Difference between MK1 and MKII.

Help Support Ruger Forum:

eveled

Hawkeye
Joined
Apr 3, 2012
Messages
5,606
DDB44930-12C4-4639-AB8E-3F4EB2E2FB28.jpeg
8866CDEC-EB9C-42D1-A53B-0AE1FB642166.jpeg
914998DA-783E-42FE-A35C-2D4E2E836471.jpeg


Not enough pictures in this thread. I agree with those who think the MKII was the pinacle of the series. Not only because of the improvements over tge MKI, but because of all the cool MKII variants available.

To the original question by the OP. The early guns did not have the recessed areas behind the bolt ears.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
978
Location
Northland

kcsteve

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
208
To make reassembling the Mk easier, turn the pistol upside down.
 

Thanatos

Bearcat
Joined
Dec 3, 2021
Messages
72
The Mk 2 has a bolt hold-open on the last shot, and no, the mags aren't interchangeable. they're still lots of fun, though.
 

Dan in MI

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Aug 9, 2003
Messages
3,485
Location
Davisburg, MI. USA
The Mk 2 has a bolt hold-open on the last shot, and no, the mags aren't interchangeable. they're still lots of fun, though.
Yes and no. Early A-54 frames have the follower button groove on the opposite side of the frame from later A-100 frames. Easily fixed by swapping the follower button on the magazine to the opposite side also.
 

lark63

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 25, 2006
Messages
436
Location
Ohio
Yep- Kinda funny at the OGCA shows, most want the Mark IV because the earlier versions are too hard to take apart.
Trying to teach them it's not that hard to do a proper disassembly if you can read and if you have to- YouTube it.
Generally falls on deaf ears.
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2002
Messages
8,966
Location
Ohio , U.S.A.
yes amazing that for so many years, since 1949 no less, that folks just knew how to use the Ruger semi auto 22 pistol and was not a real problem at all, hell I even knew some old timers that NEVER had to even take them apart, soaked 'em in kerosene, run a swab down the bore, oil a bit and runs like a clock,,,,,even to this day...give me a break and to the above yes, the Mark II mags could, would and do work in the early RUger RSTs and Mark Is, gotta switch the button over...........:cool::rolleyes:;)
 

NightSailor

Bearcat
Joined
Jun 24, 2022
Messages
54
Location
Connecticut
I just put new grips on my Mark II. (eBaY purchase $60). In the same style as the newer Mark IV. I've had this Mark II since the early 90's I'll guess. I wish I bought the bull barrel. I bought it as a back packing gun and used to take it with me on hikes in the California Sierra. At the time, I felt the tapered barrel would be a bit lighter. It is still a somewhat heavy gun. Holster is an unlined Bianchi # 89 which fits perfectly. I would prefer a lined holster. If anyone can recommend one, let me know.

The grips are not a perfect fit as they have cut outs where they are not needed. Still, it's a big improvement over the black plastic grips. I've considered the more common white plastic grips many times over the years but never felt moved to switch.

These wood ones look marvelous though and make me like the Mark II even more. Lighter color looks better. Matching the holster color, suits me as well.

Regarding the Mark IV. I recently ordered a Hunter in SS with a fluted barrel as well. Fell in love with the looks. Which is why I ordered the grips for the Mark II. They are both stunningly good looking pistols. I am debating gifting one to my brother. I'm not sure I could part with either one.
 

Attachments

  • Mark II with new grips.jpg
    Mark II with new grips.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 62
  • Mark IV.jpg
    Mark IV.jpg
    111.1 KB · Views: 63

Bad Barlow

Blackhawk
Joined
Apr 3, 2022
Messages
622
Location
Norcal
I just put new grips on my Mark II. (eBaY purchase $60). In the same style as the newer Mark IV. I've had this Mark II since the early 90's I'll guess. I wish I bought the bull barrel. I bought it as a back packing gun and used to take it with me on hikes in the California Sierra. At the time, I felt the tapered barrel would be a bit lighter. It is still a somewhat heavy gun. Holster is an unlined Bianchi # 89 which fits perfectly. I would prefer a lined holster. If anyone can recommend one, let me know.

The grips are not a perfect fit as they have cut outs where they are not needed. Still, it's a big improvement over the black plastic grips. I've considered the more common white plastic grips many times over the years but never felt moved to switch.

These wood ones look marvelous though and make me like the Mark II even more. Lighter color looks better. Matching the holster color, suits me as well.

Regarding the Mark IV. I recently ordered a Hunter in SS with a fluted barrel as well. Fell in love with the looks. Which is why I ordered the grips for the Mark II. They are both stunningly good looking pistols. I am debating gifting one to my brother. I'm not sure I could part with either one.
Love that fluted barrel !
I hope it makes the gun a bit muzzle heavy,I have never held one.
 

Sirdutch

Bearcat
Joined
Jul 6, 2022
Messages
53
Location
Huntington Beach, California
No, the improvements of the Mark II was all good to us, I recall countless numbers of times at any given range on any given day , the people who shot or were using the older RSTs and mark I s, when they got to the last shot was the gun empty?? or was there still one in the chamber. NO ONE counted the rounds!! heard many, many "clicks on an empty" gun or it went bang....wow eye opener.....good changes they made...later they completely lawyered up and the MARK III was a fiasco, caused the most problems with takedown....I NEVER in 60 years had an issue with any of the RSTs or the Mark Is, and I worked on, shot and owned thousands of them ....having been in the business and shot on pistol teams, worked at Camp Perry back in the 70s and have owned 3 gun shops...nough said........:cool::rolleyes:;)
I bought a Mark ll when the NRA commerative came out, the one with the white grip panels. I had no experience with this one until then. It is a lot of fun to shoot. I don't have much to add except to say that I wish Kommiefornia allowed me to purchase a Mark lV.
 

Bad Barlow

Blackhawk
Joined
Apr 3, 2022
Messages
622
Location
Norcal
At first, I didn't like the .45 grips but, I later found out that it points better for me. I had to hunt for the red dot on the standard grip. With the .45 grips the dot is right there. I didn't notice the difference until I had red dot sights on both grips.
Ditto the above, 1911 grip angle points best.
Luger(Nambu?) points high until you learn to depress the muzzle naturally.
The red dots teach one all kinds of things.
 

Latest posts

Top