This is a copy of the Ruger 22 pistol and I would like an extra magazine or two. I didn’t realize there were so many versions of Ruger 22 pistols. Original, MK I? MKll, III, IV, and then the IV 45. It looks like the first model is just a 9 round magazine, the rest are 10 rounders but...... the MKII isn’t the same magazine as the III, and IV. Button other side, is that all? I read it is easily changed to the right side? My AMT is a 10 round with button on left side, is that like a MKII, or the MKII and IV?
AMT Lightning
- Thread starter Pivot Dr
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FL-NC
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Early Rugers don't have a mag release button- they have euro style releases at the heel of the grip.
armedwalleye
Member
I'm no expert, but IIRC, the Standards, Mk I, Mk II pistols release at the heel, as FL-NC indicates. The MK III and IV magazines are similar and work interchangeably. The MK III and Mk IV 22/45 magazines are interchangeable as well in the 22/45 platform, but are different than those for the "regular" Mk III and IV pistols. Not sure on the reverseability of the magazine button, nor on which one would fit the AMT. Given the production period, I would put my money on the MK II magazine for fitment.
Sorry, not the button I was talking about, the button on the magazine itself, the follower, that you have to hold down to charge the magazine. Not sure any of the Ruger 22 autos have a button mag release. Every one I’ve seen is as you described. From researching magazines for Rugers it appears that therr may be 3 or more kinds with one that can be changed to work in a different MK?? By just moving the follower button from left to right side. I’m pretty sure the AMT is a clone of one version or other of a Ruger, just don’t know which one. I better get hold of my son, he’s got a MKIV I think it is, and see if his magazine will fit my AMT
Pudge
Member
The 22/45s don't release at the heel, they have a more standard magazine release. The button for loading is swappable side to side (or so I've read). It never seems as though Ruger factory magazines are particularly inexpensive, but they have a reputation for functioning.
armedwalleye
Member
Came back with a link to the Ruger chat site. Ruger Mark II Mag for AMT Lightning Pistol | Ruger Forum looks like the MK II mag is the one you're after.
My only reference on the heel release was to indicate the differences in magazines per I, II, III and IV pistols. I did understand you were talking about reversing the button on the follower on the magazine itself
My only reference on the heel release was to indicate the differences in magazines per I, II, III and IV pistols. I did understand you were talking about reversing the button on the follower on the magazine itself
If I understand you correctly the III and IV magazines interchange but not with the II. I read on one Ebay listing that changing the follower button from one side to the other makes one model fit another. As is normal with Ebay descriptions it was not very clear what fit what.
armedwalleye
Member
No, changing the follower button itself from one side to the other may be possible for function, but NOT for fitment. The III and IV mags have a little "bump" on them so they will not fit the MK II so far as I understand
A little bump you say, where on the magazine is that bump? I should just get hold of my son and compare magazines the way it sounds. If his fits, get those, if not, probably the MKII is the one.
armedwalleye
Member
Here you go. Mk IV nearest to me, Mk II behind it
And, based on the Ruger forum link I posted earlier, the MK II mags are the ones you're after
And, based on the Ruger forum link I posted earlier, the MK II mags are the ones you're after
Yup! I see what you described. I think you’re right MKII is the correct one, Thank you for enlightening me on this, much appreciated!
Carl N. Brown
Member
I have a Ruger MkII and needed a fourth magazine for a course of fire that required four targets at different stations in different scenarios.
I picked up an orphan AMT Lightning magazine at the remainders table at a local gunshop. It worked fine in my Ruger MkII. I suspect the Ruger MkII magazine will work in the AMT pistol.
The magazines are remarkably similar.
The AMT magazine spring had less tension than my Ruger magazines' springs and would not always activate the bolt hold open on last shot.
Later when I ordered parts for my Ruger, I got a MkII magazine spring and plunger to replace those parts in my AMT magazine. It now locks open on last shot everytime.
I picked up an orphan AMT Lightning magazine at the remainders table at a local gunshop. It worked fine in my Ruger MkII. I suspect the Ruger MkII magazine will work in the AMT pistol.
The magazines are remarkably similar.
The AMT magazine spring had less tension than my Ruger magazines' springs and would not always activate the bolt hold open on last shot.
Later when I ordered parts for my Ruger, I got a MkII magazine spring and plunger to replace those parts in my AMT magazine. It now locks open on last shot everytime.
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Carl N. Brown
Member
The follower button on the ten shot Ruger MkII is located on the left side to activate the bolt hold open on last shot.
The follower button on the nine shot original Ruger (Standard field gun and MkI target) is on the right side (same side as the German Luger's). You cannot use the original nine shot in the MkII. The channel for the follower button was moved to the left side of the MkII frame to engage the bolt hold open.
The MkII magazine can be disassembled and reassembled with the follower button on the right side which would allow it to be used in the Ruger Standard and MkI pistols as a ten shot magazine. One argument against using a ten shot magazine in a gun normally used with nine shot magazines is that a user might forget there's an extra round and be careless.
I was trained to always verify that a gun is empty and still treat it as a lethal weapon because ... bullet gremlins.
The follower button on the nine shot original Ruger (Standard field gun and MkI target) is on the right side (same side as the German Luger's). You cannot use the original nine shot in the MkII. The channel for the follower button was moved to the left side of the MkII frame to engage the bolt hold open.
The MkII magazine can be disassembled and reassembled with the follower button on the right side which would allow it to be used in the Ruger Standard and MkI pistols as a ten shot magazine. One argument against using a ten shot magazine in a gun normally used with nine shot magazines is that a user might forget there's an extra round and be careless.
I was trained to always verify that a gun is empty and still treat it as a lethal weapon because ... bullet gremlins.
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Unless I can see an empty chamber I assume it’s loaded, and assume nothing about the operator!
I recall a story in a magazine some years back where the author was describing protocol at the hunting cabin. First and last rule, EVERY gun is loaded, with one in the pipe at ALL times! That way nobody had to wonder, is it loaded? You dang betcha it is!
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