Ruger MK (.22LR pistols) explain the differences?

[mr00jimbo]

I always see a lot of different variants
MK1, MK2, MK3, 22/45 (or something) etc.

What's the difference?
I was toying with getting a low-end one ($3xx)
which one to go for? Just for plinking really
Is there an accuracy guarantee on said pistols?

Also, are they a royal pain in the ass to take apart for general cleaning?

 

[colinjw]

The mark 1 was the original design. Thin barrel, mag release on the base of the grip rather than a button & some ( all ? ) had no slide hold open lock.
Then there were changes, mag release button like a 1911 , slide stop, etc. When there were major changes they were renamed the mark 2 then the 3.

The 22/45 has a grip angle change making it similar to the 1911. That's why it is called the 22/45. 22 caliber but feels like holding a 45. ( they say ).

To my knowledge the accuracy is very good but not guaranteed. Most 22's tend to be ammo fussy anyway. It is a good idea to try several different makes of ammo and find the one that the gun likes.

A pain to take apart & back together ? They can be if the steps are not followed. At a certain point they have to be held upside down for a part to line up. Other than that, not a real problem.

Want an inexpensive, accurate, reliable 22 that will probably last a lifetime ?
A Ruger would be a very good choice.

My opinion only though.

 

[Hoser-eh]

Go for the Mark III Hunter 22/45, 6 7/8" fluted bull barrel with Hi-Viz sights.
Loves 40 grain Dynapoints.
Shoots straight

Like a John Deere, keeps its value.

 

[Ljungman]

My first pistol was a MKI.....still got it and it's a very accurate little gun.

 

[sunray]

"...Is there an accuracy guarantee..." There's no accuracy guarantee with any low end pistol. Getting them apart is easy. It's not so easy getting them back together. Fortunately, there's no reason to take it apart for normal cleaning.

 

[MauserMike]

I find the 22/45 grip angle more comfortable in my hand but the plastic frame throws the balance of the pistol off IMO. You also can't change the grips on the 22/45 as they are integral to the frame. Well unless you want to grind them down and custom fit grips as some people have done.

I find the mag release button out of easy reach (thumb right hand preferred) on the Mk III. Otherwise, I think its a better balanced pistol than the 22/45. (same goes for the Mk II)

Aesthetically, I like the Mk II better than the "lawyerized" Mk III. Have only held a Mk I, not shot one. I think the Mk II is an improvement worth paying for over the older model. Mk III doesn't really have any advantage over the Mk II.

Best to try and shoot as many as you can and then make your decision. There's no best gun for everybody.

 

[droesse4]

The MKIII has a loaded chamber indicator on the left side of the received, slightly redesigned grip on the rear of the bolt, it also comes with a key so that you can lock the safety on for storage and the mag release has been moved from the bottom of the magwell to the more conventional left side behind the trigger. Other than that it (as far as I know) it is pretty much the same as the mkII. Oh yea, and the sights are different too. I wouldn't go so far as to say better, but different.

I have a MKIII hunter and absolutly love it. I just don't care for the v notch rear sight. When I was buying it, I held the 22/45 also and didn't care for it. I thought the plastic grip felt kind of cheap. Just my opinion. It is the same gun just a different grip.

 

[Hitzy]

In order of preference:
MkII
MkI
MkIII
MkIII has useless features that just lead to problems. Better off with an older version.

 

[Wendell]

I always see a lot of different variants MK1, MK2, MK3, 22/45 (or something) etc. What's the difference? I was toying with getting a low-end one ($3xx) which one to go for? Just for plinking really Is there an accuracy guarantee on said pistols? Also, are they a royal pain in the ass to take apart for general cleaning?

The Standard model evolved to the MKl (sight and barrel options, 9rd magazine) which evolved to the MKll (external slide release, receiver contoured to facilitate bolt operation, 10rd magazine). Some people disliked the grip angle so the polymer MKll 22/45 (which claimed a similarity to a 1911A1 grip frame) was introduced (proprietary 10 rd magazine) and offered along with the regular MKll. The heel magazine release being less popular than thumb actuated releases led to it's redesign in the MKlll (relocated magazine release, proprietary 10rd magazine, optic mount, chamber loaded indicator, narrowed bolt ears, integral firearm lock, and "magazine safety") and (concurrently) the MKlll 22/45 (proprietary 10rd magazine). Understand that magazines from various MKs do not interchange.
The most common, by far, is the MKll and, while having been replaced by the more-politically-correct MKlll, parts and magazines for the MKll are available everywhere. My opinion? Definitely, a MKll is the one to go for.

Accuracy will be better than you. Aftermarket performance parts to enhance your practical accuracy - like trigger, sear, and related parts and ergonomic grips - are widely available for the MKll.

Fieldstripping is no big deal - once you've learned how - and if you can read and follow directions you'll wonder what the whiners are whining about. (It's because they can't read.)
Once you've learned how, you can strip in about five seconds and re-assemble in about fifteen seconds. (Poor baby!)

Regardless of the version you choose, it is safe to say that you won't regret buying one.

 

[mr00jimbo]

thank y'all
now, is the standard barrel a piece of junk? should i opt for the bull bbl?
i'd be shootin between 5 and 25 yards