Rundown on the changes between the Ruger MkI, II, and III models?

[Ardent]

Anyone able to list what changed between the Ruger MkI, II, and III .22LR pistols for me? I'm more familiar with the II->III changes, the scope base principally, but I->II is foggier, and not familiar with any mechanical changes.

Thanks

 

[Levi Garrett]

1 skinny barrel
2 bull
3 slab side

 

[SDC]

The Mk I didn't have the bolt hold-open lever of the Mark II (you have to hold the bolt back and apply the safety if you want to lock it open), and the mags are different as well.

 

[pfosted]

1 skinny barrel
2 bull
3 slab side

not quite true. I have a mk 1 with a bull barrel.

 

[XRC]

FWIW... I have a Mark II with a slab side bull barrel.

 

[Ardent]

The Mk I didn't have the bolt hold-open lever of the Mark II (you have to hold the bolt back and apply the safety if you want to lock it open), and the mags are different as well.

Good info, thanks that's what I was after.

 

[Levi Garrett]

Lol

 

[StoneHorse]

This will get you started. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_MK_II#Models

 

[Umbakrail]

Mark I magazine hold only 9 rounds

 

[PoFF]

MKIII has a loaded chamber indicator, and uses a thumb-operated mag release button instead of the MKI & II grip bottom 'switch'

Because of the latter, they cut a notch in the MKIII mags for the catch. You can use MK3 mags in MK2s but not the other way.

 

[Nine]

 

[Casull]

MK I II III has nothing to do with barrel contour. They were all available with thin and heavy barrel, the slab side didn't come about until the MK II though. The MK I does not stay open on last shot and has not got the small scallops at the rear to grab the bolt handles. The difference between MK II and III is as PoFF says above.
The MK I, II and III were just the chronological progression of this pistol with the noted changes to MKII in 1982 then to MKIII around 2000.
I own a MK I bull barrel and love it. The MK I is my favorite. I have owned a few MK Is and a pair of MK IIs, but have not bought a MKIII. They are all a great pistol for the money in my opinion.