Next buy .22LR pistol - Talk me in/out of Ruger MKIII

[Nickodemus]

Next gun for the collection is going to be a new full-size .22LR pistol. I want to spend <$400 and have a good shooter. I don’t want a conversion kit for one of my other pistols, I want a dedicated .22LR and maybe one day jump through the hoops to get it suppressed.
Originally I wanted a revolver, but now I am considering the Ruger MKIII, I like the old styling. I wanted a revolver so I could easily use the various different .22 loadings for pests and have no brass litter. Do you all have any suggestions as to guns to look at or avoid? For instance I heard the Sig Mosquito is a nightmare, but I like other Sigs I experienced. If you can list suggested and not recommended notorious .22LR pistols I will complete the rest of my pre-purchase research based off that. Thanks!

 

[doubleg]

Family member owns one that almost rips the bullets of the casings when it trys to load. Could be a rare thing but i'm sure theres better guns out there for the money.

 

[Frandy]

Well, I'm not going to talk you out of a Ruger MK III, as I have one that is flawless. Others will say get an MK II to avoid the new "safety" features. Okay, get a II or a III.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I love the Rugers overall, but advise getting a MkII rather than MkIII.

The "improvements" of the MkIII just mean more moving parts and hassle. I'd actually rather have a MkI than a MkIII. All the MkII added was the bolt-hold-open, while the MkIII added a mag disconnect and a loaded chamber indicator, both of which are pointless and a hassle.

-MV

 

[Nickodemus]

That one looks really nice. I thought I might get the crimson trace laser hand grip and put a pistol scope on top if I get the Ruger. I never bought a laser sight but on this "fun gun" I would like to try.

New safety feature?
Is there a place that gives a good MKI, MKII, MKIII comparision.

 

[Ala Dan]

I won't try too talk you out of the Ruger, as I once owned a NIB MK-II
KMK-512 that ran flawless; provided that you did your part in keeping
the breech VERY clean~! Got rid of it due to financial constraints, and
have never replaced it; opting for a Browning Buckmark (easier to field
strip) instead. Ruger .22's are nice weapons, and I wouldn't mind having
one like our friend Frandy's~!

 

[clone]

i dont see what all the whinning is about the MKIII's. i have a MKIII 22/45 5.5" and i dont notice the loaded chamber at all, and i disabled the magazine disconnect saftey (anyone can do it).

 

[chris in va]

I had a mkIII 22/45.

With anything but Thunderbolts, it would shave off the nose of the incoming round on the feed ramp. Called Ruger, they sent me a new bolt (for some reason). Still had issues, and those damn lawyer doodads.

I sold it promptly and got a MkII 22/45. Ahhh, much better.

Hey, you can get one of those nifty speedloaders too. I saw one in action at a gun show, takes all of half a second to load the mags. Wish my CZ had that.

Oh one more thing. Don't get a bull barrel version like mine was. Darn thing is HEAVY and gets hard to hold on target after a while. Kids really didn't like shooting it either. Maybe that's a good thing...

 

[Onmilo]

I'm kinda sorta wanting a standard, fixed sight, Ruger .22/45 to keep in my truck,,,,,,,,,

 

[Spartacus451]

Get it

You won't regret it, best .22 in that price range IMO opinion, only better option is the Buckmark.

 

[wally]

opting for a Browning Buckmark (easier to field strip) instead

Huh? Two different sized hex head wrenches needed and several small easy to lose parts and a spring retained only by the right side grip panel. This is easier in the field??

The Ruger needs no tools beyond somthing to hook under the mainspring latch (a .22lr empty can do the trick). But it is a PITA especially with a III series to cock and uncock the hammer at the right parts of the proceedure, the III series mag disconnect really aggrivates the issue.

--wally.