Ruger Mark III Target/Hunter?

[DArBad]

Hi Gang,

I am basically a 1911/.357 mag revolver shooter and recently getting interested in the rimfires. The Ruger Mark III are affordable for me, and quite enticing, and I'd like to get one. There are a bewildering array of models though, in Ruger's Mark III lineup.

First, which one is more advisable cost wise for regular range plingking and target shooting??? I am highly nearsighted so advised me a model I can shoot with. I also want one that is really, really accurate as it comes out of the box, and not one I still have to fiddle endlessly with.

Are the Mark IIIs durable pieces???? I was told I cannot dry-fire them since it would mess up the gun inside. Is this true, or just BS??? I was also told the 22LRs are accurate compared to the heavy recoiling rounds, is this also true or another BS????

What is the advantage of the fluted barrel???? The long barrelled ones looks nice, but how do those balance in the hand????

Thanks all!!!

[inkedshooter]

Rugers are great .22lr pistols. The no dry firing is due to damage that can happen to the firing pin. A standard target model is heavy in the hand but is very accurate. The Hunter and Target models are great pistols. The Target model has a longer barrel, which is nice for accuracy and the longer sight radius. The barrel is a slab side too which saves weight. The Hunter barrel is flutted to save weight also.

[mif_slim]

dry firing? no issues...Maybe to some, but mines taken tons of dry fire.

The gun is a good gun and pretty accurate, but the guns accuracy will be its best with good ammo. Of course bulk ammo will shoot bulk no matter how great your gun is.

I have a Bull Barrel model and the front post is huge! Get a smaller one and it'll be better and more accurate.

My MK 22/45 has held up to 5000+ rounds without cleaning. Only thing that is not durable in my exeriance are the mags. The mag plate is plastic and can come off in a jam/clearing/rack excersie.

The fluted barrel is just to lighten up the gun but still have the "bull barrel" option. Also makes it look better. But some mods, if you ever plan to make it a ninja pistol, the fluted barrel will get in the way. Like say, if you ever wanted to cut the barrel and thread it or something.

Hope that helps.

[MAD SVT]

I have the hunter with the 6 7/8 barrel... VERY accurate.. i highly recommend it.
the hunter had a high vis front sight so it will be easier for you to see.. right out of the box.

[MAD SVT]

[BitterOldMan]

There is a huge misunderstanding that you cannot dry fire Ruger 22 LR Mark I, II, and III. You CAN dry fire Ruger rimfire pistols, but not other manufacturer rimfire pistols.

See http://www.ruger.com/service/product...IIIHunter.html

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/PI-MarkIII.html

From the Ruger website.

Can I dry fire my Mark III pistol?

Yes. The Mark III has a firing pin stop that prevents the firing pin from contacting the rear of the barrel and damaging the edge of the chamber. If you are going to dry fire the pistol extensively, the stop pin and firing pin will eventually wear and contact could occur, and we recommend replacing both the firing pin and the firing pin stop from time to time. You should also monitor the contact of the firing pin with the rear of the barrel.

I have both Mark I and Mark II, and they eat all kinds of 22 LR ammo, unlike other rimfire pistols. I shoot 100-200 rounds every week with my Rugers and they are very accurate out of the box.

[twotap]

Thanks for the info..How do they compare to the S+W 22a or walther p22??

[E-120]

I have a standard MkIII as well as the Hunter. Both are great little pistols. I shoot Sub Sonic out of the Hunter and the accuracy is amazing.

[crackerman]

I just picked up my MKIII 22/45 and am loving it. Shot it this weekend and its super accurate and i dont feel bad dumping a mag that costs all of $.40 to burn.

Rimfire is a fun training tool between Glock practice.

[BitterOldMan]

Thanks for the info..How do they compare to the S+W 22a or walther p22??

In addition to the Ruger Mark I and II, I have a Walther P22 (California neutered version of course), Sig Mosquito, and Sig Hammerli Trailside.

The Trailside is easily my most accurate 22 LR, but they are not readily available, except PPT or Olympics exemption. Replacement parts are difficult to find, except for larrysguns.com

I hate my Mosquito and P22, which reportedly have zinc alloy slides and will not last the test of time. I was shown a broken Sig Mosquito at Jackson Arms on Monday. Unfortunately, I did not do my research on the Internet before buying the Mosquito and P22. Calguns and the great folks on this forum have greatly improved my gun IQ.

When it's time to go the the range, it is always the Rugers. They may not be tacticool, but they are super reliable. I can safely say that the Rugers will still be shooting twenty plus years from now. There are literally millions of Rugers out there with after market parts readily available. I still hate reassembling the Rugers.

[RookieShooter]

This one was my Christmas present. And it IS California approved.

How did you manage to get one? It said "CA Approved: No" on the link that you had provided.

[RookieShooter]

Of course bulk ammo will shoot bulk no matter how great your gun is.

Which ammo do you recommend with the Ruger?

[caoboy]

Since you are 1911 guy, I'd say go with a mkiii 22/45. It's grip angle is a mirror of the 1911, so you'll instantly be familiar with it.

I get to pick up mine next saturday...I hate gun jail!

[mif_slim]

Which ammo do you recommend with the Ruger?

It will shoot anything. Mines eat anything I give it but of course the CCI are the better ones. It all depends on what you want to do with it. for hunting, CCI, for plinking cans...any bulk ammo.

[twotap]

Bitteroldman
Thank you very much for your input.
I too would be wanting to have something that lasts and lasts.The rugers just make sense..I'm sure the take down and reassembly would get easier over time.The p22 looks cool but I want accurate and reliable so thanks again.