Ruger Mark III Questions - Any help appreciated

[12many]

I recenty purchased a Ruger Mark III hunter 678 (not the 22/45). I really like it and want to make a few changes. The first 250 rounds went through without any problem, but for the front sight shooting loose, which is common and has been fixed. I had a few other questions and appreciate any input, even yes or no answers.

1. Does the mag safety affect the trigger pull? i.e. if I convert to or disconnect the mag saftey, will that have any effect on the trigger pull (weight or smoothness?) I have read different conclusions on this. As a side, I have ordered a VQ sear.


2. Can I buy a Mark III with the 5 1/2 bull barrel and swap the sights with Mark III bull barrle hunter with fiber optic sights?? This would give me target sights on the 678 hunter for range/target use and bright fiber/optics on the plinking/hiking 5 1/2 barrel gun ??


3. Do the factory sights ever need adjustment from the factory setting?? My shots were all high and to the right at an indoor range. I was shooting offhand (did not have a bench rest) so I don't know if the sights need adjustment or if it is me.

Thanks.

 

[boomer1911a1]

I have a Hunter and a 5 1/2" Bull Barrel 22/45 myself, and can help with a couple of these questions.

1. Unfortunately, not this one. I do know that if you do a search on the Mk. IIIs you can find that answer, but I never looked it up. I'm sure someone will know.

2. I think you can buy fiber optic sights/replacement sights straight from either Ruger or the companies that make them (Hi-Viz, Firesights, etc.) That would be cheaper, unless you just want both guns. Then, yes, they should swap out.

3. The Hunter sights ARE fully adjustable, so tweak as you need to. Factory POI is usually pretty consistent with POA for me, but if it isn't a match for you, adjust away!

 

[12many]

Thanks Boomer. Your info is very helpful.

 

[Catbird]

12many asked:

1. Does the mag safety affect the trigger pull? i.e. if I convert to or disconnect the mag saftey, will that have any effect on the trigger pull (weight or smoothness?) I have read different conclusions on this. As a side, I have ordered a VQ sear.

No, the magazine safety (disconnector) does not negatively affect trigger pull. I did, however, remove mine and installed two small washers in the space that the disconnector and the spring occupied. I made this minor mod simply to make dry firing a tad easier.

Even though my stock trigger is pretty nice and crisp at 3 lbs 11 ozs., I also ordered a Volquartsen sear yesterday. I'm hoping for a ± 2 lb. pull after installation.

 

[12many]

Thanks Catbird. The mag safety is kinda a pain, but I will probably leave mine since it it does not affect the trigger. Make cleaning a bit tricker but no big deal. In the 1 in 100000 chance it stops a ND, then it would be worth it. The loaded chamber indicator is my biggest peave.

I ordered the sear and it made a big improvement. My groups tighted up from before the sear. Trust me thought, there was room for improvement in my groups. I am amazed at how good a shot some people are with these .22 targets pistols. They are shooting 50 yards and 100 yards. I have new VQ grips coming in next and I hope to see another improvement there.

Back to the trigger, I shot my xd9 for a while which has a long pull, and then the Mark III with the new sear and the first shot really caught me by suprise since the pull is sooooo much less. Still hit the black in the target, but

I don't know if you shoot target, but the fiber optic sight may not be the best. I was considering buying a MIII 5.5 bull barrel and swapping sights, but I don't have any $$ until someone pays my bills.

Chad