what's the difference between ruger mark I and II

[rich0372]

I was at my local gun store today and I was looking at the rugers. They had a mark I in really great condition in blued steel, bull barrel for $225 they also had a mark II in stainless with bull barrel but it was tapered for $270. The mark II's barrel was a little longer and wasn't in as nice of shape.

What's the difference between these guns? I know the the mark I has a 9 round mag instead of 10 and the action doesn't stay open on the last shot. You also have to lock the action open with the safety. Anything else? I really liked the mark I better it had a thumb rest grip on it also. What do you think? thanks for the help.

 

[Trebor]

You already it on the differences. The Mk 1 uses a 9 rd mag and the action is slightly different with how you lock the gun open.

A Mk 1 is a good gun, but I'd go with the Mk II myself. Mk 1 mags are hard to find nowdays but Mk II mags are still easy to find. You could call Ruger to see if you can still get Mk I mags or parts right from the factory. If you can, that would eleminate that concern.

Don't forget you can get a new grip with a thumbrest (or however you want it) for the Mk II if you get that. I wouldn't buy the Mk I *just* for the grips as it would be so easy to upgrade the other gun.

Or you can just keep looing. Mk II's are fairly common used and a nicer one will come along sooner or later.

 

[CajunBass]

I think another difference is the MK II has the end of the frame cutout to make grasping the bolt easier. I'm not 100% sure about that, but I believe it's the case.