Ruger MKIII 22/45... which bull barrel length?

[bimmerboy]

Is there a noticeable difference between the 4", 4 1/2", and 5 1/2" barrels on the MKIII 22/45s regarding accuracy? I see that the 4 1/2" barrel is a slab side version.

I personally like the 4 1/2" barrel length as it seems most proportionate to the rest of the gun. Pros and cons with that length barrel? I am not planning to ever put a scope on this firearm... but perhaps a red dot. I think the 4 1/2" barrel version has fixed sights unlike the others and therefore is not pre-drilled and tapped for a scope base.

 

[mrcpu]

sight radius is sight radius. All other things being equal, the longer barrel should be a bit more accurate, and *may* help the bullet reach a higher velocity.

But don't quote me.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, a longer sight radius will improve accuracy. The longer the barrel the longer the sight radius. You do the Math....

My .22 target pistol has a 7" Fluted Bull Barrel.

 

[ugaarguy]

With different bbl lengths, particularly heavy/bull bbls, the same gun will balance quite differently. If looking for a low cost practice alternative to your carry/SD/HD gun get the bbl length that balances most like that gun. If looking for general plinking get the one that feels best in balance to you. If you're after a competitive target gun then the longest bbl is probably best for the longer sight radius.

 

[weregunner]

Just to muddy the waters, my wife has a 22/45 MK II with a 4 inch barrel and is shooting top notch in bullseye competition. The daughter and I have regular MKIIIs with the 5.5 inch bull barrel and are shooting in the same league. What feels right and balances well for you is what counts. Extra length gives one slightly more velocity, if that is important to you, as well as a better sighting plane. Less waver or perceptable wiggle with the heavier barrels make it easier to hit a target for most people. The wife proved that a fallacy somewhat by shooting as she puts it"out of her mind". Her shooting scores have gone up dramatically this year in competition. She has the lighter barrel. Her pistol has a a red dot scope and needed no drilling or tapping to mount it. So what's important is how the gun sits in your hand and make sure it fits well. Grasp and enough reach for the trigger finger so the pad or first joint makes solid contact on the trigger face are important things to consider. When you extend the pistol out does the balance feel right as well or is there too much weight or not enough out front? Is there less wobble or more with all the different barrel lengths and weight s for you? The guns shops should let you handle and try as many types as you can. Rent a few and shoot as many barrel lengths as possible. Dry fire with a snap cap if the store will let you. A lot of rimfire shooters were kind enough to let me handle their pet pistol and see many other sighting systems and scopes. Hung out at a the local store and range and asked questions galore. These shooters were more than willing to give guidance. Gave insight into things I hadn't considered. Scopes give a completely different balance and center of gravity to a pistol. I settled on Hi-Viz sights for mine and forewent the scope entirely. That is a personal choice and also subjective.Each to his own.

 

[valor1]

IN the barrel lengths you mentioned, I believe there is not much of a difference. In the hands of a very expert and capable shooter, perhaps there is something else.

Maybe a good pair of sights and some little adjustment in the trigger will make everything perfect.

I prefer the stainless finish on this pistols for a little worry-free maintenance.

 

[12many]

I don't have a 22/45 version, but I would probably opt for the 4.5 inch slab side. Give the poly frame, I think the 5.5 bull would be too barrel heavy.
As to the 4 inch, I think that is a good option too. It would depend on which sights you want, the 4 has adjustable while the 4.5 is fixed. I don't think 1/2 inch in barrel is going to matter one way or the other. I don't own these guns so I am just shooting from the hip.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Either the slap side cuts down on weight. I would go with the 5.5 with the full barrel.