Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. - TheFirearmsForum

PPK 32 · 09-04-2008, 09:58 AM

My next .22 is gonna be a Ruger, got my mind made up. Like the looks of stainless and most importantly, like the way the gun feels and shoots. I have had two people at the gun shop (customers) say they would want the MK II over the III. No solid reason, just preferance. Any thoughts?

artabr · 09-04-2008, 12:54 PM

I haven't shot any of the MKIII's, so I don't know if there is any shooting difference.
2 points.
#1- I love the fact that they moved the mag. release to the grip side behind the trigger vs the old heel mag. release. Plus 1 for the III.

#2- I hate fiber optic sights for true target shooting. you get too fuzzy a sight picture. Don't get me wrong. I love fiber optic sights for fast target acquisition, I have a F/O front sight on my steel plate gun.
I don't know if ALL the MKIII's have F/O sights or not? And if they do, you could always change the sights to the old style. Plus 1 for the II

Edit:
I just took a look at Rugers web site and saw that just the Hunter models come with F/O sights.
I have a Competition MkII and love it.

The rambling's above are my thoughts on the subject and don't equal to a hill o' beans.

Art

PPK 32 · 09-04-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by artabr

I haven't shot any of the MKIII's, so I don't know if there is any shooting difference.
2 points.
#1- I love the fact that they moved the mag. release to the grip side behind the trigger vs the old heel mag. release. Plus 1 for the III.

#2- I hate fiber optic sights for true target shooting. you get too fuzzy a sight picture. Don't get me wrong. I love fiber optic sights for fast target acquisition, I have a F/O front sight on my steel plate gun.
I don't know if ALL the MKIII's have F/O sights or not? And if they do, you could always change the sights to the old style. Plus 1 for the II

Edit:
I just took a look at Rugers web site and saw that just the Hunter models come with F/O sights.
I have a Competition MkII and love it.

The rambling's above are my thoughts on the subject and don't equal to a hill o' beans.

Art

Ya bring up a good point that I have heard twice now. There are upgrades and options available on the II that are not avail on the III. I am sure they will be later on but not right now.

happy1 · 09-04-2008, 01:40 PM

I haven't shot a mkIII but I've got a mkII, Ilove it it's got to be the most accurate .22 I've ever shot with no mods done to it. I can lock it in a ransom rest and put all ten shots into one jagged hole at 25 yds it shoots better then I can.
O ya my mkII is a 7in. government bull barrel
Paul..

canonguy · 09-12-2008, 07:02 PM

Both pistols very similiar, but if you can find a "like new" mark II and save a few hundred $$$, buy it! Mark 2 has fewer annoying safety features which is a potential for future failures.

pawn · 09-13-2008, 08:42 PM

my experience, prior to purchasing an MKIII, was with a friend's MKII. you probably won't find a NIB MKII so thats a potential downside. others have done a good job of contrasting MKII vs MKIII. To me, I don't mind so much the "enhancements" from II to III but to each his own. you can't go wrong with either version PPK.. if the pistol has stove-pipe jams i recommend going with a volquatsen exact edge extracter (but don't use the supplied VQ extractor spring...it's designed for the 10/22)

greener · 09-15-2008, 10:25 PM

MKII (except 22/45): Mag release on bottom of grip frame. No mag safety.
MKIII: mag release on side of grip frame. Mag safety. Loaded chamber indicator.

Shooting difference: NADA

If you find a MKII you like at a price you like, buy it.
If you find a MKIII you like at a price you like, buy it.

I've bought, in order:

MKIII Hunter
MKIII 22/45
MKII GC
MKII 22/45.

All shoot great. The MKII's were bought solely on price and condition.

PPK 32 · 09-16-2008, 08:25 AM

II or III it is!!! I will let ya know the outcome, we have a gun show coming up soon, plus two ranges I frequent. Thanks everyone.

Waldo Pepper · 09-16-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PPK 32

My next .22 is gonna be a Ruger, got my mind made up. Like the looks of stainless and most importantly, like the way the gun feels and shoots. I have had two people at the gun shop (customers) say they would want the MK II over the III. No solid reason, just preferance. Any thoughts?

The only real down sides to Mk III is:

1. Internal Lock (never heard of any failures)

2. Loaded Chamber Indicator is easily lost but has no effect of operation of gun.

3. The Mk III will cost you more, but it is new.

One other oddity is all hunters are SS in new Mk III's 22/45's, I call it black as that is what SS does when blued. Most mfg's charge more for the SS option then the blued SS for some reason.

pawn · 09-29-2008, 11:24 AM

PPK, any progress in aquiring your ruger mk?

PPK 32 · 09-29-2008, 11:42 AM

I have looked at a couple of places and there are no Mark IIs so far. I looked at the Mark III Hunter, like the gun but want different grips. By the time I totaled everything up, it was a bit too pricey at this time. We have a gun show coming up this weekend so I am going to check it out. I am taking my time. They wanted 570 for the gun and 40 bucks for new grips. This does not include tax. I will keep ya posted when I get it.

Waldo Pepper · 09-29-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PPK 32

I have looked at a couple of places and there are no Mark IIs so far. I looked at the Mark III Hunter, like the gun but want different grips. By the time I totaled everything up, it was a bit too pricey at this time. We have a gun show coming up this weekend so I am going to check it out. I am taking my time. They wanted 570 for the gun and 40 bucks for new grips. This does not include tax. I will keep ya posted when I get it.

Local dealer here in SEMO has a Mk III Hunter and it has a price tag on it over $100 less then your quote above, and may have been low $400 range. I bought a used but unfired 5.5" Hunter in the 22/45 version for $195 out the door. I did buy a Mk III SS target model with 8.5" barrel for $370 last year and the thing was a real let down for accuracy, even my S&W 22a could easily out shoot the gun. So I got rid of the thing.

PPK 32 · 09-30-2008, 08:04 AM

I don't mind paying a fair price but I know I can do better than the numbers they were coming up with. Surprised to hear your comments on the S&W 22a as this is one of the primary reasons I am looking for a good 22. Don't remember the exact measurement but the MKIII Hunter has over a 6" barrel, I have found I shoot better with a long barrel, thats one of the things I like about the gun.

Waldo Pepper · 09-30-2008, 12:47 PM

Ruger one must learn has no set rule about what they make and why. My Mk III 22/45 is a 5.5" barrel and was group of several hundred (thousand?) made for big wholesaler out west and I really like the weight and balance. Anther odd thing is the gun is SS that has been "blued" and that results in in the black finish on the gun.

I also looked at the Hunter I mentioned above again today and it is a used gun and price is $340 and not a scratch on the gun and looks to have been fired very little. Sure was pretty and has an 8" barrel according to the tag. They had a new Target model 8" in SS and fluted barrel that was $447 by the tag.

PPK 32 · 09-30-2008, 01:08 PM

I like the stainless steel look, although I would not pass on a blued one either. The price ranges are right where I'd like to be (ones you quoted). I don't know how I'd like the 8" barrel, I'd have to hold one and see, I really don't think it would make that much of a diff but ya never know. Now ya got me anxious for Sunday (the gun show). Of course after I buy it I have to wait 72 hours--what a dumb rule for someone who has guns already.

Waldo Pepper · 09-30-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PPK 32

Of course after I buy it I have to wait 72 hours--what a dumb rule for someone who has guns already.

Move here to MO and you would not have that problem. We have CC and right to carry in vehicle. Sure made car jacking and assualts drop.

PPK 32 · 09-30-2008, 02:08 PM

I hear ya!! Believe me when my time comes--assuming I can retire, I will be out of this state so fast.

44-40 Willy · 10-01-2008, 02:09 AM

The best 22 auto pistol I've ever had is a 5.5" bull barrel Mk II that I installed a set of Pachmeyer wraparound rubber grips on. It's such a sweet shooter that Mrs Willy has adopted it for her own.

PPK 32 · 10-06-2008, 07:57 AM

I bought a MkII at a gun show yesterday. Price was O.K. 350 out the door, its been shot, but has the grips I wanted. Pricing out the MKIII with the grips I want was getting me close to 600 before taxes. Thanks to all who commented on the Rugers I know this gun has some wear but considering its a Ruger it should keep right on shooting. I will give ya a range report when I pick it up and take her for a test drive.

pawn · 10-06-2008, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PPK 32

I bought a MkII at a gun show yesterday. Price was O.K. 350 out the door, its been shot, but has the grips I wanted. Pricing out the MKIII with the grips I want was getting me close to 600 before taxes. Thanks to all who commented on the Rugers I know this gun has some wear but considering its a Ruger it should keep right on shooting. I will give ya a range report when I pick it up and take her for a test drive.

How's about a picture too.....

PPK 32 · 10-06-2008, 10:14 AM

I'll see if I can over come me being "digitally challenged"

and get a pic, with a target from the range.

Tom · 10-07-2008, 01:33 PM

My first Ruger .22 auto was a used MK IIGC. It has the usual not quite great trigger. I fixed that with a VQ sear and Marvel trigger. Now it has an Ultradot LT reddot and it is super.

I have since gotten a MK III Hunter and 5 1/2" bull barrel. I eliminated the mag safety by putting in a VQ MK II hammer and sear. I don't particularly care about the LCI and lock. I love the Browning style mag release, but I had to put on an extension. I drilled and tapped the mag release and screwed on a 1911 mag extension.

All three have VQ rear sights and square post front sights.

Both the MK IIIs required barrel break-in. I used HS copper washed Federal bulk stuff. Now that the barrels have smoothed out, they shoot the Federal Gold Medal Match very nicely, like my MK II.

PPK 32 · 10-10-2008, 08:53 AM

The MKII is awesome--I suck.

My daughter is coming out and may be able to help me with a pic. I am very happy with my purchase, its a great gun, nice to hold fun to shoot. I have lots of work to do to get myself dialed in on this one.

pawn · 10-10-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PPK 32

The MKII is awesome--I suck.

My daughter is coming out and may be able to help me with a pic. I am very happy with my purchase, its a great gun, nice to hold fun to shoot. I have lots of work to do to get myself dialed in on this one.

good stuff

Oncefiredbrass.net · 11-01-2008, 03:25 PM

I chose the Mk3 as the mag release is in a good position. I still do not like the safety switch as its hard to take off when I am drawing for competition. I guess the only other downside for me is that some of the parts for the MK2 do not fit the Mk3.

09-04-2008, 01:40 PM	#4
happy1 Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 11	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I haven't shot a mkIII but I've got a mkII, Ilove it it's got to be the most accurate .22 I've ever shot with no mods done to it. I can lock it in a ransom rest and put all ten shots into one jagged hole at 25 yds it shoots better then I can. O ya my mkII is a 7in. government bull barrel Paul.. __________________ THE UGLY AMERICAN Never forget those who died for you or those who killed them. Last edited by happy1; 09-04-2008 at 01:44 PM..

09-12-2008, 07:02 PM	#5
canonguy Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 15	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. Both pistols very similiar, but if you can find a "like new" mark II and save a few hundred $$$, buy it! Mark 2 has fewer annoying safety features which is a potential for future failures.

09-13-2008, 08:42 PM	#6
pawn Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 1,469	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. my experience, prior to purchasing an MKIII, was with a friend's MKII. you probably won't find a NIB MKII so thats a potential downside. others have done a good job of contrasting MKII vs MKIII. To me, I don't mind so much the "enhancements" from II to III but to each his own. you can't go wrong with either version PPK.. if the pistol has stove-pipe jams i recommend going with a volquatsen exact edge extracter (but don't use the supplied VQ extractor spring...it's designed for the 10/22) __________________ Take care when you get information. The truth is generally seen, rarely heard. -Balthasar Gracian

09-15-2008, 10:25 PM	#7
greener V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 55	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. MKII (except 22/45): Mag release on bottom of grip frame. No mag safety. MKIII: mag release on side of grip frame. Mag safety. Loaded chamber indicator. Shooting difference: NADA If you find a MKII you like at a price you like, buy it. If you find a MKIII you like at a price you like, buy it. I've bought, in order: MKIII Hunter MKIII 22/45 MKII GC MKII 22/45. All shoot great. The MKII's were bought solely on price and condition.

09-16-2008, 08:25 AM	#8
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. II or III it is!!! I will let ya know the outcome, we have a gun show coming up soon, plus two ranges I frequent. Thanks everyone.

09-04-2008, 09:58 AM	#1
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. My next .22 is gonna be a Ruger, got my mind made up. Like the looks of stainless and most importantly, like the way the gun feels and shoots. I have had two people at the gun shop (customers) say they would want the MK II over the III. No solid reason, just preferance. Any thoughts? -->

09-04-2008, 12:54 PM	#2
artabr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Iberia, Louisiana Contributor Posts: 7,859	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I haven't shot any of the MKIII's, so I don't know if there is any shooting difference. 2 points. #1- I love the fact that they moved the mag. release to the grip side behind the trigger vs the old heel mag. release. Plus 1 for the III. #2- I hate fiber optic sights for true target shooting. you get too fuzzy a sight picture. Don't get me wrong. I love fiber optic sights for fast target acquisition, I have a F/O front sight on my steel plate gun. I don't know if ALL the MKIII's have F/O sights or not? And if they do, you could always change the sights to the old style. Plus 1 for the II Edit: I just took a look at Rugers web site and saw that just the Hunter models come with F/O sights. I have a Competition MkII and love it. The rambling's above are my thoughts on the subject and don't equal to a hill o' beans. Art __________________ God and the soldier we like adore, In times of trouble, not before. When troubles ended and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier is slighted. Francis Quarles 1592 - 1644 __________________ When asked for my race, I answer CauCajun. Hope is not a plan, and not all change is good. The resistance is here; the resistance is now. RESIST! These hands are neither cold nor are they dead!! Last edited by artabr; 09-04-2008 at 01:04 PM..

09-29-2008, 11:24 AM	#10
pawn Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 1,469	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. PPK, any progress in aquiring your ruger mk? __________________ Take care when you get information. The truth is generally seen, rarely heard. -Balthasar Gracian

09-29-2008, 11:42 AM	#11
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I have looked at a couple of places and there are no Mark IIs so far. I looked at the Mark III Hunter, like the gun but want different grips. By the time I totaled everything up, it was a bit too pricey at this time. We have a gun show coming up this weekend so I am going to check it out. I am taking my time. They wanted 570 for the gun and 40 bucks for new grips. This does not include tax. I will keep ya posted when I get it.

09-30-2008, 08:04 AM	#13
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I don't mind paying a fair price but I know I can do better than the numbers they were coming up with. Surprised to hear your comments on the S&W 22a as this is one of the primary reasons I am looking for a good 22. Don't remember the exact measurement but the MKIII Hunter has over a 6" barrel, I have found I shoot better with a long barrel, thats one of the things I like about the gun.

09-30-2008, 12:47 PM	#14
Waldo Pepper V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 67	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. Ruger one must learn has no set rule about what they make and why. My Mk III 22/45 is a 5.5" barrel and was group of several hundred (thousand?) made for big wholesaler out west and I really like the weight and balance. Anther odd thing is the gun is SS that has been "blued" and that results in in the black finish on the gun. I also looked at the Hunter I mentioned above again today and it is a used gun and price is $340 and not a scratch on the gun and looks to have been fired very little. Sure was pretty and has an 8" barrel according to the tag. They had a new Target model 8" in SS and fluted barrel that was $447 by the tag. __________________ Cranky Old Fart DAV Life Member

09-30-2008, 01:08 PM	#15
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I like the stainless steel look, although I would not pass on a blued one either. The price ranges are right where I'd like to be (ones you quoted). I don't know how I'd like the 8" barrel, I'd have to hold one and see, I really don't think it would make that much of a diff but ya never know. Now ya got me anxious for Sunday (the gun show). Of course after I buy it I have to wait 72 hours--what a dumb rule for someone who has guns already.

09-30-2008, 02:08 PM	#17
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I hear ya!! Believe me when my time comes--assuming I can retire, I will be out of this state so fast.

10-01-2008, 02:09 AM	#18
44-40 Willy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 213	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. The best 22 auto pistol I've ever had is a 5.5" bull barrel Mk II that I installed a set of Pachmeyer wraparound rubber grips on. It's such a sweet shooter that Mrs Willy has adopted it for her own. __________________ Politicians should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers. That way we could see who their corporate sponsors are.

10-06-2008, 07:57 AM	#19
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I bought a MkII at a gun show yesterday. Price was O.K. 350 out the door, its been shot, but has the grips I wanted. Pricing out the MKIII with the grips I want was getting me close to 600 before taxes. Thanks to all who commented on the Rugers I know this gun has some wear but considering its a Ruger it should keep right on shooting. I will give ya a range report when I pick it up and take her for a test drive.

10-06-2008, 10:14 AM	#21
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I'll see if I can over come me being "digitally challenged" and get a pic, with a target from the range.

10-07-2008, 01:33 PM	#22
Tom V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 197	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. My first Ruger .22 auto was a used MK IIGC. It has the usual not quite great trigger. I fixed that with a VQ sear and Marvel trigger. Now it has an Ultradot LT reddot and it is super. I have since gotten a MK III Hunter and 5 1/2" bull barrel. I eliminated the mag safety by putting in a VQ MK II hammer and sear. I don't particularly care about the LCI and lock. I love the Browning style mag release, but I had to put on an extension. I drilled and tapped the mag release and screwed on a 1911 mag extension. All three have VQ rear sights and square post front sights. Both the MK IIIs required barrel break-in. I used HS copper washed Federal bulk stuff. Now that the barrels have smoothed out, they shoot the Federal Gold Medal Match very nicely, like my MK II.

10-10-2008, 08:53 AM	#23
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. The MKII is awesome--I suck. My daughter is coming out and may be able to help me with a pic. I am very happy with my purchase, its a great gun, nice to hold fun to shoot. I have lots of work to do to get myself dialed in on this one.

11-01-2008, 03:25 PM	#25
Oncefiredbrass.net Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 12	Re: Ruger Mark II or Mark III which do you choose and why. I chose the Mk3 as the mag release is in a good position. I still do not like the safety switch as its hard to take off when I am drawing for competition. I guess the only other downside for me is that some of the parts for the MK2 do not fit the Mk3.