Ruger 22/45 Mark III-Yea or Nay?
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wally
Member
Good guns, but I like the original better, the old style grip fits me a bit better and the lack of magazine disconnect helps with take down and reassembly.
The need to insert and remove an empty magazine at the appropriate times to drop the hammer complicates an already annoying proceedure.
--wally.
The need to insert and remove an empty magazine at the appropriate times to drop the hammer complicates an already annoying proceedure.
--wally.
I bought a Mark III target model (not the 22/45 version) last summer for the exact same reason. I have a 1911 that became too expensive to feed, and I specifically went to a gun show to see/feel the 22/45. The problem is, it didn't feel like a 1911 to me. I'm not sure why? I then proceeded to check out pretty much every 22 auto on the market and ultimately went with the target (5.5in bull, blued). It is a blast to shoot and very reliable with all the bulk-type ammo that I have tried. It is the one firearm that I have that makes it to the range every single time I go. BTW, people are correct that they are tough to clean the first few times.
Buy and enjoy,
OJ
Buy and enjoy,
OJ
They're not too tough to clean, it just takes a bit of practice. The first time I disassembled and reassembled my 22/45 I struggled. It took me about an hour to get it back together. I figured out the tricks, and now, I can reassemble as fast as any of my other pistols. It's just a learning curve, it's not hard really. The talk of them being near impossible to put back together almost talked me out of getting one but I'm really happy I got one. It's a great little shooter and very accurate for the price. I'd invest in another one. It is the best .22lr pistol on the market, in my opinion. I've got a Beretta Neos as well and both are good, but I'd choose my 22/45 over the Neos.
Jolly Rogers
Member
I have had one for over a year. If you want to learn all the tricks visit
http://www.guntalk-online.com/
The moderator, Bullseye, is a very knowledgeable smith and his site was very helpful to me in learning to field and detail strip the Ruger. BTW the modification to remove the mag interlock is very easy and inexpensive. The take down for the field strip is much easier now.
Joe
http://www.guntalk-online.com/
The moderator, Bullseye, is a very knowledgeable smith and his site was very helpful to me in learning to field and detail strip the Ruger. BTW the modification to remove the mag interlock is very easy and inexpensive. The take down for the field strip is much easier now.
Joe
Fumbler
Member
I got a 22/45 MKIII for xmas and absolutely love it.
It doe NOT feel like a 1911 because the plastic grip frame is too thin.
If the "grips" were thicker then it would feel much more like a 1911.
One day I'm going to grind down the plastic grip panels and install 1911 grips.
Also, it balances a lot different than a 1911 because the frame is so light and the barrel is heavy.
So...I think you should get one. It's a GREAT 22, especially for the price.
I don't like the grip angle of most 22 pistols, but the 22/45 grip angle is perfect. If only Ruger would fix the grip panels....it'd be one heck of a gun.
It doe NOT feel like a 1911 because the plastic grip frame is too thin.
If the "grips" were thicker then it would feel much more like a 1911.
One day I'm going to grind down the plastic grip panels and install 1911 grips.
Also, it balances a lot different than a 1911 because the frame is so light and the barrel is heavy.
So...I think you should get one. It's a GREAT 22, especially for the price.
I don't like the grip angle of most 22 pistols, but the 22/45 grip angle is perfect. If only Ruger would fix the grip panels....it'd be one heck of a gun.
It will serve you well, especially at the price. However, if your main gun is a 1911, you might want to consider a conversion unit. I have a Colt conversion unit that I have had for many, many years, and it has been a joy. Unfortunately the Colt unit is no longer available. I don't know anything about them but Kimber as well as two or three other outfits, offer conversion units. If you could get one near the same price range as the Ruger, that would be the way to go.
M2 Carbine
member
Nay.
I've had the Ruger Mark I & 22/45 Mark II since 1961. Terrific guns.
Recently bought a 22/45 Mark III.
The gun wouldn't fire a single magazine without jamming.
After I removed the unnecessary loaded chamber indicator and magazine "safety" the gun functions fine.
Knowing what I know now I would not buy a Mark III. I would look for a new or even used Mark II.
phantomak47
Member
Whats Good
Nice quality pistol, 1911 controls,
Whats Bad
There arent any after market grips, Do NOT get the slabside model that doesnt have adjustable rear sight, Not fun to break down and clean.
Nice quality pistol, 1911 controls,
Whats Bad
There arent any after market grips, Do NOT get the slabside model that doesnt have adjustable rear sight, Not fun to break down and clean.
mjrodney
Member
My bride owns a 5 1/2" 22/45 with a bull barrel (scoped) and a 6 7/8" 22/45 Hunter model.
One or the other sees the range each weekend and 300-500 trouble free rounds head downrange during each visit. She loves punching paper with either of those.
My own and preferred competition Mark III Target sees the same type of use with no problems.
One or the other sees the range each weekend and 300-500 trouble free rounds head downrange during each visit. She loves punching paper with either of those.
My own and preferred competition Mark III Target sees the same type of use with no problems.
Franksterm1
Member
Yea
I'm happy with mine. It took about a brick or so of Federal standard velocity to break it in. Initially it was stovepiping like crazy. Stay away from the Remington green box. Mine didn't like it at all. Once you get the assembly/disassembly down it's not too bad, I've had worse (M85 .50 cal mg for one). It's more accurate than I am. I've found I have to keep it well lubed, more than I'm used to.
I'm happy with mine. It took about a brick or so of Federal standard velocity to break it in. Initially it was stovepiping like crazy. Stay away from the Remington green box. Mine didn't like it at all. Once you get the assembly/disassembly down it's not too bad, I've had worse (M85 .50 cal mg for one). It's more accurate than I am. I've found I have to keep it well lubed, more than I'm used to.
Definitely YES!
A few people have trouble with the loaded chamber indicator, but most do not. And it's fairly easy to remove if you do.
If you find the grips too thin and are brave, you can easily add 1911 grips to the gun. I did it to mine and it makes a WORLD of difference. You have to dremel the grips flat, drill holes and install 1911 grip screw bushings, and then you can slap on your favorite pair of 1911 grips.
There are also a world of excellent aftermarket goodies. Volquartsen makes outstanding trigger groups. Tactical Solutions makes the PacLite receiver/barrels that shoot like magic (I have a threaded model for my suppressor).
A few people have trouble with the loaded chamber indicator, but most do not. And it's fairly easy to remove if you do.
If you find the grips too thin and are brave, you can easily add 1911 grips to the gun. I did it to mine and it makes a WORLD of difference. You have to dremel the grips flat, drill holes and install 1911 grip screw bushings, and then you can slap on your favorite pair of 1911 grips.
There are also a world of excellent aftermarket goodies. Volquartsen makes outstanding trigger groups. Tactical Solutions makes the PacLite receiver/barrels that shoot like magic (I have a threaded model for my suppressor).
WDGF
Member
I have the Mark II version of the 22/45, and it sounds like the Mark III's are getting goofy with the all the add-on "safety" junk.
I agree the grips are a bit narrow, but I still love shooting it. My primary carry is a Para-Ordnance, so I wish someone made some add-on panels to make the grip feel more like the P-O.
The balance of mine is VERY front-heavy with its bull barrel. I'm tempted to have a tapered 4" put on it. My thinking is that would be much closer to the way a 1911 balances. Probably won't bother, though.
I agree the grips are a bit narrow, but I still love shooting it. My primary carry is a Para-Ordnance, so I wish someone made some add-on panels to make the grip feel more like the P-O.
The balance of mine is VERY front-heavy with its bull barrel. I'm tempted to have a tapered 4" put on it. My thinking is that would be much closer to the way a 1911 balances. Probably won't bother, though.
cmidkiff
Member
I'm happy with mine, but there's some features I don't really care for:
It has a magazine disconnect... above all, it makes for a PITA while disassembling. On a defensive weapon it would be a bigger deal, on this target gun, it's just an inconvenience. There are some web sites that describe removing it... but I haven't done so as of yet.
The slide stop has a detent to hold it in place. This won't allow you to chamber a round after reloading by slingshotting the slide. Since this is the way I train, I seriously dislike this functionality. I can't find a simple, reliable method of changing this behavior. There's some instructions online to convert it, but they sound like they'd be beyond my basic mechanical abilities.
I understand that they are trying to save money with these molded in grips, but I despise the idea. How much could it possibly cost to put in a couple of screw posts and provide a changeable set of cheap rubber grip pannels? As above, I'm quite unlikely to take a grinding wheel to my new gun, so I guess I'm stuck with these grips.
Aside from these rather annoying items, I like the gun. It's accurate, reliable, handles quite well, and was relatively inexpensive. Even with it's problems, I find myself shooting it more than I do my Browning Buckmark these days.
If I could find a Mk1 or Mk11 22/45 at a reasonable price, I'd be tempted to trade up...
It has a magazine disconnect... above all, it makes for a PITA while disassembling. On a defensive weapon it would be a bigger deal, on this target gun, it's just an inconvenience. There are some web sites that describe removing it... but I haven't done so as of yet.
The slide stop has a detent to hold it in place. This won't allow you to chamber a round after reloading by slingshotting the slide. Since this is the way I train, I seriously dislike this functionality. I can't find a simple, reliable method of changing this behavior. There's some instructions online to convert it, but they sound like they'd be beyond my basic mechanical abilities.
I understand that they are trying to save money with these molded in grips, but I despise the idea. How much could it possibly cost to put in a couple of screw posts and provide a changeable set of cheap rubber grip pannels? As above, I'm quite unlikely to take a grinding wheel to my new gun, so I guess I'm stuck with these grips.
Aside from these rather annoying items, I like the gun. It's accurate, reliable, handles quite well, and was relatively inexpensive. Even with it's problems, I find myself shooting it more than I do my Browning Buckmark these days.
If I could find a Mk1 or Mk11 22/45 at a reasonable price, I'd be tempted to trade up...
noskilz
Member
Luv shootin' mine. And I've never noticed the dreaded loaded chamber indicator while shootin' rounds. And the price is right.
mhillsing23
Member
I don't regret getting mine a couple of months ago. The cheap trigger time is a great benefit!
ZeSpectre
Member
I've had my 22/45 for about a year now. Initially I had some issues with it but somewhere around 300 rounds it all seemed to come together though mine will NOT feed most hollowpoints reliably.
Most of my comments can be found on this thread... http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=233187
I did spend a bit of time with a file and disabled that (g*#$#ned) magazine safety though.
On the whole I'd say it is a gun worth getting though I'd find someone who knows how to reassemble it and can walk you through the first time <grin>.
Most of my comments can be found on this thread... http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=233187
I did spend a bit of time with a file and disabled that (g*#$#ned) magazine safety though.
On the whole I'd say it is a gun worth getting though I'd find someone who knows how to reassemble it and can walk you through the first time <grin>.
I have two and they are fun to shoot. But I would not get the 22/45 version unless you really want that alleged same grip angle as the 1911. It may be the same I don't know, but you will have less options for after market grips, such as crimson or VQ stuff.
Average Joe
Member
Yea !
I practice nearly every day with my 22/45 Mark III. I've got well over 5000 rounds through the pistol with the only FTFs coming from Remington ammo from Wal*Mart (the cheaper Federal stuff runs great). I've cleaned the gun twice in those 5000 rounds (and that was just running a rod through the barrel and dropping some oil in the action to keep it wet).
I feel the practice with the 22/45 has translated very well to my Springfield XD 45. This might not be the case for everyone but it did (and continues to) make a difference for me.
I feel the practice with the 22/45 has translated very well to my Springfield XD 45. This might not be the case for everyone but it did (and continues to) make a difference for me.
Seven High
Member
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- Dec 7, 2004
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I suggest that you look around for a used Mark II 22/45. They seem to have fewer problems than the Mark III. I own a Mark II. I can run Walmart bulk ammo thru mine with very few problems. Once in a great while I will have a failure to fire due to the round.
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