Which Ruger Mark III?

[XYZ]

I currently use an Advantage Arms Conversion Kit to shoot .22lr for fun. However, now I'd like to purchase a dedicated handgun (anybody want to purchase a conversion kit ).

I know the Ruger Mark III is the way to go. I've read about the various options but wanted to see if there was a preference by Calgunners about which specific model to choose.

[mxadam579]

i got the hunter it is as good as they come

[glockman19]

I like and bought the Hunter with 6 7/8" fluted barrel. It is light and accurate and fun to shoot. Interchangable Hi-Viz sights are a nice feature too.

Ironically I just bought a Kimber .22lr Convresion barrel for my .45's.

[Old4eyes]

You really need to pick up and handle the various models to get a feel for weight, balance and how the sights look to you.

The Standard models have fixed sights and tapered barrel. You may find the lighter weight to your liking.

The Hunter models come with the fluted bull barrel and adjustable sights. The sights are a v notch rear sight, fiber front sight. The barrel looks really cool. This version of sights is supposed to be able to acquire the target faster.

The Target models have non-fluted bull barrels and the adjustable sights are a rear rectangular notch with the front sight being the regular sight you find on most guns.

There is also a competition model, it has a slab side barrel with the adjustable rectangular style sights. It's got the longest barrel and is the heaviest model.

Don't discount the 22/45 models. The lower section is plastic and the grip angle and controls try to copy the 1911.

I have found that you can buy the Hi-viz sights, but did not find the rectangular notch sights as an aftermarket. I say this because you could buy a Target model, then change to Hunter style sights, but having a Hunter then trying to convert to Target sights might not be as easy (unless Ruger has listed those sights lately).

I have the Competition and the Target with 5.5" barrel. I didn't take to the v-notch fiber sights on the Hunter but that was just pointing it around the gun shop.

I've also got a Mark 1 Ruger which would be the equivalent of the Standard Mark III model, and it has the best balance of the three (for me).

But that fluted barrel on the Hunter looks really, really good.

If you're just plinking, the Standard model will be cheapest, the 22/45 models are cheaper due to the plastic frame. The magazines are NOT interchangeable between the 22/45 and the Mark III models. If you want to put a red dot sight on the gun, don't choose the standard.

[ironman5669]

oddly enough, I have a hunter and want to sell it, I want a conversion kit for my STI
it has a very nice volquartson trigger and I have 5 mags, it has around 200 rounds thru it. its the 4 inch fluted bbl with fiber optic front sight 22/45 style grip. annoying mag disconnect is gone.

[lrtraut]

Get a Browning Buck Mark. I've shot both and love the Buck Mark. It's also less finicky with the type of ammo you shoot.

[mincoda]

I have both a Ruger MkIII and a Browning Buckmark, love them both. Go to your lgs and handle all the models of both and see which one fits best. You can't go wrong with either.

[DiscoBayJoe]

My family pitched in for a MKIII Hunter for my birthday last year. It's a very nice piece! Zero failures sofar - Ton's of Fun!

[Justintoxicated]

make sure you can take one apart and put it back together before you buy one...

[rogervzv]

make sure you can take one apart and put it back together before you buy one...

The Ruger "Mark" 22 semis are the best 22 semis made. They are very easy to assemble and disassemble. It is somewhat difficult to describe how to do it, so yes, if you buy one make your gun store show you how to do it. It is really very easy, but frustrating if you have to learn it on your own.

I can now reassemble my Mark I in seconds. Much easier than my Colt 1911, to take one example. But the first time I did it I was a little confused.

[7anthony7]

I have the Hunter and always bring it shooting with me everytime I go. Shoots everything I put in it. The Mark III pistols are a little different to assemble and disassemble, but their are plenty of you tube videos on it. I like the Hi Viz sights. It's all personal preference. Mark I's are nice too.

[racky]

you should get a 22/45. mine is the old mark 2, 6" competition slab side barrel.

(it's sitting on top of a 1911 for size comparison)

[rogervzv]

you should get a 22/45. mine is the old mark 2, 6" competition slab side barrel.

(it's sitting on top of a 1911 for size comparison)

The 22/45 is a slick pistol. I have not shot one. How is the feel on recoil with the heavy metal barrel and polymer grip assembly? I would be interested in your impressions as perhaps would the OP.

[racky]

the felt recoil will make you laugh. the only way to describe it's recoil is it's like shooting a C02 BB gun. it's that soft. it is a little front heavy due to the long barrel, but the accuracy of the sight radius make up for it.

[Legasat]

Yep, 22/45 is the way I would go. I have a Mk I now, but really want a 22/45.