[five0]

I am going to buy a MKII. That much I know. However there are so many variations out there I am confused. Eventually I would like to get a VQ LLV barrel, but that's probably a few years away.

In the meantime I would like to get something that is fun to shoot out of the box.

It seems like the Government Competition model is the best money can buy, but I am basically looking to get a ranking of the models: standard, target, competition target, government, etc. I can't seem to find a ranking system anywhere.

Thanks a bunch.

[five0]

After looking around a bit and finding this site (http://www.nfsp.com/Pages/Ruger.htm), it seems that the KMK678GC is the cream of the crop.

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/6021/rugerlistpv3.gif

[Baphomet]

Well, let me see if I can help. First off, I suggest you go with stainless. Just my opinion. Beyond that, there are really, only a few things to consider that should help narrow the choices for you pretty quickly:

1. Which grip/grip angle do you prefer?
The 22/45 is the only one that comes with a grip that closely resembles the 1911. If that's your preference, the field is quickly narrowed.

2. How do you feel about weight, and in particular how "muzzle heavy" do you like your pistol?

The 22/45 is a polymer frame, and the barrels are shorter. Great if you prefer that particular grip angle and/or are going to be toting this as a woods gun.

There is no difference in frames between any of the regular (non 22/45) MK pistols. You have the 22/45 frame and the steel frame on everything else.

Of these "regular" MK's the barrel/receiver will be the only difference. If you like a muzzle heavy feel, the longer bull barrel is the way to go. The 5.5 is probably the best choice if you don't know one way or the other. I think it strikes the perfect balance of the all steel MK series pistols.

Yes, the GC is the top of the line in the MK series. If you're sure you're going to replace it with a Volquartsen upper, though, you might want to save yourself some cash and just get a standard bull-barrel upper. I can tell you though, the GC upper on my MKII was shockingly accurate with CCI Mini Mags. 1/2" or so at 25 yards. The main advantage of the Volquartsen upper, in my experience, is the weight you shed, especially with an optical sight attached, since you won't need a separate base.

The shorter tapered barrels, in my experience, are great out to 25 yards or so, but I find a little extra weight on the front end helps a lot and more so at longer ranges. Kinda depends on what you plan to do with this pistol. For target shooting the GC is the way to go IMO.

If you just can't make up your mind, I'd suggest the regular 5.5 bull barrel version in stainless as the best all around choice.

[wally]

I'm afraid you've mostly missed the boat on the MkII. All they are making now are the MKIII and 22/45MKIII. The magazine disconnect seems to have caused a run on the MKII models once they were discontinued.

The MKII slabside is fantastic if you can find one, but IMHO they are all good. The ones with adjustable sights should also come with a scope mounting rail for when you get old and need a red dot :)

Maybe you can get lucky like I did and find a dealer with old stock that didn't realize how much people dislike the mag disconnect feature, as at gun shows lately when I see used MKII models they have been priced as high or a bit higher than new MKIII.

To me there is a downside to the stainless, shows all the dirt and most .22 ammo is pretty dirty so you'll end up cleaning it probably more often than really necessary because it always looks like it really needs it.

--wally.

[five0]

I just can't decide. Too bad they have been discontinued. I would love to walk in a local shop and look in person. I've only found one in the local pawn shops that was a mk2.

[Baphomet]

While I don't want to condone anything illegal or unsafe, I can say with certainty that, with a little... ummm... research one could, if they were so disposed, quite easily "mod" an MKIII into an MKII for all practical purposes by removing the Magazine Disconnect and the Loaded Chamber Indicator. Again, I'm not suggesting you do either. Just pointing out that it has been done before.

You might want to stop by the Ruger MK Forums Page (http://www.mkiii.org/forum/) and Search on, oh, say "Mag Disconnect" or "LCI Removal" for instance.

Any threads you might find that include step-by-step instructions and pictures for removing the LCI and/or the Mag Disconnect Safety of the MKIII pistol, like this one (http://www.mkiii.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=4447&hl=LCI+removal) or this one (http://www.mkiii.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=4581&hl=remove+magazine+disconnect), should be read for entertainment purposes only.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Cousin Mike]

I walked into one of my local gun stores a few months ago, looking for a Ruger MKII. I was able to find this standard model for $179 out the door - in LNIB condition. They had a stainless one next to it in the same condition for $159, but I'm a sucker for a nice, pretty blued pistol. ;)

You can find them, and for a good price... if you know where to look.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=51122&d=1168620164

I've only found one in the local pawn shops that was a mk2.

Sounds like you do know where to look... :)

Any reason you didn't bring it home? :D

I don't think I'd bother trying to find them at gunshows though. Stick to gun stores and pawn shops, and you'll probably find one sooner than you think. Good luck!

...Welcome to THR, five0!

[Baphomet]

Guns America (http://www.gunsamerica.com/classifieds/none/_976739694.aspx): MKII 512 (blued, 5.5 Bull Barrel) NIB.
$349 plus fee's and whatnot of course.

MKII Stainless (http://www.gunsamerica.com/classifieds/none/_976813687.aspx) for $325 from the same place. Taperd 6 7/8" barrel.

[five0]

...Welcome to THR, five0!

Thanks! I still haven't decided what to do yet, so hard.