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Ruger Mark II vs. Mark III

centerfireman
What are the differences between these two handguns and why do some seem to prefer the Mark II? Thanks.
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • walther86
    one difference is the mk 3's have a loaded chamber indicator. Mk 3's also have a mag release in front of the grips behind the trigger well, whereas the mk I & II's release is on the bottom of the pistol behind the mag well. I must have got a lemon for a mk III because I had some ejector problems, brand new right out of the box and I didn't like the loaded chamber indicator. My mk I is awesome though. No problems and it's a little more user friendly[8D]
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  • RCrosby
    Steel framed Mk. III will have mag release in same position, at bottom of grip, as the older standards. Had one Mk.III with the 1911 style composite grip frame. No problems, just didn't like the feel of it and sold it. As I recall it had the mag release in the same location as a 1911. Loaded chamber indicator didn't bother me, though I'm just as happy without it.
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  • perry shooter
    Hello IMHO both good guns but BOTH a PITA to take down to clean one needs the hammer cocked to put together and one CAN'T have the hammer cocked to put together. some of the first Mark III would set off Eley rimfire when the loaded chamber indicator was bumped or as it loaded the next round I think they have fixed this problem. For a starter Bulls-Eye pistol I think the Browning Buckmark is better YMMV.
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  • cwi555
    quote:Originally posted by centerfireman
    What are the differences between these two handguns and why do some seem to prefer the Mark II? Thanks.

    The loaded chamber indicator is a POS on the Mark III. Don't let anyone tell you it's a problem taking down a Mark II. It's actually pretty easy in my opinion, far easier than the browning butmark. The only thing you really need tool wise is a rubber hammer.

    I'll time it next time I do it, and while I am at it video the take down and assembly.
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  • RtWngExtrmst
    quote:Originally posted by cwi555
    quote:Originally posted by centerfireman
    What are the differences between these two handguns and why do some seem to prefer the Mark II? Thanks.

    The loaded chamber indicator is a POS on the Mark III. Don't let anyone tell you it's a problem taking down a Mark II. It's actually pretty easy in my opinion, far easier than the browning butmark. The only thing you really need tool wise is a rubber hammer.

    I'll time it next time I do it, and while I am at it video the take down and assembly.


    If you do it often maybe you can remember all the machinations, but I can never get it without the book.

    Lookn at the Beretta EOS for a good, reasonable price 22 shooter.
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  • beantownshootah
    The reason people like the Mk II better is because it lacks the chamber loaded indicator, which as mentioned could theoretically cause a discharge if bumped, as it rests on the rim of a rimfire cartridge (brilliant work, Ruger engineers).

    I know its possible to take down a Ruger automatic pretty easily with practice. Videos of how to do this are already available on You Tube, I'm pretty sure.

    I do NOT think its as good a gun as the Ruger, but since people are bringing up alternative low-to-medium end .22s, the Smith 22a has the advantage of being able to quickly swap out barrels.

    New barrels aren't terribly expensive (they're around $100 from Smith), and apart from being available in 4", 5.5" and 7", you can keep fixed optics mounted on them. So you can (for example) have a laser or dot on one 4" barrel, then quickly swap it out for a second 7" barrel with iron sights, if you like. Pretty cool as it gives you the effect of having different guns.

    Can't do that with the Ruger.
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  • 11b6r
    I have a new (2 weeks old) steel framed Mk III, the mag release is on the left side, just forward of the top of the grip. 6 inch pencil barrel. Shoots beautifully, feeds like a charm (only about 8 boxes of ammo so far). Paid $250 for NIB with papers, padlock, spare magazine. Has a key that permits the safety to be locked in the ON position.

    I also have a standard auto I bought in 1970 that has shot at least a F-150 full of 22 ammo- and still shoots well.

    Trick to reassembly is having the hammer strut in the right place, which is a matter of tilting pistol in one direction, performing one step, then turning it in another direction for next step.
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  • RCrosby
    Guess I need to buy more guns more often. Anyone know when Ruger moved the magazine release on the steel frame autos??
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  • lts
    Mark II, no internal lock, no magazine safety, no loaded chamber indicator, magazine release on bottom of grip if steel frame, on left behind trigger guard if 22/45.
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  • rong
    Karl, whats your opinion
    of the Smith 41
    rong
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