Ruger “Mark” configurations

[Mosin77]

I have a Ruger Mk II in the most normal, 4” taper bbl configuration. It seems fun to shoot, and the sights are very prominent and visible.

What do I gain with this platform with a 6” barrel, a heavy barrel, “target” sights, etc? I almost never see the “regular” version featured here, it’s always something a bit more niche. What am I missing out on?

 

[Pudge]

As long as it functions, and hits where you're aiming, you are getting the whole Ruger MK experience.

I've got 6" heavy barrel 22/45 mk iii, because that's what was for sale (and it gave me the opportunity to try a red dot).

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Im a fan-

The long-snout versions have a longer sight radius, so minor variations in POA dont effect POI as much. Recoil and flip are mitigated too, thanks to the greater weight and the CG being shifted forward. You also get more velocity and a flatter trajectory.

The adjustable sight models have a better sight picture, anti-glare front post, and of course can be fine tuned to the individual shooters' grip.

A shorter, bull barrel can give you more weight, but keep the CG further aft if one likes that balance better.

The downside to the long and heavy barrels is quicker fatigue onset, as well as being bulkier of course.

I probably shoot my 5.5" tapered MK2 the most of the bunch as it strikes a good balance between comfort and accuracy. I can squeeze a bit more precision from the two 7.5" HB guns with good ammo and some effort, as well as resting between groups.
The 4" Standard is great for tin cans.

 

[243winxb]

I have experence with the MK1 models. All of them. My first was the standard model.

The target models have lighter triggers. The sear has less engagement with the hammer. Trigger has over travel & reset travel stops on the trigger. Not adjustable. Most trigger pulls were 3 pounds from the factory.

Adjustable sighrs are a must have, IMO.

Barrel length. The 5.5 is best for rapid fire, less muzzle rise when compared to 6.8" The 5.5 could be used in the old ISU competitions, in the 1970. The extra weight helps with recovery time.

The MK1 was 9 shot magazine. No slide locking open on last shot.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I wouldn't want a MK without adjustable sights.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I almost never see the “regular” version featured here, it’s always something a bit more niche. What am I missing out on?

It al has to do with how you like the gun to balance in your hand and if you want to be able to adjust your sights for where your POI will be in relation to your POA

I have a skinny barrel Ruger Standard model that's never been fired because it was a commemorative model (red box, red eagle), but my preferred model to shoot has a 5.5" bull barrel and adjustable sights

 

[Spats McGee]

I had a “standard” much like the bottom one in @NIGHTLORD40K ‘s pic for many years. I didn’t shoot it very much for a long time. The reasons for that varied, but it wasn’t because I didn’t like the gun.

That standard configuration (4” taper barrel) is lots of fun and mine was always accurate enough for plinking. But for my current purposes, a Mark IV with a couple of interchangeable uppers makes more sense.

 

[Riomouse911]

The older Standard and Mark II pistols are really popular, for good reason. They are great guns.

My standard 4” was a rescue, the exterior was so pitted and rusty I got it for 80 bucks. A bit of bead blasting, spray n’ bake coating, new grips, and Ruger sent me all the replacement springs gratis when I called to order them.



My Mk II is a Government Target model with a 6.5” bull barrel (bottom gun).



My Mk IV originally came with a 10” bull barrel, but I bought two other 5.5” uppers to swap out when I want to shoot something more manageable.

If you really want a swappable option Ruger auto, the Mk IV is the easiest way to go.


Stay safe.

 

[Spats McGee]

...If you really want a swappable option Ruger auto, the Mk IV is the easiest way to go.

I agree.

The uppers on these are swappable in about 10 seconds.

 

[film495]

I sought out a standard MK2 a few years ago. Always liked standard, regular configuations. Favorite pistol to shoot at the range. I did add on the grips after I got it, just cause.

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[3Crows]

Mine, love it:

 

[doubleh]

I have never cared for the looks of the stand Ruger MK pistol. Make mine either the Target or the 22/45. I have trouble with the slick frame on the target model. Hogue wrap around grips fixed that. All of them are good guns although up until the MK IV they were a bit of a PIA to take apart and reassemble. Having the owner's manual at hand makes it fairly easy though. Some people complain of the III and IV bolt ears pinching their fingers. I learned quickly how to prevent that but added TandemKross halo rings so the kids could use them easier and granpa has learned to like them too.