mark III vs Mark IV

[Hokie Hunter]

I will apologize in advance for my ignorance. I have a Super Red Hawk 44 mag that I love dearly (took my first VA whitetail with it this year), but it's not real friendly on the wrist for just plinking. I have been told that the Mark series of .22 caliber pistols would be a fine choice. Can someone give me a crash course on the differences between the Mark III and Mark IV?? I know there are 2 different angles on the grips (1 is perpendicular to the barrell and the other is not). Can I assume both have this option? Will both accept a scope? Any information will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your in put.

 

[bowfita]

If you are talking current production, Ruger has the Mark III and the 22/45 (maybe they should have named the 22/45 the Mark IV, not a bad idea).

You are right though, that it comes down to the two basic styles you mentioned which I call "slant" and 1911. Within each there are optional models which you can research here:

http://ruger.com/products/markIII/index.html

and here:

http://ruger.com/products/2245/index.html

As many models as they have available you will get as many opinions as to which is best, and it all depends on your intended use.

Are you a serious competitor or hunter vs. a gun the kids will shoot all day so weight may be a factor, etc.

I have the 22/45, chosen mostly because the grip most mirrors my other firearms and the primary reason I chose it over the classic Mark I, II, III, slant grip I see more often in competitions. Within the 22/45 I liked the RP because of the replaceable grip panels. Both styles have a 5.5 bull barrel which for me provides enough weight to limit recoil while making the weight enjoyable to shoot all afternoon.

BTW, anyone who takes a whitetail with a pistol is anything but ignorant ha ha. Nice going.

 

[blume357]

If you could find a local range that would let you try out both, that would be best. I would entertain the 22/45 as a choice just because it now can come with replaceable grips.... I chose the MK III because the grip on it was not only thicker but replaceable and the pistol frame was all metal...

 

[Hokie Hunter]

Ruger® 22/45™ MK III Handgun

Above is cut and paste from the Gander Mountain add. Now I'm confused. Looks to me like they are combining two names according to what you said bowfita. You say there is a Mark III and a 22/45.

 

[roylt]

Go to Ruger and read. I would say the Gander mountain ad is wrong.

http://www.ruger.com/products/markIII/index.html

 

[bowfita]

Ruger® 22/45™ MK III Handgun

Above is cut and paste from the Gander Mountain add. Now I'm confused. Looks to me like they are combining two names according to what you said bowfita. You say there is a Mark III and a 22/45.

Here is a Gander link to the Ruger ad I think you refer to, and yes they technically got it wrong, but they are showing a 22/45 model so at least they put that part of the name first. Note that they do not show the "RP" model that has replaceable grips. It looks like the sale is on the non-replaceable grip model?

If you are looking at the 1911-style grip model and want to be sure to get the replaceable grip option, be sure to look for "22/45 RP" model. I have assumed the "RP" indicates replaceable (grip) panel.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=GM443697&pdesc=Ruger_22/45_MK_III_Handgun&aID=510C1&merchID=4006

I've posted these pics numerous times, but here are two options for the replaceable grip panels. The first just adds finger grooves and widens the grip, the second is closer to a target pistol grip w/ thumb rest:

 

[Racer9]

As far as I can tell, the difference between the the 22/45, and the Mark I II adn III is simply the Zytel grip frame on the 22/45.

 

[Hokie Hunter]

roylt....
It appears that going to the ruger site and reading (which I had already done) just confirmed my confusion. The site leads one to believe that there are Mark III and 22/45 models, but in reality there is a 22/45 Mark III. That is where the confusion came into play. Thanks to all that spoke up with advice, as usual, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[bowfita]

roylt....
It appears that going to the ruger site and reading (which I had already done) just confirmed my confusion. The site leads one to believe that there are Mark III and 22/45 models, but in reality there is a 22/45 Mark III. That is where the confusion came into play. Thanks to all that spoke up with advice, as usual, it is greatly appreciated.

Seems Gander got it right after all, just checked mine and sure enough, right there its labeled a 22/45 Mk III (Doh):