Ruger Mark III Target Pistol Review

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

First impression when you see the Ruger Mark III is that it a beautiful gun. You can see the quality just by looking at it. From it’s reputation and the Ruger name you just know that it is going to be a highly accurate and reliable pistol. When you pick up the gun you are surprised by how heavy it is. This heaviness, in part, is the main reason that this gun has almost no felt recoil. Close examination of the details and features of the gun show off it’s quality in workmanship. When you run you fingers over the gun you can tell that this is no cheap gun.

FIRST SHOTS (OUT OF THE BOX)

The first shots fired from the new pistol indicated that the sights needed to be adjusted. Shots were in a nice tight grouping but off to the right of the bulls eye. Close examination of the sights showed that the rear sight was not properly aligned. The rear sight had to be later tapped into alignment and adjusted with a bore-sighter. Fine tuning the sights with live fire would have to wait until the next range session. Once the sights were adjusted, shots were extremely accurate.

RECOIL

Recoil of this pistol is almost non-existent due to it’s heavy weight and the 22LR ammunition that it shoots.

ACCURACY

If you are looking for an accurate target pistol, this is an ideal choice. Ruger target pistols are know for their quality, accuracy and reliability. The pistol’s heavy weight also allows faster and more accurate follow-up shots.

BAD THINGS ABOUT THE MARK III

I don’t know if you would call them bad things but the price and the difficulty in cleaning the pistol are the only two issues for this gun.

COST: Relative to other 22LR target pistols, it is expensive (but it is quality). You do get what you pay for and this gun, if properly maintained should last a life time.

FIELD STRIP & CLEANING: The field strip and cleaning process is a little more difficult than most other pistols. For some people this is an issue, for other’s it is not. I hear that once you get familiar with how to do it, it’s not too bad, but it’s not like a Glock.

RECOMMENDATION

BUY ONE! (If you can afford it). It’s a gun that you will probably keep forever.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Model KMKIII678GC, 10112, Stainless, SA, 10 Rd, 22 LR, 6 7/8″ Barrel, Adjustable Sights, Brown Laminate With Thumb rest Grips.

This pistol features an accurate sighting system that features a fixed front, precision-adjustable rear sights and is drilled and tapped for Weaver-style scope base adapters. Scope base adapters are included free for easy mounting of optics. The smoothly contoured, comfortable grip features natural pointing grip angle with checkered cocobolo grip panels with a thumb rest providing a non-slip hold. The manual safety and magazine release are conveniently located on the left side of the frame. The internal cylindrical bolt construction ensures permanent alignment and higher accuracy potential than conventional moving-slide designs. It also includes two magazines and a hard plastic case.

Manufacturer: Ruger 10112
Item: 14287

Sturdy, stainless steel, slab-sided bull barrel and precision-adjustable sights keep shots on target, round after round.

Specifications and features:
Ruger Mark III rim fire handgun
.22 Long Rifle
Single-action
6.88″ slab side bull barrel
10 round capacity
Manual safety
Checkered cocobolo grips w/thumb rest
Fixed front & adjustable rear sights
Magazine disconnect
Visible loaded chamber indicator
Magazine release button
Contoured ejection port
Tapered bolt ears
Internal cylindrical bolt for permanent alignment
Rigid barrel/receiver connection
Auto bolt hold-open latch
Stainless steel finish
45 oz.
11.12″ overall length
1:16″ twist
Made in the USA
Best for target shooting, plinking & small game