Ruger MKII, MKIII What's the diff?

Oddbawl

Oddbawl

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I'm thinking of picking one up, just want to know if it's better to get a used mkii or go new in a mkiii. What's the difference between the two?
 
I have a MkII and haven't really handled a MkIII but I think the MkIII has a 'conventional' button mag release wheras the MkII has a heel release. I think the MkIII's also have a loaded chamber indicator and a magazine safety.
 
If you are handy... get the MkIII and make it an MKII.

MKII has no US-Required safety features but does have the uglier/blockier frame

MKIII has mag safety, LCI and hammer lock (a screw that unscrews and binds in the frame), but the better, modern-looking frame.

The other components are the same.

EDIT:
I was comparing the 22/45's which I have had both version of (i.e. III and II) :)
 
You have to decide whether the benefit of the MK3's improved magazine release outweighs the pain-in-the-ass, and completely superfluous, "magazine safety".

Me? I'd take a MK2 any day.
 
FWIW, I found the Mk III button to be too far forward to easily release the magazine with one hand using my thumb. From this standpoint, I actually prefer the bottom release on the Mk II.

The 22/45 might be better in this regard but I don't like tupperware guns.
 
Oddbawl said:
What's wrong with the mag safety?
Click to expand...
Guns don't kill people, mag safeties without decockers kill people. You have to insert a magazine to complete the unload drill :eek:. So the fire drill is the same as the unload drill, with 2 steps switched around:runaway:.
Browning tri-safety was OK, the grip safety overrode the mag safety.
 
Well, the mag safety sounds silly...
Thanks for the heads up guys.
I'm left handed so mag releases are usually a PITA for me anyway, methinks the bottom release might be the ticket. On more thing, are the bull barrel MKIIs tapped for a rail like the MKIIIs on the Ruger website?
 
I prefer the MKIII. The mag release on the MK1 and MK2 annoys me. That being said if you find a good MKII for a very low price it would be an easy choice. I'd go for it in a second. At close to the same price, the MKIII wins.

The mag safety doesn't bother me at all. Also keep in mind this isn't a "combat" handgun, it's an entry level target pistol.
 
Oddbawl said:
Well, the mag safety sounds silly...
Thanks for the heads up guys.
I'm left handed so mag releases are usually a PITA for me anyway, methinks the bottom release might be the ticket. On more thing, are the bull barrel MKIIs tapped for a rail like the MKIIIs on the Ruger website?
Click to expand...
i'm left handed and i find the heel release to be a pita-compared to a 1911 style up by the trigger- typically it's empty mag, bring right hand over to trigger mag release, insert new mag, trip slide release- with the 1911 style , you use your TRIGGER FINGER, punch the mag release, mag drops free, and new mag inserted with right hand- basically, it's a 1 hand drop, not 2- i've got heels on both of my berettas, and i'd rather have the button anyday-
 
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