RugerForum.com

So...I went to the range today to shoot, for the first time, my brand new Stainless Mark III and the bolt did not lock back once. I shot a 100 rounds of CCI LR. My immediate thought is that its the magazine. I read some other posts on the same issue and it seems odd that I'm having a problem already. So...next time I go to the range, I'll use a new mag and some different ammo. See if that helps.

>>> UPDATE: After doing some more research, I'm thinking it may be the Houge grips I installed rubbing against the stop preventing it from locking. I took the grips off and it seemed to work a little better. I guess it's hard to tell without actually firing it.

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http://www.ZachsGunBelts.com
Custom - Handcrafted - Made in the USA

This is a wild guess. Did you give the gun a good cleaning and lubrication before shooting it for the first time?
I'll not repeat what I posted about my new pistol, but I took a lot of junk, caked grease and assorted debris out of that gun when I disassembled it the first time, before taking it to the range. After that, I have fired more than 500 rounds with it with no problems, malfunctions, etc, except for one dud (a Remington).
I would not be surprised if your pistol has a bit of crud causing that malfunction.
Disassembly and reassembly of the Ruger .22 pistols is no fun, but it's something that's worth doing every once in a while. You'll be surprised by what you find in there. The spring that actuates the bolt release is pretty small, so if the lever sticks, the spring may not be strong enough to push it back to hold the bolt after the last round.

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Val

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
Pres. John F. Kennedy

The only thing I did was run a clean snake through the bore before shooting it. I got the impression from other comments that giving it a deep clean/lube was unnecessary before shooting it for the first time. You live and you learn I guess. So...Pal Val, when you said you disassembled, cleaned and lubed the gun, you mean just field stripping it right?

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http://www.ZachsGunBelts.com
Custom - Handcrafted - Made in the USA

Following the instructions, field stripping the MkIII is not a big deal as long as you avoid two things:
1 - Removing any of the pins holding the innards in place.
2 - Inserting the empty magazine backwards.

If you insert an empty magazine backwards (easy to do - even an idiot like me can do it), you will get to practice language that will make a sailor blush. I ended up cutting up a piece of tape measure to fix the problem (long story). Avoid it at all costs.

I read someplace that you have to cut a relief hole in the Hogue grips for the bolt stop lever. Seems like you got it right already.

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Val

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
Pres. John F. Kennedy

I have to admit when I first read your post I wondered if aftermarket grips had been installed. You want to be careful not to overtighten the grips on the soft rubber ones, especially the left side because this very thing can happen. I also had to open/relieve the recess in a set of volquartsen grips to allow for proper operation of the bolt stop.

R,
Bullseye

Why does everyone think the Ruger pistols are such a PITA?

I had trouble, once, the first time I re-assembled my first MKII Target that I had back in the '80s.

Once I figured out the hammer position and hammer strut thing, it was easy.

The only problem I have is I sometimes need a wooden mallet to knock the barrel loose when dis-assembling or back on when re-asembling.

I now have a MKII Bull Barrel that I shot the other day.

It's been years since I've messed with it.

I didn't even have to look at the manual to tear it down, clean and re-assemble it. (which I've always done every time after shooting)

I think the gun that started the company is one of Bill Ruger's most ingenious and best designs.

Cage

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Searching for a better throwing rock.

I think the instructional video on Ruger.com on its disassembly is very good.

_________________
http://www.ZachsGunBelts.com
Custom - Handcrafted - Made in the USA

+1 to that. I learned to assemble the Ruger .22 pistol 40 yrs ago, and still needed a good review when I bought the MkIII two weeks ago. Small details count. No big deal to do it after you get the hang of it, but a skill is a skill, no matter how easy or hard.

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Val

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
Pres. John F. Kennedy