Opinions: Sell Ruger Mk3 and get a .22 rifle?

Chocula

Chocula

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Sep 8, 2005
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744
I am thinking about selling my mk3 and getting a little rifle/carbine instead. I want to sell the mk3 because I have not been very happy with the performance. Accuracy is much greater than my capabilities, but the gun jams pretty often (in 200 rounds, I might have 5 jams). I assumed this is because of the dirty, cheap ammo I use, so I try to keep the gun very clean. As ya'll know, it can be difficult to take apart and clean. I have taken it apart at least three times and i have to fiddle with it for a long time to dis/reassemble it every time.

I originally bought it as a cheap way improve my shooting with my 9mm defense gun, but the triggers are completely different and I dont think my trigger control with the ruger is transferring to my hk P30v2 with a DAO trigger.

So, my plan is the following
-Sell the ruger and get a simple 22lr rifle that is reliable, accurate, and easy to clean for target practice/plinking. I am think something like a bolt action with iron sights or a low power scope. This gun is mainly for fun.
-buy more 9mm ammo and practice with that

What do you all think? Do I have a bad gun or am I bad user? What would you recommend for a 22 bolt action (or auto) rifle?
 
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First disassemble it and give it a good inspection and cleaning. Second take a variety of rounds to the range and see if you can figure out a certain ammo type or bullet profile that gives you problems.

If that doesn't work give Ruger a call. I'm sure they will help you find a solution.

I have a 10/22 and a MKIII 22/45. Love them both and if I had to get rid of one or the other it would be the 10/22.

Good luck,

R
 
Have you tried better ammo? I've always had trouble with cheap bulk .22 ammo. I use mini-mags and had no problems outta my Buckmark with it.

As far as bolt rifles i like CZ. I have several autos but for accuracy i like a bolt. If you want an accurate auto look at Volquartsen.

I carry a 10mm and ammo has gotten to the point where i may have to change calibers due to cost.
 
I generally favor not selling guns or knives, because it seems like 3 months or 3 years later, we often regret it.

But if you are not happy with the MK3, maybe its good to sell it. What I favor, though, is making the effort to get the gun 100% reliable. That can be sorta fun, too, if you have the right mindset.

For general plinkage, it is hard to beat a Ruger 10/22. They aren't spendy, are pretty reliable, and can be modded out the wazoo if thats what floats your boat. And .22 ammo, while not cheap anymore, is still around $19.00 for 550 at Walmart.

I have a couple of 10/22's, and recently added this Ruger SR-22 to the stable. It has 10/22 guts, but thinks its an AR-15.

IMG_7669.jpg
 
powernoodle said:
I generally favor not selling guns or knives, because it seems like 3 months or 3 years later, we often regret it.
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Behind firearm safety, this is a top rule in the Heretic household. I've only sold four firearms in my life and three of them were Rugers...(they make a nice revolver though)
 
If you really don't think that pistol is of any use to you then by all means sell it and get something else. I suggest something in the CZ-452 line. They aren't the bargain they used to be, but they have excellent quality and are quite accurate.

Before you get rid of that Ruger I'd try different ammo. I have a 22/45 and it just does not like Winchester or Remington bulk. It does quite well with Federal though. .22lrs are notoriously finicky, and it is important to find a load that your gun likes in order to get the most out of it.
 
Thanks for the replies. I agree about selling knives and guns but for a different reason. I would regret having made the mistake of buying the gun or knife in the first place rather than having sold something "special." I prefer to sell a gun that I dont use rather than leave it in the back of safe. The way I see it, every possession I own is a small burden, something to worry about being stolen or destroyed or used against me or, in the case of a gun, used against others.

What I favor, though, is making the effort to get the gun 100% reliable. That can be sorta fun, too, if you have the right mindset.
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I have no idea how I would make it more reliable other than by keeping it clean. I would expect the gun designer and manufacturer to do that for me.


How often do the ruger .22 guns need to be cleaned? I've heard that people use them for years and put thousands and thousands of bullets through and never clean the gun. I can try using different ammo but if I still need to clean it after 500 rounds, it is not worth the trouble in my opinion.
 
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Why keep it if you don't like it? I'd sell it and buy something you will use. I've sold several firearms and knives over the years and I only regretted letting one of them go. The rest weren't what I wanted any longer and they helped me to get what I did want.

The CZ-452 previously mentioned is a great rifle if you want a bolt action and while I'm loathe to recommend a Ruger I will agree that the 10/22 is good choice in a semi-auto. If you willing to go a used .22 then there are a lot of other options out there.....the old Mossberg bolt actions being one of my favorites.
 
Aw, heck, I really, really wish I wasn't drunk. I'll try to give you a coherent answer anyway.

I absolutely love the MK-III. A total tack-driver, great trigger, really super-sweet with a scope, and I've never had a problem with jams.

But . . .

Field stripping that thing is right up there with root canal surgery. I'll never own another one. Go for something, be it pistol, revolver, or rifle, that you don't mind sitting down and cleaning. There are lots of other choices available.
 
Anshutz or Cooper, if you can afford it. Great rifles, pride in ownership and will last a lifetime. You want to ever sell one of these. Stephen
 
Yeah. Anschutz and Kimber are the class acts. Rumor has it Remington is either making or going to be making the Nylon 66 again - now that would be sweet. The Smith K22 Masterpiece revolver is still being made, as is their M41. The old High Standard pistols are still around too. Sweet, but pricey. Like I said, lots of other options available.
 
I've taken a deep breath and really delved into myself as to how I want to answer this query. To start, do NOT take your RUGER pistol apart! No reason to do so! Clean with a ramrod and toothbrush and continue shooting.

Two: You will NOT become a better shooter by going to a rifle or carbine! That's a fact! A good handgun shooter is ALWAYS a superior long gun shooter! Has to do with grip, sight picture, shake control, trigger squeeze, etc. When you learn to shoot a handgun accurately, you automatically become an 'expert' rifle shot! Do as you desire but you are going backwards. Good luck---but I doubt you'll realize it.....
 
powernoodle said:
i generally favor not selling guns or knives, because it seems like 3 months or 3 years later, we often regret it.

But if you are not happy with the mk3, maybe its good to sell it. What i favor, though, is making the effort to get the gun 100% reliable. That can be sorta fun, too, if you have the right mindset.

For general plinkage, it is hard to beat a ruger 10/22. They aren't spendy, are pretty reliable, and can be modded out the wazoo if thats what floats your boat. And .22 ammo, while not cheap anymore, is still around $19.00 for 550 at walmart.

I have a couple of 10/22's, and recently added this ruger sr-22 to the stable. It has 10/22 guts, but thinks its an ar-15.

img_7669.jpg
Click to expand...

good post...
 
I don't have a mark 3, but my son and I each have a mark 1 std. One is a 1955 and the other a 1969. We did experience some issues recently. After we took them apart and gave them a very thorough cleaning it got better. Then we found one of them had been disassembled at some point and a couple of parts left out. It would still work, but reliability was suffering. For a grand total of around $10-12 both guns were fixed and have been very reliable. If I were you, I'd try to solve the problem with the mark 3 and look for a 10/22 to add to the collection.
Bob
 
Ruger MKI owner..never a problem with any ammunition. Might want to try a different magazine as many failures to feed are magazine related.

Follow the Owners Manual for dis and re assembly..while not a walk in the park first time or two, you'll soon master and own it for life..the skill that is. As someone has mentioned it is not necessary to take this pistol apart often to keep it running strong,IMHO.

Might have a fellow shooter coach you on the line..might have improvement possibilities you're not aware of, YMMV.
 
Bad user---learn your gun.

1.Take down becomes much easier the more you do it--1.because the gun breaks-in and 2. you get to know more what you're doing.

2. Use Mini-mag ammo --avoid the bulk packs

3.Once you get more comfortable with your gun apart--do the bushing swap--use a MkII--yes MkII---hammer bushing and replace the mag disconnect with it--$6 part--20 mins of your time-------------------take a magnet and remove the pin for the LCI---you can leave it open or if it bugs you---there's a guy over at Rimfire Central that sells a filler piece--$20.

Then your pistol will be rockin and you'll how it all works---this ain't rocket science.
 
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