We're diving into the history and evolution of the Ruger Mark Series, the legendary .22 that’s been dominating the rimfire pistol market for 75 years. Starting with its humble beginnings in 1949, we break down the key differences that distinguish each of the four generations of this pistol, and discuss why its still the gold standard of .22s today.
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I've got a Mark II Target with a 6 7/8" bull barrel that I bought back in 1985 or '86 and it's one of 3 handguns that I will keep until the day I die. It's that much of a pleasure to shoot.
The balance is fantastic and it's much more accurate than I'm capable of shooting. Matter of fact, it's so accurate that any time I shoot it I walk away impressed with my marksmanship until I remind myself that it's the gun, not me. I've pumped thousands and thousands of rounds through it over the years and I can't see any degradation in the gun's accuracy.
The kicker, though? I'm still using the same magazine it came with and it feeds just as well as it did when it was new. I did break down and ordered a new magazine a few years ago while they still made them. It's sitting in my safe still in the unopened packaging.
I did have a couple of minor complaints when I first got it, though. The one I ran into first was reassembling the damned thing. As soon as I got it home, I tore it completely down before I ever put a single round through it, and then couldn't get it back together. You have to tilt it up and get the tip of the hammer strut just right with the mainspring housing or you won't be able to pull the bolt all the way back. I fought and fought it until I finally gave up, then took the damned gun back the next day in pieces in a box. Gary, the owner of the gun shop, got a nice laugh at my expense and told me every single person he'd sold one to ran into the same issue.
The other issue was the target sights. They're outstanding provided you're shooting at a light colored paper target. If you're popping ground squirrels that are undermining your driveway, not so much. I cured that by painting the front of my front sight blade bright yellow. That took care of that shit.
Kenny- I had one like yours, it was very nice.
ReplyDeletePassed it along to my brother when I acquired a flawless High Standard Field King w/ 4" bull barrel.
I like Ruger pistols. I especially like the older ones.
ReplyDeleteI have the same handgun and I always wrestle with putting it back together. I’ve probably spent more time swearing at it than firing it, but it is a very nice piece. Legio XIX
ReplyDeleteIt's such a pain in the ass that I'll go a thousand rounds without cleaning it just to avoid the reassembly.
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