark I
1. 9 round mag
2. No last round bolt hold
3. Manual bolt hold with safety
4. Mag release on heel of grip

Mark II
1. 10 round mag
2. Last round bolt hold
3. Mag release on heel of grip
4. Some models were drilled and tapped for scope mounts

Mark III
1. 10 round mag (not compatible with Mk II)
2. Last round bolt hold
3. Thumb mag release
4. Mag safety/will not fire without mag
5. Loaded chamber indicator
6. Drilled and tapped for scope mounts

My preference is the Mk II, but the new mag release is much better in my mind. With a little work, you can remove the mag disconnect safety and basically make a Mk III act like a Mk II. I own one of all three. Each are fun to shoot. You really can't go wrong with any Ruger .22 pistol in my mind.

And don't be intimidated by cleaning it. Go slow, read the instructions, and ask questions. My dad showed me when I was 12 how to do it. I messed up a few times in the beginning, but can do it with my eyes closed now.

 

[MbMinx]

I can take it apart alright. Putting it back together can be a bear. Kind of a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes I can get it all on the first try, sometimes I have to put it away in pieces and come back later (when I've calmed down).
I wish my dad had showed me when I was twelve, or I wish I had paid better attention...

I do love it. It shoots easily and it's a lot of fun putting holes where I want them in the targets. Seems to eat any ammo I feed it so far. Not picky at all. A nice piece.

 

[DialTone301]

If you are going to play games like rimfire madness then consider the MK3....the mag release makes mag changes faster. I shoot a 25 yr old MK 2 and am still happy with it. The daughter shoots a MK 3 and doesn't like my MK 2 because of the mag release.

 

[Tomc1947]

Does anyone know what the difference is between a MKIII and a 22/45 MKIII? I know there are different mags, but any other?

 

[jzwhts]

Grip style is different for the 22/45. It is designed to emulate a 1911 for cheaper practice.

 

[seldon14]

Does anyone know what the difference is between a MKIII and a 22/45 MKIII? I know there are different mags, but any other?

I was just going to post with 22/45 > MK.

I believe all 22/45 have standard mag releases. The 22/45 lower is polymer reducing weight. It has a 1911 grip angle instead of the more swept back Luger grip style of the MK series. The newer ones are available to accept standard 1911 grip panels.

Dissasembly sucks on both but they shouldn't need much more than a bore snaking very often. I can easily go through 500 rounds without any cleaning or lube on mine.

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

I have a I and a III. Got the III in a fit of dumb following some disbelief from others that my solution to getting the I to eat HPs would work. Took that III apart and whatya know, just like what I was going to do. Finally (!) got that [bad word] III back together, and once I extend the ramp on the I I'll find the III a new home. Hardly fired, I'd trade it straight up for a good II.

The II/III mags can be modified for the I. The little button on the side needs to be a little button on the other side. Some disassembly required, but it's easy. Still haven't quite worked out keeping the catch from snagging on the bottom of the metal.

 

[Punkinhead]

I had to do a bit of filing on the mag lips on my MKIII to get rid of stove pipes, but since then it's been perfect. If you get a MKIII, spend $10 on a mag disconnect bushing and it'll get rid of most of the drama of reassembly. Plus the mags will drop out easier. There are several sources for them. Here's one.

 

[davedolli]

I like them all, I have several MK IIs.

Dave

 

[seldon14]

I had to do a bit of filing on the mag lips on my MKIII to get rid of stove pipes, but since then it's been perfect. If you get a MKIII, spend $10 on a mag disconnect bushing and it'll get rid of most of the drama of reassembly. Plus the mags will drop out easier. There are several sources for them. Here's one.

Yeah I think the MKIII hate gets blown out of proportion. I spent a few bucks on a MKII bushing, and disabled the mag safety. I've got no problem with the loaded chamber indicator so I left that as is, but it's also super easy to disable.

 

[Bigtanker]

If you have problems getting it back together, you can always buy one of these:

Speed Strip Kit

They look good and several other INGOer's have recomended them. After 15+ years of putting my MKII back together, I can do it pretty easy and quickly.