Ruger Mark III - wont' hold open

[Temps]

Looking for some advise on the following for my Ruger Mark III pistol. After the last disassembly and cleaning the slide won't hold open after firing the last round. Worked fine prior to the cleaning so assuming I didn't do something right however the pistol seems to function fine in all other aspects. Coincidence?

Any advise on what to look for or check would be appreciated as I'm going to disassemble and clean again.

 

[mmattockx]

I can't say specifically what is wrong, but the bolt hold open should be dead obvious when you look at things. My guess is that it is not sitting correctly for the mag follower to hit as the mag goes empty. I use this page for the disassembly and reassembly reference:

https://www.guntalk-online.com/2245detailstripping.htm


Mark

 

[Painkillers]

With zero ammunition around, and with an empty magazine inserted into an empty gun, when you pull the slide back by hand, does it lock back?

 

[Temps]

With zero ammunition around, and with an empty magazine inserted into an empty gun, when you pull the slide back by hand, does it lock back?

No, it doesn't hold open

 

[Temps]

I can't say specifically what is wrong, but the bolt hold open should be dead obvious when you look at things. My guess is that it is not sitting correctly for the mag follower to hit as the mag goes empty. I use this page for the disassembly and reassembly reference:

https://www.guntalk-online.com/2245detailstripping.htm


Mark

Thanks for sharing, I'll give this reference a try

 

[Geoff B]

Probably a mag issue.

 

[Big Bad]

I have an old pistol that will hold open with one factory magazine and not with the other, makes me think that it's a mag issue all right.

 

[4n2t0]

Is the bolt stop assembly (part #31 below) worn out? Does it have a lot of rounds through it? Are your magazines dirty or have weak springs? Do the buttons move up and down smoothly without hesitation?

 

[guntech]

It worked before you took it apart and cleaned it... the cleaning did not alter anything. The reassembly must not have been correct... do it again and test...

 

[Temps]

I can't say specifically what is wrong, but the bolt hold open should be dead obvious when you look at things. My guess is that it is not sitting correctly for the mag follower to hit as the mag goes empty. I use this page for the disassembly and reassembly reference:

https://www.guntalk-online.com/2245detailstripping.htm


Mark

Thanks for sharing this, I used this as a reference for disassembly and reassembly this time and found it quite simple to follow. Unfortunately the issue remains

 

[Temps]

Is the bolt stop assembly (part #31 below) worn out? Does it have a lot of rounds through it? Are your magazines dirty or have weak springs? Do the buttons move up and down smoothly without hesitation?

View attachment 809407

After disassembling and inspecting everything, I believe the bolt stop is worn out. The button slides freely although I can see/feel some hesitation as if it doesn't sit high enough. Regardless of magazine I use the issue is the same and this pistol has several thousands of rounds (likely the pistol I use most).