Looking for insight...

[neil]

Purchasing 1st Ruger pistol. Trying to decide between Competition (KMKIII678GC) and Hunter (KMKIII678H or KMKIII45H). Any insight would be appreciated.

This is my Christmas present but I want to introduce my 11yo daughter to pistol shooting.

Thanks!

 

[Cholo]

The MKlll Competition weighs 45oz. and the other 2 are 32/34oz. I'd vote for the lighter ones if an 11 year old is involved.

 

[neil]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was wondering about the difference in sights as well. BTW I'm new to this forum. Just realized I posted in the wrong area. Sorry about that.

Neil

 

[boomer1]

The MKlll Competition weighs 45oz. and the other 2 are 32/34oz. I'd vote for the lighter ones if an 11 year old is involved.

+1


YMMV,
boomer 8)

 

[revhigh]

I'd get a 5.5 inch MKIII stainless ... perfectly balanced and as accurate as the 6 7/8 inch models, and NOWHERE near as front heavy.

If it's REALLY primarily for your daughter ... you might want to consider a 22/45 model for lightness.

REV

 

[neil]

Thanks Rev

I'm looking at the 5.5" MKIII Target (KMKIII512) and it's listed at 42oz whereas one of the Hunter's (KMKIII45H) I was looking at is 4.5" and is listed at 38oz.

Per your recommendation I just looked up the 22/45 models and the 5.5" stainless (KP512MKIII) is 32 oz. That's almost a 1/3 pound lighter - thanks!

Will the 1911 style have any advantages/disadvantages for her? Also interested in some feedback on the fiber optic front sight over the fixed front sight.

My objective is to make this fun and exciting for her so she will continue to go with us (me and my son) and as she gets older progress to other firearms. My speculation is that it might be easier for a beginner to shoot accurately with the fiber optic sight. One thing I've found with my daughter is that she is more likely to enjoy something that she's moderately successful at from the beginning.

Thoughts?

 

[Hazama Yakiba]

You don't need no stinkin' Target gun (said like Three Mexican GunSlingers drunk on Tequila).

Save your dough because my vote is for the Stainless Steel Mark III Hunter (4.5" Barrel) with Crimson Trace Laser Grip.

It's very "Clint Eastwoodish" as far as looks, and it possesses more than superior accuracy not to fail to mention it's ease of handling is "The WOW Factor". The Mark III Hunter's weight is perfect for a young shooter (or old)....since the MYTH of the Longer Barreled MK Series, is not all it's pumped up to be. Remember, it's a RUGER...and RUGER = BullsEyes !

Load it with Aquila's "Hyper-Velocity" 1,800fps (SCREAMING FAST n' SMELLY) FMJ ammo, and you've got a great Zombie Killer that can spray 10+1 rounds of high speed havoc on the walking dead and...if need be...knock a wing off a pesky BumbleBee at 50 yards.

Haz

 

[revhigh]

Regarding sights ... I'd look at the different ones WITH HER, and decide that way, as well as the selection of the gun ... WITH HER.

Standard black target sights will allow more precision in aiming, while fiber optic will allow a beginner to get used to using the sights and obtaining the sight picture quicker. The two pistols feel quite different. The 22/45's have a considerably thinner grip, which may help a younger person, but will not bother you if you like 1911's. The 22/45 will also 'feel' a lot lighter. The regular all-steel MKIII's are a substantial feeling gun. Both are equally accurate ... both have virtually the same action .... both are a hell of a lot of fun to shoot .... both are a pain in the a$$ to field strip the first few times ... I have both.

I would visit a gun store with your kid and look at a few different models. I would recommend getting at least a 5.5 inch barrel. Whether it's tapered or 'bull' is up to you. Some say the bulls 'dissipate' heat better, but to be completely honest ... I don't think in a 22 it really matters unless you are REALLY SERIOUS about target shooting, and then you're going to mod it heavily anyway.

You can't go wrong with any Ruger 22 auto that you buy. By the way ... if you're considering buying a more expensive stainless model in the $450+ range ... if I were you ... I'd consider buying TWO lesser expensive blue models ... one MKIII and one MKIII 22/45 for just a little bit more. That way you get two guns and two people can be shooting at the same time. Did I mention you get TWO guns !!!!

Any more questions, let us know.

Check out Bud's online for the best pricing before you shop locally, just so you know what's available.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/74/products_id/13153

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/74/products_id/12754

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/74/products_id/13148

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/74

REV

 

[bowfita]

If you go with the 22/45, I would recommend the RP model since you can replace the side panels with custom grips or just add finger grooves as shown below:

I've also since added the fibre optic sight and they are fun to experiment with. You get red and green in three diameters: http://shopruger.com/Mark-II-Mark-III-Pistol-Fiber-Optic-Sights/productinfo/84147/.