Ruger 22/45 MK3 Recoil Spring Assembly wont fit....?

aliasneo07 · Nov 28, 2011

Okay, so I broke out my 22/45 Mk3 target. I polished the feed ramp, throat, chamber, and installed a Volquartsen extractor and spring. I also had a spare Recoil Spring Assembly directly from Ruger.

So I figured I'd change em out.

Well, after doing all the other work, I threw the spring in there, tried to reassemble the pistol, and the bolt stop pin would not go all the way in. It went in most of the way, but would not pop out the top of the frame, as is required for proper fit. After some time with a rubber mallet and trying everything I could think of, I changed the recoil spring assembly back. Sure enough, it went together.

I was under the impression that the MkI, II, III, and 22/45 (all variants) had the same recoil spring assembly. The baggie it came in from ruger says "Mk I-II-III Recoil Spring Asembly." They knew it was for a 22/45 Mk 3.

When I compared the two, sure enough, they looked different. I've attached a photo.

Thoughts/opinions? Thanks!

(Old assembly on the left, new one on the right.)

GWJ · Nov 28, 2011

I would compare the length of the two recoil assemblies. That is from the inside of the radius on the pin end to the end of the spring guide rod. Another way is to make sure that the spring guide rod does not extend out beyond the face of the bolt. If it does there is not way you could install the bolt stop pin.

rugerguy · Nov 29, 2011

the OTHER end (opposite) of the picture is going to determine/affect the insertion of the bolt stop and mainspring assembly.........
you picture a "sloppy" crimp and that can be polished a bit more...as noted above, is the overall length the same??and how the horse shaped piece is setting on the assembly...............may have to give it a good wack to go in the "first" time........on "used" ones, there may be a "groove" worn in the stud (bolt stop) and hanging up going in.....

aliasneo07 · Nov 29, 2011

The little pin thing on the end was protruding too much and now allowing the bolt to close all the way, apparently. I took a dremel and shaved a good portion of it off and now it looks similar to the recoil spring that came with the gun, and I can now completely reassemble the pistol.

Thx all!