Ruger MrkII vs MrkIII

D

-Doug-

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Hey,

I've been doing some research on Ruger .22 pistols however I want to get all your opinion/experience when it comes to picking between the Ruger MrkII and MrkIII pistol.

Whats the main differences and which do you think is a better pistol.

Thanks,

Doug
 
I have a Mark III and I can say for sure it works very well. I had to change out the extractor right away but now it works great. I don't beleive you can change the front sight to a fiber optic on the Mark II like you can on the Mark III. Also they take different mags as well.

Graydog
 
I have both, and each has advantages and disadvantages.

The MK II has the mag release at the base of the grip, like the P-38s and other European guns. This is a PITA.

The mags from the MKIII seem to fit the MK II, but the MK II mags will not latch into the MK III. An "Ulitmate Cliploader" that sells for about $30 is an excellent accessory for fast reloads and works for both mags. It won't work on a MK I.

The MK III has the release behind the trigger and is great, but it has two "improvements" that I don't like. The internal lock and the loaded chamber indicator are unnecessary additions which add to the manufacturing cost and provide no real utility.

My MK II bull barrel easily accepted a fiber-optic front sight, and I think only the pencil barreled guns of all marks will not accept the FO.

The 1985 MK II seems to be better finished and never gives a problem with reassembly (once I had it figured out and practiced a while), but the MK III
seems just a hair sloppy and you really have to be particular about aligning the barrel to the frame, or the damn pin will not go in all the way.

In conclusion, both models vary slightly and I won't part with either.
Geoff
 
Last edited:
Geoff B the ultimate cliploader does work with many MK1 Rugers.It's just the early(Pre 71 I think)MK1's had the follower on the opposite side of the mag.My 1977 MK1 took regular MK2 mags.
 
Don't overlook the Mk.1, either. The only drawback I can see is the lack of a mag follower that holds the bolt open when the mag empties.
 
Doug, there are "tricks" that are easy to find online for back grading a Mk III to an Mk II improved status. The LCI, which seems to be a really good fouling and grunge collector, is easily removed and either left open or replaced with a simple cover. The magazine disconnect is easily removed and replaced with a bushing spacer to fill the space. Once that is all done you're back to Mk II specs but with the thumb button mag release.

You can buy Mk III guns readily. The Mk II is older and you'd need to be patient until one shows up.
 
-Doug- said:
Thanks for all the info. Does anyone know how the 22/45 differs from the Mrk 2 and 3
Click to expand...

Here is a frame size comparison with the MKII (L) and MK III (R)
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The MKIII also has a loaded Chamber Indicator and magazine disconnect.
 
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