Mark III Barrel Differences

[writwing]

What are the advantages/disadvantages if the different barrel types on the Mark III?

 

[98_1LE]

Balance - very personal. I prefer the 5.5" bull profile.

Sight radius - longer is considered better.

Ability to soak up heat - more metal = more rounds before it gets too hot.

Aesthetics - very personal and subjective.

 

[Fox Mike]

I have a MK III Target 6 7/8 and a 22/45 with a bull barrel. I can only speak for myself but the Target is more accurate than the 22/45 from a rest at the same distance. I am sure others have found the opposite. On the same note I fired an acquaintance's Competition model and my Target was more accurate. In the end it is all personal preference I guess.

 

[MikeSSS]

Longer barrels have more inerta to resist movement. Heavier barrels also have more inertia to resist movement. Both minimize shaking and unwanted movement but also resist wanted fast movement.

Fluting reduces weight but also increases surface area so the barrel cools faster. Stainless Steel transfers heat more slowly than carbon steel.

Stainless Steel remains cooler when the gun is left in the sunlight.

I have a MK II 6-7/8" heavy tapered barrel pistol. It is very easy to hit well with this gun.

 

[russ69]

I own quite a few Ruger autos. Barrel weight and balance is a personal thing and different weights suit different applications. If this is your first Ruger auto, the 5.5 bull barrel is a good starting point. It may have the best balance of the bunch.

 

[300]

i have both the 5.5 bull barrel and the hunter 6-7/8 fluted barrel and i like the balance of the 5.5 bull the best. accuracy is the same in my opinion. so i would have to agree with russ69 on that.

 

[RedlegM109A1]

i have both the 5.5 bull barrel and the hunter 6-7/8 fluted barrel and i like the balance of the 5.5 bull the best. accuracy is the same in my opinion. so i would have to agree with russ69 on that.

I also have these two guns (the Mark II bull 5.5"; Mark III 6.88" fluted) and I can't say that I can really tell much difference. Both are terrific shooters that produce very small groups.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I guess that depends on what you want to do with it.

Having fun hitting tin cans?

Hunting small varmits/game?

Serious competition?

Probably a standard barrel will take care of 90% of what you want to do.....

All a question of what feels best in your hand and what you can stand looking at.