With the intention of cementing Ruger’s reputation in the industry and replacing the 1980s Mark II, the Mark III pistol began production in 2004 and successfully completed its reputable mission. It is known best for being high quality, accurate, and reliable in the small target hunting environment.
Weighing in at 41 ounces, the MKIII is the lightest of the current heavy-barreled offerings. However, its weight combined with the 22LR ammunition it shoots, this pistol has almost non-existent recoil and more accurate follow up shots than other guns on the market. This makes it great for those who enjoy small game hunting.
The MKIII includes features that are simply meant to create an easier handling and shooting of the gun. For example, the rear receiver is scalloped inward and tapers into the serrated bolt tabs in order to make manually cocking the gun easier than some of Ruger’s past models. Also, the 6 7/8th inch full fluted bull barrel in the “buck rogers” style with a target crowned muzzle is one of the more practical aspects helping bring down the weight of the semiauto.
This gun is very well balanced and points supremely well. The proven Ruger internal cylindrical bolt and fixed barrel creates higher accuracy potential when compared to designs with mounted sights. In addition, the prevision rear target sight is fully adjustable to accommodate for wind and elevation changes one may encounter hunting. Lastly, the sights are easy to see and help make this pistol great for small target shooting.
The checkered grip creates a non-slip hold on the pistol, which is one of many safety features included. Another includes a manual thumb safety that locks the sear while still allowing for loading and unloading while engaged. And there is a magazine disconnect the prevents the pistol from firing once a magazine is removed.
One of the most popular safety aspects of the MKIII is the loaded-chamber indicator. The indicator bar lies next to the left side of the receiver and one end pops out when a cartridge is loaded. This makes it so the shooter can both see and feel when the gun is loaded preventing accidental misfires or ignorance around a loaded gun.
However, with every great thing there are some negatives that need to be discussed. In reality, there aren’t too many downfalls when talking about the MKIII pistol, but there are a few. First is price. This pistol can range on the more expensive side of the market. However it’s important to now that you get what you pay for as with the proper care and maintenance, this pistol could last you a life time. That being said, the field strip and cleaning process with this pistol is found to be a bit harder than others at first, but it is something that once you get used to becomes second-nature.
Despite the price, the Ruger 22LR MKIII pistol is a great option to purchase on the market these days for those looking for a reliable, accurate, and high-quality pistol. We specifically recommend it for those who enjoy small game hunting and want a pistol that will last a lifetime.
