Ruger MK III

Infobox Weapon
name= Ruger MK III


caption= The Ruger MK III Target with 5½" bull barrel
origin= United States of America
type= Pistols
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer= Sturm, Ruger & Co.
production_date= 2004
number=
variants= See "Models"
weight= 31 oz to 35 oz
length= 8" to 10⅞"
part_length=
crew=
cartridge= .22 LR
caliber=
action= Recoil
rate= semi-automatic
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed= 10-round magazine + 1 in chamber

The Ruger Mark III is a .22 long rifle semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Company. It is the successor to the Ruger Mark II, and includes several new features.

Changes from the Mark II

* Addition of a visible loaded chamber indicator on the left side.
* Magazine release moved, from bottom of grip to behind triggerguard.
* All Mark III pistols with adjustable sights are drilled and tapped for a Weaver-style scope base which ships with the pistol.
* A new magazine disconnect prevents the pistol from being fired with the magazine removed from the pistol.
* An internal safety lock has been added. Using a key, the safety can be locked in the "safe" position.
* Shorter tapered bolt ears

Models

Mark III

The first is simply known as "Mark III". The pistol frame and barrel are made from a single piece of steel, with a layout similar to the Luger.

* The high-end model is known as the "Hunter". This pistol features a stainless steel frame and 6.875-inch fluted bull barrel, fiber-optic front sight, adjustable rear sights, and half-checkered "Cocobolo" grip. It features multiple safety mechanisms, and includes a visible loaded chamber indicator (The first ever included in a .22 rimfire pistol) as well as internal and external keyed locks provided.
* The next pistol in the lineup is named "Competition". It too has a stainless steel frame and 6.875-inch bull barrel, and adjustable rear sights; the pistol also has the "Cocobolo" grip.
* "Target" is the next Mark III. This pistol has a blued finish, a tapered 6.875-inch barrel, and adjustable rear sights.
* The "Bull barrel" pistol comes in stainless steel or blued finish. It has a heavier barrel to help the barrel from overheating and to keep recoil down. It has a 5.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights.
* Finally, the "Standard" Mark III has a tapered barrel, black plastic handgrips and a blued finish. It comes with either a 6-inch or 4.75-inch barrel. It has fixed sights.

22/45 Mark III

The second lineup is named "22/45 Mark III". These pistols have a polymer grip and steel barrel. The frame is laid out like the Colt 1911.

* The high-end model is known as the "Hunter". This pistol features a stainless steel 6.875-inch fluted bull barrel, HiViz fiber optic front sight, and adjustable rear sights.
* The "Bull barrel" pistol comes in a few different variations. It has a heavier barrel to help the barrel from overheating and to keep recoil down.
** Stainless steel 5.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights.
** Blued finish with 5.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights.
** Blued finish with 4-inch barrel and adjustable rear sights.
** Blued finish with 4.5-inch barrel.

ee also

*List of firearms

References

* [http://ruger.com/Firearms/PDF/InstructionManuals/50.pdf Ruger Instruction Manual (.pdf)]

External links

* [http://ruger.com/Firearms/FASubType?type=Pistol&subtype=Rimfire%20Autoloading Mark III website]