Ruger Mark 1

[y2k-fxst]

I have been looking for a Ruger Mark 2, with the 5.5" bull barrel. One of the guys in town has a Mark 1with the bull barrel for sale for $320. I know they changed the Mark 2 to include a last shot hold open, slide release, put scallops in the rear of the barrel to make raking the slide easier, increased the mag capacity to 10 rounds, made it so the safety does not lock the bolt allowing it to be racked with safety on, and changed the trigger.
What is everybody's opinion on the price?
Is there enough difference in the trigger to notice?
Is there anybody still making grips for the Mark 1, factory ones are small for my hands.

 

[rugerguy]

That MK I sounds pretty good, fair price for around here, and all depends on just what comes with it, and mainly its overall 'condition'...you can use Mk II mags in that gun, get the "extra" shot, but it will NOT stay (hold) open on the last shot,,,yes, you can use the "safety" button to hold open ( back ) the slide, manually.........again, have to realyl see it to make a proper evaluation, but heck, offer him $300 ?? or less if there are "conditions" or "issues".

 

[y2k-fxst]

No issues, does not appear to have been fired, came from an estate so not real sure about use. Bolt has very minimal marks from being cycled, finish is 100%, comes with original box and instructions. The take down lever on the rear of the grip does not show any marks from someone trying to pry it open. The guy that has it just wants to get what he paid for it to make his wife happy.

Just did not know what the difference is in the trigger other than the pin that holds it is retained by a e-ring instead of a wire retainer. Will the actual triggers interchange?

 

[cellar701]

Assuming the box is in good shape, that is a very good price for that package in my opinion.

 

[96/44]

Yes, the triggers should interchange. Sounds like a good buy to me.

 

[rugerguy]

you refer 'd to "change the triggers"??? what makes you think the trigger was changed?? they are basically the same, should be a chrome type plated, and they are held in place on the inside of the gun, do NOT try and push, pound out the trigger pin.................main thing in difference in the MK I and MK II is the scallop on the back, near the bolt handle, the bolt hold open lever on the left side, as well as the corresponding cutout (notches) in the left grip panel, and the fact the magazine now holds 10 rounds, instead of 9......other wise ,the same...just roll marked differently to note the later gun..........now the MK II they completely "lawyered up".....THAT is some major changes...........
back to the price, if the gun is that nice and that figure $320 is what he says he paid, then go for it.......never hurts to 'try' and make a fair , reasonable offer...............

 

[y2k-fxst]

I know the way the trigger pivot pin is retained different, just did not know if the actual trigger was changed. Brownell's show a trigger for the mark 2 but does not state if it will work on a mark 1

 

[WAYNO]

Ask two different folks the same question, and you'll likely get two different answers.

My gut answer was the MkI is overpriced. But then I gotta stop and even make myself rethink all this. My answer would have been the gun is closer to the $265 figure. In the scheme of things, that's only a 55-dollar difference and not worth splitting hairs over. And I preach to others, a bird in the hand has added value. Someday I oughta listen to myself.

WAYNO.

 

[Clovishound]

Can't help you with the differences between the Mark I and Mark II. I can tell you I have a Mark I that I purchased new in the mid 70s. I have done nothing to it other than clean and shoot it. It is the most accurate weapon I have ever shot. Mine has the bull barrel and the factory target trigger pull, as well as the walnut target grips. It is a purchase I have never regretted.

I wouldn't mind having the mag release system the newer Marks have. I prefer a button release over the "gate" on the bottom of the mag opening. Still, it is a very, very minor thing. The trigger is light (around 2.5 lbs), short, and crisp.

I would think it would be difficult to find a Mark I that is basically unfired.

Don't let the nay sayers convince you the Marks are difficult to field strip. Once you know the secret handshake, they come apart and go back together quickly and easily. OK, I do have to look up the procedure every now and then on the internet, but once I have refreshed my memory, it goes like clockwork. I can't say the same about the Colt Challenger.

 

[22/45 Fan]

..........now the MK II they completely "lawyered up".....THAT is some major changes...........
back to the price, if the gun is that nice and that figure $320 is what he says he paid, then go for it.......never hurts to 'try' and make a fair , reasonable offer...............

No, it was the Mk III that was "lawyered up" with the loaded chamber indicator and magazine disconnect, not the Mk II.

OP: that sounds like a lot of money for a gun that old but that's not a collector's item. I've seen brand new Mk II and Mk III guns for less. I assume who ever is doing the estate sale doesn't know what it should cost and looked up the price of a new equivalent.