Field stripping Ruger MKIII, cannot get receiver off grip frame

[MediumFish]

I'm trying to field strip the Ruger MKIII for the first time. I don't think it's so difficult, the process that is, but my MKIII seems to be difficult. It took two people to get the bolt pin out.

Now I am whacking the back of the receiver as told in the manual, and as seen in the YouTube video. The receiver is not budging. Any advice? I've done everything correctly...I'm pretty sure of it...

[AJD]

Hmm... That's interesting. Maybe since it's a newer gun and has never been taken down before it's just a little extra tight. Usually a couple of light taps on the back of the barrel/slide assembly does it for my MKII and most similar MK guns I've seen. If you happen to have some Kroil handy you could spray it between the two assmeblies and wait about 5 minutes or so. That may loosen the bond a little. WD-40 may work as well but I usually find Kroil to be better IMO. Good luck.

[AK4me]

I'm trying to field strip the Ruger MKIII for the first time. I don't think it's so difficult, the process that is, but my MKIII seems to be difficult. It took two people to get the bolt pin out.

Now I am whacking the back of the receiver as told in the manual, and as seen in the YouTube video. The receiver is not budging. Any advice? I've done everything correctly...I'm pretty sure of it...

Did you remove the magazine?

[wilit]

The best disassembly how-to for the MkIII (not sure if this is the same vid you've watched). The first time I disassembled my MkIII it was very difficult, but now that it's been apart a couple of times, it's way easy now. If you keep smacking it and it won't come apart, you can always send it back to Ruger. They have a great repair policy (especially with these pistols) since many people break them in some way or another trying to put them back together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVvIMAk64LM

[MediumFish]

That is the YouTube video I watched. The magazine has been removed. I followed the directions precisely (I am mechanically inclined). However, even several hard whacks produce no budge on the receiver relative to the grip frame.

I can try some WD-40. Not sure what Kroil is, but I'll look it up. Thanks for the advice and any more that may come!

[big50_1]

Make sure you screw in the internal locking screw so you can take out the Main Spring Housing. Once the Main Spring Housing is out, a light tap with a plastic-headed hammer on the back of the receiver tube will push it a little forward. The barrel/receiver tube should easily lift off the grip portion of the gun. I've had six Ruger MKI/II over the years and they were never that tight. I don't think the Mk III is that much different.

[Kruzr]

I don't think the Mk III is that much different.

I used to believe the same thing until I came across 3 Mk III's with the upper receiver almost impossible to remove the first time. Enough patience and a big enough mallet solved the problem.

Be sure to leave the bolt in the upper when you hit it with the mallet. That helps distribute the force you are applying.

[X-NewYawker]

I shoot them until they're too dirty to function. Then I sell them on Gunbroker or give them as Christmas Gifts. I HATE cleaning the Ruger .22 pistol.

[Bobshouse]

Leave the magazine in, pull the trigger, take out the magazine and strike the rear of the gun with a rubber mallet. If it doesnt come off with the first strike, strike it again a little harder, it will come off.

Putting it back on is the real trick...lol.

[ojisan]

I shoot them until they're too dirty to function. Then I sell them on Gunbroker or give them as Christmas Gifts. I HATE cleaning the Ruger .22 pistol.