Ruger Mark iii hunter or Buckmark hunter?

[Johnny Lightning]

I was on the 1911 kick but have changed my mind since they are expensive to shoot and since I am really just looking for a plinking gun. Now here are the choices: Ruger Mark iii stainless steel hunter w/ 7" barrel $480 or Browning Buckmark Hunter w/ parkerized finish 7" barrel $380? They both come w/ rails to mount a scope on and I think the buckmark comes w/ only one mag which i can pick up for around $24 which is still less expensive then buying the ruger. I also have heard that taking down the ruger is a royal pain in the ass. One thing about the browning is that i heard that the takedown screws get loose when you are shooting. Do you need to take both guns apart to clean after shooting? also do they both feed most .22 ammo or are they specific on the brand/type of ammo that they like?

 

[KMO]

Well, since most of us tend to believe that the gun we bought is best, I'll throw in my vote for the Mark III. I bought one just a few months ago from Bud's Gun Shop Online, and I've been extremely impressed with this pistol. I've been able to compete (informally) with my buddy...him shooting his Marlin 60...at 50 yards. I mounted a S & W Performance Optics Red Dot sight on it, using quick-detach rings. It holds zero well after removing the red dot so I can use my factory fiber optic sight. As for field stripping, don't believe what you hear. There is a definite sequence to this, and once you've done it, you're good to go. You would not be displeased with the Mark III.

Hear is an excellent 3-part Youtube video sequence on the Mark III:

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLCsqpmeYj8&feature=related

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtfnTJr74Uo&feature=related

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU6ptx99JgU&feature=related

 

[Col. Plink]

I don't know about the Ruger, but the Buckmark is an excellent pistol with striking accuracy. It's made me say many times that I wish everything I owned had 'Browning' written down the side. At those prices, any trade-off is worth it. See if you can find one at Bud's online or somewhere cheaper than what you've been quoted (shouldn't be too hard).

 

[jakk55]

Both pistols are great choices. I went with the Ruger simply because I liked the grip angle.

I believe that most of the take down issues come from the design being dissimilar to what people are used to. I never had a problem after the first time, and if you read and follow the instructions I doubt you will either

My Ruger digests everything 100% except Remington ammunition. However, I've never fired a .22 that did run reliably with Remington ammo.

 

[jfrey]

I've shot both and own the Buck Mark. The BM hands down is the better pistol. Friend owns the Ruger Hunter and it is a jamomatic. All sorts of problems and it isn't getting any better. Absolutely no comparison between triggers. BM doesn't require all the after market junk either.