new Ruger mark1

[scvpiper]

So I picked up a new to me Ruger Mark1. I was wondering what upgrades you like to do on these older pistols.

[rogervzv]

For the Mark I, nothing. At least that is what I did with mine. I have a 1964 vintage Mark I (I think that it is actually a Standard) and it is a real nice little basic plinker just like it is.

[uxo2]

I have a standard..

Millett sights

[Chaos47]

Congrats! They are awesome pistols.
IMO a MK1 should be kept to a classic look, but to each their own.
I have a 1970 MK1 678 that I put an AMT trigger and factory upgrade NOS walnut grips on. Both parts can be purchased from Numrich for what I think is a pretty good value.

The AMT trigger is a clone of the first generation Clark overtravel adjustable trigger. These are a surplus part from the AMT Lightning 22 pistol which was a clone of the MK series. IMO it is sort of a "period correct" look trigger upgrade. As a current Volquartsen trigger IMO would not look correct. Also they are cheaper than other options but are only adjustable for overtravel but are designed to cut down on most pretravel.

Thread about them here:

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404604

Can be bought here: (Current $15.90 so not the super deal they used to be but still way cheaper then other options)

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Products/748440.htm

Note: mine was 100% drop in, no fitting required


You might want to find out the age of your MK1 because at a point (1971) they changed the frame design.
Why does this matter? It changes what grips it takes and which magazines are compatible (without an easy mod).

Serial number lookup:

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

Frames:
Pre 1971 frames are called "A-54" or "unmarked"
Post 1971 frames are called "A-100" and are marked so on the left side of the frame under the grips

The easy way is to look at the placement of the grip screws:

http://rugerforum.net/ruger-rimfires/544-grip-differences-standard-mark-series.html

Magazines:
The groove on the frame switches sides for the different frames this groove is what the magazine follower button rides in.

Pre 1971 MK1 or "Standard" has the magazine follower button on the right side. (Hold 9 rounds)
Post 1971 MK1 MK2 MK3 all have their button on the left. (Hold 10 rounds)

BTW you can make a Post 71 magazine fit a Pre 71 frame by taking the magazine apart and the button can be taken off the follower and put back on on the other side.
If you have a Post 71 Frame then your MK1 can take MK2 without modification. (Possibly even MK3 magazines? They have extra cutouts and a flared out area, so I'm not sure)

Grips:
Because of the screw placement:
Pre 1971 MK1 or "Standard" only take early style grips.
Post 1971 MK1 or "Standard" can take later MK1 grips and (but might not look right because of cutouts for later features) MK2, MK3 grips.

Nice relatively cheap NOS walnut factory "upgrade" grips for early style:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Products/1398050.htm

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Products/540530.htm

Difference between a "Standard" and MK1:
Standards where the base model.
MK1 where the Target models with heavier contour barrels, an upgraded pretravel eliminated (non-adjustable) trigger and adjustable sights.



Dry Firing:
Despite what people will say it is fine to dry fire the Ruger MK series they have a firing pin stop pin in the bolt and as long as its there the pin will not hit the chamber face. (People have reported their pin falling out and or breaking and causing damage so every time you take the bolt out check it) The manual even states that it is fine to dry fire. This is important because the MK1 do not have a last shot automatic bolt hold open feature. So unless you count your shots you may accidentally fire it dry.
BTW the bolt can be manually locked open by holding the bolt back and putting the safety on.

PDF of Manual:

http://www.ruger.com/products/_manuals/markI.pdf

[tanakasan]

OP, congrats on your pistol!

I would suggest a VQ extractor. Be sure to use the OEM Ruger spring.

@Chaos47, thanks for the great links! I have a '79 MKI and its a lot of fun!

Robert

[rm1911]

I have a Mk 1. Awesome accurate gun. Has the heavier profile barrel. A bee-itch to disassemble and clean. Other than that I love it. Oh. Mags are damn near impossible to find.

[scvpiper]

Thanks for the advice on the extractor and extra info on the mags. This thing was a pain to disassemble but you tube and a dead blow hammer helped out a bunch, Now its time to have the kids shoot the heck out of it.

[Spyder]

I think if you're looking to modify it, you should sell it to me for a reasonable price, and buy yourself a MkIII with the money!