Ruger mark I vs mark II

[yodave]

What are the real differences between the mark I and the mark II
I have seen a few good deals on both in the last little while and I would love to get back into the restricted stuff, I have a few now but like rifles, a new one always peeks interest in more range time

 

[Scott_N]

I think the difference between the 2 are that the MK II has a last shot bolt hold open feature, and that the MK II holds an extra shot or two. I'm sure there are a few other differences that I'm not aware of.

 

[Wendell]

Visually, you can distinguish a MKII by it's receiver cuts on either side of the bolt (to let your thumb and finger come closer to the bolt) and a bolt stop control on the left side of the pistol. A MKI has neither of these. The MKII magazine follower button protrudes on the left side of the (10rd) magazine, whereas the (9rd) MKI is on the right. Both MKI and MKII have a magazine release located at the bottom rear of the magazine well.

You can visually distinguish a MKIII by (relatively) more narrow bolt ears/tabs/grasping surface and the additions, visible from the left side, of a chamber indicator (in the receiver) and a magazine release now located in the grip frame.

 

[Wendell]

MKI - no receiver cuts, heel magazine release

MKII - receiver cuts, heel magazine release

There's always an exception. This is a special edition MKII.
http://2.bp.########.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/SR9MWwnRGeI/AAAAAAAAEdg/FYAC9b4kLcY/s320/ruhgerMKII50thanniversarywithgrips.jpg

MK III

 

[Wendell]

That begs the question: have any of you removed the magazine disconnector from your MKIII?