MKIII disassembly

[wlkjr]

Friend of mine gave me a 22-45 MKIII that he said he couldn't get to function. He said he took it apart to clean and wouldn't work afterwards. Gave it to me cause he was tired of fooling with it and I had done some work for him.
I went to youtube for the disassembly instructions and I can't get the backstrap lever to pull out after I pull the release lever or whatever you call it. The video shows the lever hinging out and then the pin dropping down. Looks like the lever is stuck somehow. Anyone got any hints or do I need to send this thing off. Looks to be in great condition and not shot much.

 

[jstanfield103]

Does it have the keyed lock engaged ? If it is use the key to try and un lock the gun.
Also welcome to the Forum.

 

[jz2ruger]

did you drop the magazine, can't release the mainspring with magazine inserted.

 

[wlkjr]

Didn't have a keyed lock with it, was just the gun in a carrying case. He couldn't find the box it came in.
I did take the magazine out.
Seems like the hammer is not cocking. The lever won't pivot up for the pin to drop out, or pull out. Feels like something is hung up.

 

[GasGuzzler]

After you make sure it's still empty....hold the trigger, point it upwards, smack the rear of the bolt on your other hand as smartly as you can. Keep wiggling the latch and repeating. The dangly thing on the hammer is in the wrong spot.

 

[wlkjr]

After you make sure it's still empty....hold the trigger, point it upwards, smack the rear of the bolt on your other hand as smartly as you can. Keep wiggling the latch and repeating. The dangly thing on the hammer is in the wrong spot.

Nothing seems to help. The latch won't pivot up. It is definitely stuck. Looks like the best thing is to send it to Ruger or take it to a good gunsmith before I break something. Looks like a nice little gun if I can get it repaired.
Thanks guys.

 

[jstanfield103]

What I mean by the keyed lock, is that a Mark III has a lock built into the mainspring latch (internal keyed lock) that takes a key to lock and unlock. Every now and again the lock back's out and will not let the mainspring latch open up. You can see the lock here third gun down #3 in the picture.
http://guntalk-online.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=934&sid=573f2ddc1be07e3ff411f473aafacabc

I would bet that the internal keyed lock screw has backed out and hanging up the latch spring. just my guess.

 

[Bullseye57]

The key lock cylinder could be holding it up or the hammer is partially cocked and the strut is preventing the mainspring housing from swinging out of the frame for disassembly. Typically it is the strut causing the problem and here's a solution. Take the pistol and close the mainspring latch. Insert an empty magazine. Place a good sized block of wood onto the floor or a workbench. Pull the trigger rearward and hold it back. Tilt the pistol's muzzle straight downward and while still holding the trigger to the rear smack the muzzle end onto the block of wood with good force. The inertia of the hit will drive the hammer fully forward and you can release the mainspring housing from the frame using the normal field stripping procedures. Don't mess with the bolt or you could be back into the same situation. If you hit the muzzle very firmly, don't be shy, onto the wood and the mainspring housing still won't swing out then you may have to turn in the key lock, or outward, slightly to free up the housing and let it swing out of the frame. There have been a few instances where the key lock has some casting flash on the back side and it is causing the housings to snag on the frame.

Hope this helps.

R,
Bullseye

 

[wlkjr]

Tried smacking the muzzle on workbench but still no luck. The magazine is very tight in the magwell. Have to pull it out with fingernails as it won't drop, really tight.
Since I didn't get the box with it I don't have the key. Maybe I can see if the old gentleman has it stored somewhere.
Is the key a hex or something? I see the hole but can't tell anything about it.

 

[jstanfield103]

I don't remember what the Lock and key look like. I took my lock completely out and did away with it after reading about a couple of people that have had the same problem you are having. I bet Ruger would provide you with the key for free. Just give them a call.
Keep us up to date so we don't just keep wondering what the fix was.
Good Luck to you.

 

[Bullseye57]

The internal lock key is not a hex shape but actually a pentagonal shape with a hole in the center for a pin. They fit all, so if you know someone with a Mark III who can lend you theirs for a short period you can test to see if this will solve the problem.

ShopRuger.com has them for $2.50 each.

You may have to adjust the lock screw slightly inward or outward to create a little clearance to open up the mainspring housing.

R,
Bullseye

 

[blume357]

You usually have to insert a small thin 'something' into the gap between that back spring thingy and the grip and push the internal hammer to the right position to get the latching mech. out and back in... especially on a new tight gun....

you know for a free pistol I would find a gunsmith that is familiar with these and just pay him (or her) to fix it.... it will probably take them 10 minutes to do this and oil and clean.

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

The internal lock key is not a hex shape but actually a pentagonal shape with a hole in the center for a pin. They fit all, so if you know someone with a Mark III who can lend you theirs for a short period you can test to see if this will solve the problem.

ShopRuger.com has them for $2.50 each.

You may have to adjust the lock screw slightly inward or outward to create a little clearance to open up the mainspring housing.

R,
Bullseye

No, you should get TWO keys in the box. If you send me a PM, I'll mail you one of the six I got with the three Mark III's I've bought.

 

[wlkjr]

The internal lock key is not a hex shape but actually a pentagonal shape with a hole in the center for a pin. They fit all, so if you know someone with a Mark III who can lend you theirs for a short period you can test to see if this will solve the problem.

ShopRuger.com has them for $2.50 each.

You may have to adjust the lock screw slightly inward or outward to create a little clearance to open up the mainspring housing.

R,
Bullseye

No, you should get TWO keys in the box. If you send me a PM, I'll mail you one of the six I got with the three Mark III's I've bought.

Thanks for the offer on a key. Old guy is still looking for the box.
New update: Tonight my son came over and I was showing the gun to him and how it was hung up. Lo and behold, it popped right out. I must have tried at least 15 times over the last week to get the thing to release. Now if I can get it reassembled correctly. Thanks all you guys who offered help.

 

[wlkjr]

Got it back together and all seems well. Can't wait to shoot this nice little pistol.

 

[jstanfield103]

That's great news on a great gun I am sure.