What do we think about Ruger's "new" pistols?

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

JeremyIA

Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2003
Messages
116
I'm looking at the new Ruger MK III pistols on their website and I'm looking at the new Ruger 345. I like the 345 but it incorporates that silly internal locking device and a magazine disconnect. I don't think the Ruger MK III's are really any different than the MK II's other than they contain that silly locking device.

I know some people feel strongly about these new integral internal locking devices but I'd prefer not to have one more mechanical mechanism DESIGNED to keep the gun from firing. I don't think it's any more intelligent than this new "smart gun" technology that certain companies are trying to develop.

Is anyone else interested in these new Ruger pistols? I think it's time to buy a Ruger MK II before they are discontinued for the sake of the MK III.

I wouldn't mind one of those new 17 Mach 2 pistols too!
 
If only I had enough money to buy all three new pistols!!! I love Ruger autos, they are built like a tank and are related to the energizer bunny. Thanks Ruger for the new models.
 
I like that they did away with the heel mag release on the mkIII. I don't mind the locking mechanism so much, as it will likely be something you can disable and never have to worry about again. However, I'd be surprised if the magazine disconnect didn't adversely effect the trigger pull - the more complex you make the linkage, the worse it is bound to be.

I believe they said that most aftermarket mkII parts would work, so hopefully we'll be able to undo any of the unwanted "extras".

Rocko
 
I would go ahead and buy a MKII but there is really no rush as there are so many of them out there.
I almost gave up on this approx 20 year old MKII-

http://www.fototime.com/1FAFEF25A863953/standard.jpg

-because it, like every Ruger handgun I have ever purchased, had problems it left the factory with.
I'm glad now I didn't because after trigger work by a local smith, the installation of a Speed Strip Kit and Nill grips it has become one of my absolute favorite fun guns.
:)
 
I got a mk Ii and few other autos and revolvers and had no probs what so ever all of them been great for me
 
I own a Ruger P-90 and P-95 and absolutely LOVE them. My only beef is with the notion of building something internal that is DESIGNED to cause the gun not to function. A manual safety is about as much as I will accept when it comes to defensive or sporting firearm design. I had a Remington 597 once. It had one of those integral locks. It was unlocked when I left the house but I still had to monkey with the key when I got to the range. I say "no thank you" to internal locking mechanisms. The last thing I need is a gun that won't work when it is time for it to fulfill its role. I still say it makes about as much sense as "smart gun" technology. I certainly don't want something designed specifically NOT to fire under ANY condition beyond a manual safety. In my opinion, that is an intentional internal design flaw.
 
This is not to be taken as a knock against Ruger. I admire these autos--they are the only autos I've ever had an interest in buying. This bore issue is a surprise and the fact that it shoots so well with what appears to be a defect is interesting.

I assumed Rugers were top and got a surprise with a MKII I have had for about 5 years. I was cleaning it after the last range trip where I had used it to shoot out the X (not just the ring) at 7 yds freestyle. (I am not a great shooter.) I noticed a ring around the bore about 1 inch from the muzzle. Poked around and finally ran a tight patch through it. It does appear that the bore is wider just behing the ring. The patch is tight to just about that point, looser for about 1/2 inch and then tight to the muzzle. (Cleaning from the breach, of course.)

I've got to wonder what the MKII is capable of if the bore is correct. Going to be calling Ruger.
 
Last edited:
I love these 'parade of Ruger Haters' threads. No matter what the thread is about, they all chime in. Of course, there are never any specifics other than 'Ruger Sucks' or "All my Ruger pistols have sucked" or something along that line.

Ruger has obviously made a decision to include many new doodads with their guns to appease that proverbial lawyer. Nobody needs a 'loaded chamber indicator,' 'magazine disconnect,' or an 'integral locking device' to keep them safe. In fact, they are other parts that can fail either making the gun unsafe or giving the user the false idea that they are safer. Ruger pistols already have a loaded chamber indicator. You pull the slide back and look... DUH! They already have a locking device, it's called a trigger. Don't pull it and the gun don't go off. Never trust safeties. Now it appears the guns have a manual safety, a magazine disconnect (never understood the utility of this device) and a key-locking mechanism. The only safety the gun needs is between the users ears.

Here's where they went wrong. If you have an intruder and you have a loaded chamber with the magazine removed and you cannot shoot your intruder, you will sue Ruger. If you have a loaded chamber indicator that is broken, it will not indicate anything. If it doesn't indicate anything and you shoot somebody, you can claim it's Ruger's fault! If you enable the key-locking system and your 8-year-old happens to know where you keep your keys, you sue Ruger because it wasn't "Child-Proof" enough!

That's what I think of the watered-down line of new Ruger products.
 
Specifics-

The above pictured Ruger MKII-
Trigger pin problem that caused the trigger to reset less than half the time after a shot being fired.
Paid a local smith to fix it.

Ruger Bhawk .45 Convertible-
Blueing on the cylinders was so bad it looked like it had been done with a Magic Marker. Bare metal showing through in numerous places.
Sent back to Ruger and not returned until a few calls and letters four months later.
(This is why I now pay smiths locally to fix Ruger pistols.)

Ruger Bhawk .357-
Front sight canted very noticeably to the right.
Paid local smith to fix it.

Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt-
Base pin came halfway out of the frame every other cylinder full.
Installed a locking Belt Mountain base pin.

Three of the above four guns are now, after being put right, some of my favorites.
But the fact remains that every Ruger handgun I have ever bought has had problems it left the factory with.
 
Love 'em

I had a P90 that never missed a lick through several thousand rounds. I currently have a 22/45 with over twenty five thousand rounds through it with no problems other than the fact that all that fun means I have to clean it all the time. :D Such problems to have!

Brad
 
Dad's new Ruger Mk4 (Anniversary model) has no "internal locking device" that I can see.

The only jams I've had with the Mark 1, Mark 2 or Mark 4 were faulty ammo, or putting too much lube on the bolt, which increases bolt velocity so much it fails to strip off the next round from the magazine.
 
I like the looks of the new .45, and since I don't have a non-1911 .45, it might join the crowd, either the Ruger, or a nice P-220 if I can find a good sale again.
 
Well, I like my KP95 just fine. Haven't had a single problem out of it...ever. When the new KP (whatever it is called) in 45 becomes available locally I will buy one. My little Bersa Thunder has all those "features" and guess what...it still works. My S&W's have the mag disconnects...and guess what..they still work (flawlessly). So...I will trade in the Baby Eagle in 45 for the new Ruger in 45 when it becomes available. The BE is a jammomatic.
 
Well, I don't have any ruger autos to date, and with the introduction of a slightly more ergonomic model for the same price as their current lineup, I may just have to try one out.
The lessned hideousness may be a factor, as well.
 
JeremyIA,

'What do we think about Ruger's "new" pistols?'

I like the looks of the .45, and I really do like the new position of the mag release on the MK IIIs. Although I have no use at all for that silly scope mount that the pictures show. Hopefully that can be removed.
As for the magazine disconnects my dislike for those goes way back to the 70's; they are a solution to a non existant problem and I won't own any gun equiped with one of them.

However, I just stated my feelings about the locks here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=77606

Permit me to quote myself, rather than re-typing it.
I have two old S&W's that don't have locks.
I don't have to "justify" buying one to myself and then wishing the lock wasn't there.
I don't have to wonder if every one is right and the lock is neutral or not.
I don't have that tiny little nagging wory of weather or not this gadget will interfeer with my gun when I need it the most.

I don't own any guns with shyster inspired locks. I refuse to buy them.
I don't care who makes them.
Ruger is making guns with them, I won't buy them.
No Tauruses.
No Springfields.......well maybe a 1911, I can take the mainspring housing out and put in an old style one.
No Remingtons.
No anybody elses.

No internal locks on any of my guns. Not now, not later, not ever.

These are my feelings on this issue. Your's may (obviously do) vary.
Click to expand...



Joe
 
Just went over to the Ruger site and checked out prices on the MKIII. I know that it has been about 5 or so years since I priced these guns, but $382 for a 512??? I bought mine for around $274. $20 increase per year?
 
i could really care less about the changes made. I wwill buy another Ruger rimfire auto be it a MKII or MKIII makes no difference to me. The P345...not at the top of my list but you never know.
 
The times they are a' changin'....

....Certainly one may not like the new integral locks but if you positively refuse to tolerate them, then they can -probably- be mechanically rendered useless internally, never to be an issue. If you would want to sell them in that condition I don't know.
----------
But you see, eventually all guns may end up with them, and then will you have the fortitude to refuse new guns? Kind of like.... how all guns sold today have regular manual safeties?
.......
-And let me ask you this: does your car have seatbelts?
:D
Or is that a totally-different issue, that has no bearing on the situation?
~
 
I love these 'parade of Ruger Haters' threads
Click to expand...
hehe, well I guess at times I sound like a member of the "He Man's Ruger Hating Club" ;). Truth is I can take or leave most of their products, and even own a few of them,,,one - the .22/45 is an all around favorite of mine. Like Brad, one of my .22/45's has got well over 35K rounds through it, and shows no signs of letting up.

Anyhow, what do I think of the new ones?

*shrug*, personally, I like the looks of the new Mark III and the location of the mag release. I also like the looks of the new .22/45, and will in all probability get one if/when they offer an adjustable sight version.
 
Well, I've generally liked Ruger pistols, revolvers, and rifles.
I've got a Mini 14 that I'm in the middle of turning into a real gem.

I don't like the internal locks, or mag disconnects.
A gunsmith can probably disable both.
It looks like from the pictures, they are getting away from the shiny, black polymer. I think that is a good thing too.
I loved my P95, and P97, but the plastic looke kind of chintzy.
It does look like they've really improved the looks of the .45.
Hopefully, the 9mm version will get a "makeover" too.
Unfortunately, it will probably come with the stupid "safety" features. If that's the case, I'd rather have the old, ugly gun.
 
Is that item forward of the Ruger logo on the left hand side of the receiver the chamber loaded indicator? In what way does the appearance change to indicate a round in the chamber? Can't see much from the .pdf they offer.

I am a revolver shooter so I need to ask exactly what a magazine disconnect is.

Is the internal lock visible in the photos on the web site or the .pdf? Ah, maybe just below the safety?

The scope adapter is removable, apparently. Nice that it is included.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
Do the Ruger Mk-III pistols the same internals as the 22/45 MK-III?
Replies
20
Views
2K
aarondhgraham
A
H
  • Locked
What Ruger .22 pistol?
Replies
11
Views
751
Fishbed77
F
Badger Arms
  • Locked
Ruger MK III - Repairing Ruger's damage
Replies
1
Views
574
HisSoldier
HisSoldier
S
  • Locked
How much for used Ruger 22/45?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Onmilo
Onmilo
Big D
  • Locked
Want a Ruger MK Series Pistol
Replies
19
Views
745
Shadan7
S
Back
Top