I'm Sure It's An Old Question But...

[The Preacher]

Sorry for what I'm sure has been answered before but what's the primary difference (excluding the chamber indicator on the left side of the receiver) between a MK II and a Mk III 22LR semi? Are the magazines interchangeable? Grips? etc Thanks.

The Preacher

 

[22/45 Fan]

The MKIII has a magazine disconnect that the MkII doesn't have. Also, all of the MkIII's are factory drilled and tapped for scope mounts while only the very last of the MkII's were. Finally, the Mk II's had the old "heel clip" style magazine release while the Mk III's have a 1911-type button behind the trigger guard. The magazines are not interchangeable.

 

[The Preacher]

Well, the magazine issue is a bummer. I'd forgotten about the release change.

The Preacher

 

[Jeepnik]

Both have one very important thing in common. They both are trying to improve the original and failing miserably. Good thing Bill is dead or he'd have had someone's head by now.

 

[contender]

Actually, the MKII was done while Bill was still around. And most feel the little improvements the MKII's have over the MKI's are good ones.

 

[The Preacher]

Thanks all. I do like the improvements of the MK II over the MK I, but will not purchase a Mk III. Final question; Are MK II magazine's easy to come by?

The Preacher

 

[contender]

Millions were made, you just have to shop around a bit. Not too hard to find.

 

[The Preacher]

Thanks again for all your help folks!

The Preacher

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

Actually, the MKII was done while Bill was still around. And most feel the little improvements the MKII's have over the MKI's are good ones.

I gotta give up an AMEN................to that. Here's where Ruger, 'Ol Bill included, listened to what owners were asking for. Bolt hold open after the last round. Ten round magazines, rather than 9. A "scalloped" rear end of the receiver to grab bolt ears much easier. The Mark III pistols involved an appeasement with the California lawmakers who required "safety" devices to be added to guns sold in that state. Obviously, these California legislators don't think much of their constituents being safety minded enough to the point they will legislate "safety" for those dummies. Finally. last year when California asked Ruger to submit 3 pistols of each model for further safety testing along with an extortion fee, finally Ruger said, "Go do THAT to yourself". So, now the voters in California got exactly what they deserve.