Ruger Mark 3

[seabeesbob]

I am considering purchasing one of there and was wondering how accurate they are?
All help from you learned men would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

 

[flyerdoc]

My first handgun was a Mark III way back in 1985, still have it, accurate as the day is long and it ain't for sale. Purchased it new, blue with a bull barrel. If I had it to do over I would have gotten stainless, but that is the only thing I'd change.

 

[chet15]

There aren't many Ruger's out there that won't shoot better than you can hold them.
Chet15

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
The MKIII is as accurate as any semi-auto mass produced out there. And,, in general,, often a bit better too. The only way to get more accuracy is to buy a high-end competition gun & matching really good info to it.
Buy the MKIII, buy several types of ammo & test it to see what it prefers. It'll likely be able to out shoot your abilities.

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

My first handgun was a Mark III way back in 1985, still have it, accurate as the day is long and it ain't for sale. Purchased it new, blue with a bull barrel. If I had it to do over I would have gotten stainless, but that is the only thing I'd change.

Didn't think the Mark III pistols came out until 2004?

 

[TomV]

I have never been in a shooting competition, and am about 70 years old, but with my Ruger Mk III Hunter, I can easily, quickly, and consistently (freehand) hit empty 20 gauge shotgun shells (on the ground) from 25 feet and it gives me great delight to see them get thrown up into the air. The pistol is far more accurate than I can be, and a real pleasure to shoot.

 

[Mobuck]

I tested the accuracy of a new 4" 22/45 by using a heavy barrel extension and 3x scope. After some break-in hiccups, the groups settled down to the 4-6" range at 100 yards. I figure this is the limit of my capability at my age rather than the limit of the pistol.
My old worn, abused, bedraggled MK2 22/45 5.5" rings the 8" 100 yard gong regularly--I can still do that with open sights.

 

[blume357]

I am considering purchasing one of there and was wondering how accurate they are?
All help from you learned men would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

Bob, I think you got your answer. I bought one about 8 years ago and it is a dream to shoot and is the handgun I use to see just how well I can shoot on a certain day. The one thing I would suggest if you get one is go ahead and plan to buy 2-8 extra magazines....

 

[m657]

My 1954 Standard RST still shoots better than I can!!!

Find a model that fits your hand and practice/practice/practice.

....Oh...fooled ya....they ALL fit your hand!!!

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

They are too loud from the factory.

 

[Pat-inCO]

I am considering purchasing one of there and was wondering how accurate they are?

One factor that can have an effect is the trigger. I have a Mk-II that is
excellent and just got a Mk-III that has a horribly heavy trigger. My point
is that you need to dry fire which ever one you like and see how much
pressure it takes for the trigger to release. Due to variations in the
manufacturing process the individual triggers can vary widely. I suggest
the one with the lightest pressure you can find.

Overall accuracy of the Mk-IIIs is good and will not be a real concern.

One other item that will effect accuracy is the first 100 or so rounds you
put through the gun. Follow manual instructions on cleaning the barrel,
then use the highest (within reason) quality ammo you can find. Once
again, for the first one hundred rounds. After that, use what you can
find that works for you.

I say that because of an experience we had with my daughter when I
bought her a conversion kit for her Kimber 45. The first few rounds
down range were with some el-cheapo stuff her husband had on hand.
Within twenty five rounds the gun would not hold minute of 8-1/2x11
(sprayed them all over the paper). Long story short, they found that
the barrel had leaded up to the point there was no rifling visible. An
hour of cleaning and it was fine. We then ran a hundred rounds of
GOOD .22lr through it and they have never had a problem since.

 

[greenmtnguy]

I've been debating trading a S&W 22AS for a Ruger, preferably a bull barrel model - are the triggers on the new ones as good as they used to be?

 

[RandyP]

I too own the MKIII Standard pistol and it is a very nice handgun. Other than some trigger issues and the HORRENDOUS field stripping process ( as compared to any other firearm I own) it is far more 'accurate' than the majority of its purchasers.

I would respectfully suggest you also check out the Browning Buckmark (also in my safe) and the new S&W Victory. Both are also superb semi-auto .22s, same durability and accuracy without the field stripping nightmare.

 

[hpman66]

My first handgun was a Mark III way back in 1985, still have it, accurate as the day is long and it ain't for sale. Purchased it new, blue with a bull barrel. If I had it to do over I would have gotten stainless, but that is the only thing I'd change.

Didn't think the Mark III pistols came out until 2004?

I was thinking the same thing, they came out later than 1985. You nailed it, 2004:
http://www.ruger.com/news/2004-04-16c.html

 

[JStacy]

DA Wood is a Ruger expert heed his words well.

Original question about MK III. Yes they are very accurate. My MKIII Comp Target will consistently group under 1"@50 yards with ammo it likes. Most Ruger pistols have a ammo preference so try several different types of ammo and see what it likes.
Mine likes CCI Tactical,CCI SV ,CCI Blazers and Norma Tac22's --in that order.
Your mileage may vary.

 

[pdog]

I have 4, 2 10 inch models and 2 5 1/2 inch one. VERY accurate with CCI mini mags

 

[TomV]

I also prefer CCI MiniMags in my MK III Hunter. I like the copper plated round nose, 40 grain version.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Don't listen to people fret about field stripping. It's no big deal. Just follow this good ole' boy and you'll do fine. His method avoids a couple snares.

As far as the trigger... just toss in a Volquartsen $20 sear and you will be quite pleased.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7nDefvB1Io

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/380716/volquartsen-target-sear-ruger-mark-ii-mark-iii-22-45-stainless-steel

 

[Major T]

I still have a Mk I that I helped Dad find in a pawn shop lightly used in the '60-'62 time frame. It rode under the seat of his farm pickups for the next 45 or so years and digested thousands of rounds. After Dad passed away some ten years ago, I became the custodian. It still shoots above my capability, and I am a pretty good shooter. Dad did manage to loose the original Micro rear sight and it now wears the Mk III type issue sight. Dad's was the long barrel version.

My other Mk I is a 5"bull barrel. Both of those will go to my heirs. They have served me well. All three of my daughters learned basic pistol marksmanship while sitting between my legs to be coached. You don't want any of the three shooting at you with their snub nose .38s.

I really don't think you can wear out a Ruger Mk ? pistol. Yes, they are a pain to take down and put back.

Good choice,

Jack