870 for a Ruger MKI?

[afponiky]

I have a chance to trade a 870 express, 28" barrel that is ribbed with one screw in choke for a pretty nice Ruger MKI tapered barrel with one mag. it is approx. a 1977 and it looks 80-85 %. I've got plenty of shotguns, just thought an old ruger would be nice.

I think it is an even trade.

Any thoughts?

 

[Hunterdad]

Sounds like a good trade to me if you're looking for a 22 handgun.

 

[MattShlock]

I wouldn't trade an old 870 if you like 870's -- they're the only ones worth keeping. Ruger's haven't turned to garbage; you can always go buy a new one that's as good or better than they've ever been.

 

[heeler]

I think it would be a very good trade.
Just know that breaking down that pistol for cleaning is a PIA.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Breaking down a Ruger MK is not a PIA if you know what you are doing and understand how the parts fit together.

 

[heeler]

Great to know...But.
I have heard many good things about the Marks but I have not yet heard anyone say it's easy to break down and reassemble.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I own five...I can field strip and reassemble in less than 2 minutes. Once learn the angle of the dangle of the hammer strut it's a piece of cake.

 

[afponiky]

It was a newer cheap 870 express, traded some ammo for it last year during the frenzy of over priced, hard to find stuff.

I found the manual online last night and got it all stripped down, cleaned, lubed and put back together.

At first it was a PITA, but as Colt said, once you get to know it, it's not that bad.

Fired it today, ran great, good accuracy and I'm happy with it. More important is that my daughter is happy with it. It shall now be her's to use until she can legally own it!

I never had the experience of taking one down before. Not too bad once you learn the secrets and find the rubber mallet!


AF

 

[Arkansas Paul]

For the Express model, I would say yes, make the trade. Especially since you said you have plenty of shotguns.

 

[sappyg]

Sounds like a fair trade to me.

MK's are a bit tedious to take down at 1st but, like anything else, it's easy when you know how.

 

[ID-shooting]

It is a Ruger Standard, the MK I was a heavy-barreled target version. That said, yes, fair trade. They are excellent guns and a riot to shoot, I love mine. Don't the the unskilled tell you they are a pain to take apart and clean. They are unique, but not difficult.

As for mags, current mags work just fine, when you can find them.

 

[btg3]

If I had 870s and did not have a Ruger Mark I or II (or a Buckmark), I'd be all over that deal. For plinking, Steel Challenge, what-have-you, a 22LR pistol is too much fun to to say no. DO IT !!!

 

[limpingbear]

you can use MKII mags in a standard, but you have to disassemble the mag and put the loading stud on the opposite side. It takes a bit of practice and patience but it works. I converted three when I got my standard model a few years ago.

 

[CHighfield]

Agree with the trade. Plenty of shotguns minus an 870 express isn't too bad. If you add the .22, though, it's a good deal haha

 

[Fishbed77]

Just know that breaking down that pistol for cleaning is a PIA.

Um. No it isn't.

It's different from any other pistol, but still quite easy. Just keep the manual handy the first few times and you'll be fine. I can field strip my Ruger Mark III much faster than a 1911 at this point, and re-assemble it almost as fast.

 

[afponiky]

Interesting set up for a scope. Don't think I want to go that much effort. I like the iron sites!

I wish other guns were as easy to take down at this one.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Good trade since the 870 is not a Wingmaster.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Sounds good to me.

 

[MattShlock]

Yes, good trade.