Mark II & Mark III differnnces

[topol]

What are differences between Mark II and Mark III semi auto pistols?

 

[topol]

What are differences between Mark II and Mark III semi auto pistols?

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

MK2 uses bottom lever (euro style) magazine release
MK3 uses 1911 style magazine release (thumb push button) located near trigger guard

MK2 has NO magazine disconnect
MK3 required magazine in to fire (and for field stripping reassembly)

MK2 has no LCI (loaded chamber indicator)
MK3 has LCI located on the side of the receiver (a bar that pops out)

MK2 is no longer manufactured
MK3 can be found most everywere

 

[topol]

Thanks, DA....

 

[Bud0505]

I have a MKII 22/45 that has a 1911 style magazine ejector button. My MKI has the bottom lever magazine release.

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

I think 22/45s all had that. Regardless.

 

[eveled]

MK2 uses bottom lever (euro style) magazine release
MK3 uses 1911 style magazine release (thumb push button) located near trigger guard

MK2 has NO magazine disconnect
MK3 required magazine in to fire (and for field stripping reassembly)

MK2 has no LCI (loaded chamber indicator)
MK3 has LCI located on the side of the receiver (a bar that pops out)

MK2 is no longer manufactured
MK3 can be found most everywere

Pretty much covers it, but I am curious why you think the bottom mag release is European? The mark series pistols were supposedly based on the German luger at least the grip angle is the same. The luger has a button on the grip like the 1911 has.

 

[22/45 Fan]

Pretty much covers it, but I am curious why you think the bottom mag release is European? The mark series pistols were supposedly based on the German luger at least the grip angle is the same. The luger has a button on the grip like the 1911 has.

The "Heel Clip" magazine release was very common on most (not all) European pistols until fairly recently. The "American" release (aka 1911-style) has pretty much become universal but it wasn't always.

BTW, there is one more difference, Mk I and most Mk II pistols were not drilled and tapped for a scope mount. The last series of Mk II and all Mk III pistols are drilled and tapped and come with a Weaver-style mounting rail.

 

[topol]

I have a follow up quesion based on the answer to my original question. If the Mark II target and the Mark III target are essentially the same except for what I would call minor stylized differences why do used Mark II's seem to command a very big premium in price (at least $100 or more on the popular auction sites) than a brand new Mark III target?

 

[Aberdrew13]

It is my understanding that the Mk I and II has more metal in it than the Mk III. I believe I read somewhere that at least some part of the Mk III was polymer.

I hope that if I'm mistaken, someone will chime in and give me good information.

 

[22/45 Fan]

I have a follow up quesion based on the answer to my original question. If the Mark II target and the Mark III target are essentially the same except for what I would call minor stylized differences why do used Mark II's seem to command a very big premium in price (at least $100 or more on the popular auction sites) than a brand new Mark III target?

I guess the magazine disconnect and loaded chamber indicator have turned off some shooters (unwanted Nanny-state devices) and the mag disconnect makes it more difficult to fit aftermarket trigger enhancements so the Mk II seems more attractive.

 

[rcupka]

We use a combination of MK II's and MK III's in our training classes. The Mark II's run reliably, rarely have any functional issues and can go for several hundred rounds without cleaning. The Mark III's are extremely sensitive to any accumulation of powder or debris. and very prone to functional failures. They are also very prone to failures to feed from "limp wristing" by the students. We bought these MK III's based on the favorable experience with our MK II's, but have been very disappointed.

Dick Cupka

 

[speedpower]

You can disable the MK III mag disconnect feature by removing the mag disconnect lever and replacing it with a MK II Volquartsen Hammer Bushing.

 

[GeorgeP]

MK2 uses bottom lever (euro style) magazine release
MK3 uses 1911 style magazine release (thumb push button) located near trigger guard

MK2 has NO magazine disconnect
MK3 required magazine in to fire (and for field stripping reassembly)

MK2 has no LCI (loaded chamber indicator)
MK3 has LCI located on the side of the receiver (a bar that pops out)

MK2 is no longer manufactured
MK3 can be found most everywere

Let me add one more:
MK2 slide lock is in down position by default
MK3 slide lock is in up position by default

Meaning: You can slingshot the bolt/slide when changing the magazine on the MK2 but you can only use the release on the MK3. There is a very simple mod to add a spring that spring loads the release in the down position like the MK2. Viola, slingshot the MK3 bolt!

 

[.45ACPaddy]

I used a hacksaw to make two cuts in my 22/45 MkIII slide stop lever and placed part of a retractable pen spring there. It pushes against a flat part of the upper and causes the slide stop lever to move down when I rack the bolt on a fresh mag. Also removed the spring and detent from the button part. I'll post pics later.