Ruger Mark I / II parts compatibility

[WardenWolf]

I'm going to crosspost this here with the Gunsmithing section, since I think it might get a bit more attention in this section.

Long story short, my father's Ruger Mark I needs a complete overhaul. The hammer spring's shot, the recoil spring assembly's legs are bent, and it could probably do for a new firing pin as well. This pistol has been a problem child ever since he bought it in the 1970s, primarily due to jamming. I've finally fixed the jamming problem (something he never managed to do in the 30+ years he owned the pistol), but now it needs new springs. So here's the question:

Is the Ruger Mark II firing pin spring assembly compatible with the Mark I? I'd rather just replace the whole assembly than deal with tiny ball bearings and spring-loaded parts. I can also get one in stainless steel which will match the gun's finish better than the blued one currently installed.

I've seen that the recoil spring assembly is the same between all three models, but if someone could confirm that as well, that would also be a big help.

With any luck, I'll finally be able to turn this troublesome little bastard into a reliable pistol.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Don't know the answers, but if you look up those parts at Brownell's.com or Midway USA.com, they specify if they are for Mark I, II or both.

 

[WardenWolf]

The problem is that the Mark I is so old that a lot of times they don't even list it, or if they do they do so inconsistently. I was hoping someone would know. Either way, I've emailed Ruger and I should find out eventually.

 

[gb6491]

Is the Ruger Mark II firing pin spring assembly compatible with the Mark I? I'd rather just replace the whole assembly than deal with tiny ball bearings and spring-loaded parts. I can also get one in stainless steel which will match the gun's finish better than the blued one currently installed.

I'm not quite sure what you are asking about in regards to the "Ruger Mark II firing pin spring assembly".

Are you asking about the bolt which contains the firing pin, rebound spring, and rebound spring support?
A MKII bolt will work in a MKI, but you will not be able to lock the bolt to the rear.

Seeing that you mention "tiny ball bearings" are you asking about the mainspring housing? If so, yes, a complete mainspring housing from a MKII will work in a MKI.

Regards,
Greg

 

[WardenWolf]

Thank you, gb6491. That is what I was wanting to know. I can easily get a complete Mark II mainspring assembly. That's the main issue with this pistol, not setting off the primer consistently (in some cases it appears to barely touch it). Okay, replacement parts list for this pistol:

1. Mark II mainspring assembly

2. Firing pin

3. Recoil spring assembly

 

[gb6491]

If you are going to install a new firing pin, you might want to put in a new rebound spring as well.
Regards,
Greg

 

[WardenWolf]

Probably a good call. Part of me wishes he'd just sell it. I'm getting sick of messing with it. My Mark III 22/45 runs flawlessly. This thing, though, is the main reason I bought my Mark III. I wanted a .22 pistol that WORKED. At this point, though, if I can just respring it and replace the firing pin it'll probably be reliable enough.

Short list of things done:

New magazine. No effect. Gun still jammed.

After extensive examination as to why it was jamming, discovered rub marks from the follower rivet on the inside of the grip, indicating it was dragging on the grip and possibly causing slow magazine response. Dremeled a groove into the grip to fix this. Jamming significantly lessened, but ignition problems started to crop up.

Totally stripped the gun down, cleaned every single part of it, honed the firing pin and smoothed out weld marks on the upper and lower edges to allow it to move more freely. Rebent recoil spring legs into proper form. Oiled everything with Breakfree. Gun no longer jams, but ignition problems are getting even worse.

 

[tjcole]

Here is my suggestion:

It sounds like one or more of three things going on with your Ruger.

First; The firing pin(A13) needs to be replaced (still available)
Second; The rebound spring support is upside down (very common mistake)
Third; The rebound spring is worn out or not installed correctly. (replacement available)

I attached a pic with the parts mentioned above circled.
You can still get all three parts new, if not from Ruger themselves then from the following website:
http://www.gun-parts.com/index.html/

Make sure when installing the firing pin, that the rebound spring(A39-1) sits in the little grove and is secured against the bottom lip of the firing pin, also make sure the rebound spring support(A39) is facing DOWNWARD just like the picture.

If none of these things help, let me know, I have other ideas but we'll start with these.

I hope this helps.

Thank you,

Todd Cole
____________________________________________
"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!" ~Adolf Hitler, 1935

 

[WardenWolf]

The rebound spring assembly is installed correctly and seems to be fine. I've had the gun completely apart. The recoil spring assembly is shot, and there's light strikes on the primers. The firing pin itself seems to be fine, although I plan to replace that for good measure. The firing pin spring definitely needs replacement, though.

 

[Jolly Rogers]

You need to go to this website and ask your questions:
http://www.guntalk-online.com/

Go to the Forums section and hope for an answer from Bullseye.
He is the most knowledgeable gunsmith I know of about Ruger Mark automatics.
Joe

 

[springwalk]

what ever you do dont get the lawyered up turd MK3

 

[Tommygunn]

what ever you do dont get the lawyered up turd MK3

Oh fer Crissakes. Okay the loaded chamber indicator isn't ... "pretty." I have a MKIII and I like it a lot. Shot it all day at the range and it's great.
I have a Springfield XD 45 and a Sig Sauer SP 2022 with those funky levers on top for LCIs and those don't bother me a lot even though I don't think they're ... "pretty."

 

[WardenWolf]

what ever you do dont get the lawyered up turd MK3

I have a very nice Ruger 22/45 Mark III Hunter, with a 4 1/2" fluted bull barrel, blued finish, and HiViz sights. I basically got a fully loaded distributor model with a blued finish instead of Ruger-standard stainless that knocked off $200. I could care less about the loaded chamber indicator. I actually like it. The gun itself is great. Very accurate, very reliable, and actually weighs less than my father's Mark I. No complaints here.

However, I'm still trying to fix my father's 1972 lemon. At least it shoots well. When it shoots. And it prefers high velocity rounds like Mini Mags.