Ruger MkII

[XDX]

Found a deal on a used stainless MkII with 4.5'' barrel. Is that barrel length accurate enough for range use and hunting small varmints? Or should I go with the obvious, the MkIII hunter model?
He's asking for $200 FTF. Though I saw a MkIII for ~$220 new at the store but forgot barrel length or if it was stainless or blued.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Main question: did it have adjustable sights?

If so, I'd say that's a decent deal, and MkIIs are getting harder to find these days. I would rather have a used (not abused) MkII than a new MkIII, as the new safety features added to the MkIII are really annoying and complicate maintenance.

If it's fixed-sight, it might not be the best for doing lots of hunting, as it's not easy to get the sights set to whatever loads you might end up using.

-MV

 

[Coyote3855]

I have a couple of Ruger Standards (fixed sights, tapered 4.5 in barrel), a Mark II .22/45 with a 5.5 inch bull barrel and adjustible sights, and a Mark III .22/45 with 4.5 inch flat sided bull barrel with fixed sights. All shoot better than I can, plenty accurate for ground squirrels, tin cans, etc. I used the Mark II in action pistol competiton, did okay. I like the shorter barrels because they are easier/more convienient to carry. I like the Mark III .22/45 ($225 OTD) because it is much flatter than the Mark II or the early Standards, so also handier and more convenient to carry. $200 for a used stainless Mark II in good shape would be a decent deal in this area.

Coyote 3855

 

[XDX]

Oh fixed sights.

 

[highlander 5]

I'm willing to bet that you can replace the fixed rear with adjustable sights for short money buy that gun

 

[XavierBreath]

A stainless MKII in good shape, with a 4.5 inch tapered barrel is worth $200. You will not regret the purchase.

I agree with Mr. Vanitas, the MKII is preferrable to the MKIII.

 

[SoCalShooter]

I bought a MKIII the safety features are a pain in cleaning. Go for the MKII its a great weapon you can change the sights on it go with a redot

 

[tuckerdog1]

I have a couple

MKIIs. They are already somewhat of a pain to take down & clean. What new horrors have been added to the MKIII?

Tuckerdog1

 

[wally]

I have a couple MKIIs. They are already somewhat of a pain to take down & clean. What new horrors have been added to the MKIII?

The magazine disconnect. Think of the PITA factor of having to remove and insert and remove again an empty mag everyting you have to release the hammer during the takedown and reassembly proceedure.

--wally.

 

[greener]

Wally, I"ve never owned a MKII, but the magazine dance with the MKIII's only adds a few seconds to field strip and reassembly. I like the magazine release on the MKIII's better than the MKII's. I'm not used to the MKII style and like pushing a button on the grip much better. I've even found a "use" for the LCI: I've started looking at it when I chamber the first round in a mag. Started doing that with ammo that didn't want to feed the first round no matter how the first round was in the mag or after cleaning the mag.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I'll add my voice to BUY.

Try the fixed sights for a bit, if you don't like them you can easily move to adjustables from Millett. You need to replace the front sight to, but it's probably under $40 for the whole set. Or you might find the fixed sights totally fine.

I say again, the Ruger MkII is the best gun, of any type, in existence.

I'm getting a suppressor for mine, will post a review. Probably getting a set of Elk grips ($80) as well, will post reviews if I do. Considered ivory ($225), but couldn't quite bring myself to do it. That's how much I like the Ruger MkII. MkI is also great, but I just can't warm to the MkIII.

-MV

 

[XDX]

Is it easy to switch sights on this gun?
Thanks everyone for comments so far.

 

[PO2Hammer]

The rear sight can be drifted out easily with a brass punch, or even a piece of 9mm brass or similar, and a hammer.
There's a wide choice of scope mounts for a nice little red dot or 2X pistol scope (don't go with high power scopes).
Get a Mk II while you can. A true American classic. I love my little 4" fixed sight Mk II. I will never willingly part with it.