Ruger MKlll Hunter; my wife got me one for Father's day 1 more question - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ruger MKlll Hunter; my wife got me one for Father's day 1 more question

Posted: 6/8/2014 11:05:36 AM EDT

What's the deal with them?

Fathers' Day is coming up and I think one of them wants to be my gift this year, I've handled one at the gun shop and I liked it, but I know little to nothing about them.

This model:

Thanks.

Posted: 6/8/2014 11:13:58 AM EDT

[#1]

Mine leaded up badly within the first 100 rounds and went back to Ruger after shooting 12 inch 7 yard groups. Since then I haven't shot it much. Beautiful pistol, though. The sights are bright.

Posted: 6/8/2014 11:16:50 AM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Mine leaded up badly within the first 100 rounds and went back to Ruger after shooting 12 inch 7 yard groups. Since then I haven't shot it much. Beautiful pistol, though. The sights are bright.

View Quote

Damn.

With what ammo?

Posted: 6/8/2014 11:31:15 AM EDT

[#3]

Mix of bulk Remington and Winchester. But my issue I am sure was an anomaly. It is a beautiful pistol, comes with 2 mags, and Ruger took care of the issue and noted I should "use better ammo" on the service tag. So buy with confidence. Your dad will cherish it. You are a good son.

Posted: 6/8/2014 11:50:50 AM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Mix of bulk Remington and Winchester. But my issue I am sure was an anomaly. It is a beautiful pistol, comes with 2 mags, and Ruger took care of the issue and noted I should "use better ammo" on the service tag. So buy with confidence. Your dad will cherish it. You are a good son.

View Quote

Thanks for your input.

My dad passed away quite a few years ago so I'll be visiting his grave site as usual this year on Fathers' Day.

The pistol is something I'm interested in receiving myself this year.

Posted: 6/8/2014 1:05:08 PM EDT

[#5]

I have a variety and they have all been perfect right out of the box, get it you can't go wrong.

My most recent is a threaded lite, suppressed, with integrated reflex. Most fun gun I own.

Get an "Ultimate Clip Loader" to go with it and you will soon be out of 22lr and need more.

Posted: 6/8/2014 1:44:14 PM EDT

[#6]

The Hunter MKIII is a fine pistol and a lot of fun.

It's the pistol I've been shooting most often over the last few years.

I've shot a lot of Federal bulk pack with no problems.

I installed the Volquartson trigger kit with a MKII bushing.

The MKII bushing allows removal of the magazine disconnector.

It's a first rate trigger and a great improvement.

Ruger also has a plain black metal front sight and a square notch blade if you like plain bullseye style sights.

Get it, you'll enjoy it.

Posted: 6/8/2014 3:31:10 PM EDT

[#7]

Thanks everyone.

Posted: 6/11/2014 7:47:27 PM EDT

[#8]

Well I appreciate the advice, and its been decided that I will get one from my wife for a Father's Day gift.

I read a copy of the owners manual and it states that so long as the firing pin retaining pin is installed; the pistol can be dry fired.

Does that mean only the limited amount of dry firing necessary for assembly/dis-assembly; or can they be dry fired as often as you want like a Single Six Convertible?

I can't wait to get my hands on this pistol.

Thanks again.

Posted: 6/11/2014 10:32:12 PM EDT

[#9]

I dry fire mine with an inserted dummy round just to be safe.
Once you determine that it's a keeper ,hammer,sear and trigger bushing should be upgraded. Volquestrian and tandem kross are gtg.
Tandem Kross also makes plus one base plates and with some modding you have 12 round mags.

Posted: 6/12/2014 1:25:20 AM EDT

[#10]

Get the Volquartsen accurizing kit. If you have a decent gunsmith local, have him install it.

The leading issue is not common. My Rugers get shot A LOT and are fine with minimal cleaning and lead solvents.

The takedown is tricky even after you've done it several times. But it is not impossible. Just be patient and watch the youtube videos of how to take it down, and what to do if you put it together incorrectly.

Outside of that, it's a great shooter. Especially the combo you are getting with the FO front sight. Can't miss. You can pump tons and tons of round out of these and not show any wear. Which is hard to say for the other popular .22's on the market. They look good. They point good. And they are just a lot of fun.

Don't worry about ammo so much. Your gun will tell you what it likes.

Posted: 6/12/2014 1:29:51 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well I appreciate the advice, and its been decided that I will get one from my wife for a Father's Day gift.

I read a copy of the owners manual and it states that so long as the firing pin retaining pin is installed; the pistol can be dry fired.

Does that mean only the limited amount of dry firing necessary for assembly/dis-assembly; or can they be dry fired as often as you want like a Single Six Convertible?

I can't wait to get my hands on this pistol.

Thanks again.

View Quote

Thats probably a question best for Ruger to answer, but I did not have any problem with repeated dry firing my Rugers. There is always the issue of firing pin inertia rather that isn't addressed even though chamber face wear is addressed.

It gets to be a pain to do a lot of dry firing if you have the mag safety still installed because you'll have to drop the slide via the slide release, and then fire with the mag in.

Not a big deal, but just an extra step if you have the mag safety still in.

My Mk III's keep their mag safety. I took them out to enjoy easier takedown and dry fire, but it started giving me trigger reset issues on both guns eventually. YMMV, I might had just had a weak spring or my bushing to enable the mag safety delete feature was out of spec. Most are happy with the mag safety delete bushing.

Posted: 6/12/2014 7:25:43 AM EDT

[#12]

I'll definitely be upgrading the small parts to wring the most accuracy out of this pistol as soon as I get it broken in.

BTW; Ruger has very clear videos on their website which demonstrate the takedown and reassembly procedures.

Besides my tiny S&W Model 61-2 Escort, and my wife's Single Six Convertible, this will be the only .22 in my house; and frankly, I'm excited to start shooting something that's brand new to me after more than 50 years of shooting centerfire pistols and revolvers.

I appreciate your sharing your knowledge and advice, thanks.

Posted: 6/15/2014 9:18:34 AM EDT

[#13]

My first .22 pistol other than my tiny S&W Model 61-2 escort, I can't wait to get it to the range tomorrow.

Posted: 6/15/2014 9:24:06 AM EDT

[#14]

Posted: 6/16/2014 2:23:08 AM EDT

[#15]

I believe I have the exact same model. I love it! Fairly cheap to shoot and scary accurate.

I've got a couple of MK2s and a couple of 22/45s. When the stepson and I go shooting, we always have a competition with the Rugers. Usually it boils down to who can nail the pop bottle screw top lids fastest at 7 to 10 yards. I'm getting older. He's getting better.

The wife wrung it out yesterday afternoon, getting ready to qualify for her CHP. She's never cared much for shooting, but yesterday, she really put some effort into it. I'm proud of her. She sent a few bullets into the same hole. She did very well.

Hard to miss with this!

Congrats on your Father's Day present! All I got was to pass down a used IWB 1911 holster, a hug, and a "Thank You" from my stepson and a "Happy Stepfather's Day" over the phone from my stepson's father. That was enough. It's good to be in the good graces of your wife's ex. Hell, we sit down with a cigar and a bourbon a couple times a year.

Posted: 9/18/2014 9:50:04 AM EDT

[#16]

I have the same pistol Ruger MKlll Hunter. I love it!!! Looks and feels great. There's only two issues I have with it.

1) Reassembly PNA. Though it's getting easier with time.

2) Rear site. Though it is and was very accurate to shoot. It started shooting left. So I'd adjusted the blade till I had no more adjustment. Then I realized the whole rear site it self is sliding out of the pocket. Only happens when shooting. Other wise it seems tight. I have a call to Ruger as I type this to explain the problem and what can be done to resolve this situation. I'm assuming it's a easy fix. Love my Rugers......

Posted: 9/18/2014 12:11:20 PM EDT

[#17]

Just received a response from Ruger. Suggested I use a couple drops blue Loctite, or return for gunsmithing. I chose Loctite. Sounds like this easy fix should work, time will tell.

Posted: 9/19/2014 10:37:11 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just received a response from Ruger. Suggested I use a couple drops blue Loctite, or return for gunsmithing. I chose Loctite. Sounds like this easy fix should work, time will tell.

View Quote

I had the same thing happen so I tapped the sight back into position by placing a rubber handled screwdriver against the sight and hitting the screwdriver gently and then I tightened the set screw.

If the sight moves again I'll use some blue locktite.

The sight felt perfectly tight, but it moved under recoil same as yours.

IMO the set screw should be a hex scew rather than a tiny ordinary screw so it could be tightened better.

I also wasn't getting the accuracy I wanted when using the original express style hunting sights so I bought an ordinary notched blade and a competition front blade from shopruger.com and I can drive tacks with it on paper now.

The original sights were excellent for outdoor plinking, but I've been shooting this pistol at paper, mostly at an indoor range.

I'd imagine the sights that came on the gun would be much better for hunting than what I'm using now.

BTW: I've been cleaning this pistol "revolver style" rather than breaking it down because I don't feel like beating on it and so far, so good.

Overall, I am very pleased with this pistol.

Posted: 9/19/2014 9:19:28 PM EDT

[#19]

If I had to dump my collection and keep only one gun, it would be the Mark III. I frequently shoot it at 100 yards. It is great for squirrel hunting, too. It is supernaturally accurate.

Enjoy!

Posted: 9/20/2014 8:33:06 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:

I had the same thing happen so I tapped the sight back into position by placing a rubber handled screwdriver against the sight and hitting the screwdriver gently and then I tightened the set screw.

If the sight moves again I'll use some blue locktite.

The sight felt perfectly tight, but it moved under recoil same as yours.

IMO the set screw should be a hex scew rather than a tiny ordinary screw so it could be tightened better.

I also wasn't getting the accuracy I wanted when using the original express style hunting sights so I bought an ordinary notched blade and a competition front blade from shopruger.com and I can drive tacks with it on paper now.

The original sights were excellent for outdoor plinking, but I've been shooting this pistol at paper, mostly at an indoor range.

I'd imagine the sights that came on the gun would be much better for hunting than what I'm using now.

BTW: I've been cleaning this pistol "revolver style" rather than breaking it down because I don't feel like beating on it and so far, so good.

Overall, I am very pleased with this pistol.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Just received a response from Ruger. Suggested I use a couple drops blue Loctite, or return for gunsmithing. I chose Loctite. Sounds like this easy fix should work, time will tell.

I had the same thing happen so I tapped the sight back into position by placing a rubber handled screwdriver against the sight and hitting the screwdriver gently and then I tightened the set screw.

If the sight moves again I'll use some blue locktite.

The sight felt perfectly tight, but it moved under recoil same as yours.

IMO the set screw should be a hex scew rather than a tiny ordinary screw so it could be tightened better.

I also wasn't getting the accuracy I wanted when using the original express style hunting sights so I bought an ordinary notched blade and a competition front blade from shopruger.com and I can drive tacks with it on paper now.

The original sights were excellent for outdoor plinking, but I've been shooting this pistol at paper, mostly at an indoor range.

I'd imagine the sights that came on the gun would be much better for hunting than what I'm using now.

BTW: I've been cleaning this pistol "revolver style" rather than breaking it down because I don't feel like beating on it and so far, so good.

Overall, I am very pleased with this pistol.

As long as the barrel isn't leaded up, you don't need to do much besides spray and swab out the chamber and breech area. You'll feel the bolt slow down when it's really bad. Outside of that, I never found a detail cleaning on these to help at all except for keeping your hands cleaner when putting it back together.

If anything, I find that I have to strip and clean my mags more than the gun.

I can put my MK's back together in my sleep, but I still greatly dread the process.

Posted: 9/20/2014 9:23:54 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:

As long as the barrel isn't leaded up, you don't need to do much besides spray and swab out the chamber and breech area. You'll feel the bolt slow down when it's really bad. Outside of that, I never found a detail cleaning on these to help at all except for keeping your hands cleaner when putting it back together.

If anything, I find that I have to strip and clean my mags more than the gun.

I can put my MK's back together in my sleep, but I still greatly the process.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Just received a response from Ruger. Suggested I use a couple drops blue Loctite, or return for gunsmithing. I chose Loctite. Sounds like this easy fix should work, time will tell.

I had the same thing happen so I tapped the sight back into position by placing a rubber handled screwdriver against the sight and hitting the screwdriver gently and then I tightened the set screw.

If the sight moves again I'll use some blue locktite.

The sight felt perfectly tight, but it moved under recoil same as yours.

IMO the set screw should be a hex scew rather than a tiny ordinary screw so it could be tightened better.

I also wasn't getting the accuracy I wanted when using the original express style hunting sights so I bought an ordinary notched blade and a competition front blade from shopruger.com and I can drive tacks with it on paper now.

The original sights were excellent for outdoor plinking, but I've been shooting this pistol at paper, mostly at an indoor range.

I'd imagine the sights that came on the gun would be much better for hunting than what I'm using now.

BTW: I've been cleaning this pistol "revolver style" rather than breaking it down because I don't feel like beating on it and so far, so good.

Overall, I am very pleased with this pistol.

As long as the barrel isn't leaded up, you don't need to do much besides spray and swab out the chamber and breech area. You'll feel the bolt slow down when it's really bad. Outside of that, I never found a detail cleaning on these to help at all except for keeping your hands cleaner when putting it back together.

If anything, I find that I have to strip and clean my mags more than the gun.

I can put my MK's back together in my sleep, but I still greatly the process.

Thanks for that information; I've been keeping the bore free of lead and swabbing out the interior pretty well.

The bolt is still zipping along and as of yesterday it went past the 1000 round mark (mostly Golden Bullets).

The only lube I've been using is small amounts of G96 Aerosol Gun Spray and there isn't the slightest accumulation of "visible" gunk anywhere to be seen.

I'm going to continue as I've been doing until I encounter problems and then I'll break it down and see what's what; but so far "revolver style" cleaning seem to be working just fine.

Thanks again.

Posted: 10/4/2014 6:40:31 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
The Hunter MKIII is a fine pistol and a lot of fun.It's the pistol I've been shooting most often over the last few years.
I've shot a lot of Federal bulk pack with no problems.

I installed the Volquartson trigger kit with a MKII bushing.
The MKII bushing allows removal of the magazine disconnector.
It's a first rate trigger and a great improvement.

Ruger also has a plain black metal front sight and a square notch blade if you like plain bullseye style sights.

Get it, you'll enjoy it.

View Quote

I made the same mods to my MK III Hunter. They helped me a lot. I can't stand the V rear sight.

My barrel was fairly rough when new. I broke down and carefully polished it with JB Bore Bright. A little goes a long way here. Now it is very accurate and doesn't lead up.

Posted: 10/4/2014 9:25:07 AM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have the same pistol Ruger MKlll Hunter. I love it!!! Looks and feels great. There's only two issues I have with it.

1) Reassembly PNA. Though it's getting easier with time.

2) Rear site. Though it is and was very accurate to shoot. It started shooting left. So I'd adjusted the blade till I had no more adjustment. Then I realized the whole rear site it self is sliding out of the pocket. Only happens when shooting. Other wise it seems tight. I have a call to Ruger as I type this to explain the problem and what can be done to resolve this situation. I'm assuming it's a easy fix. Love my Rugers......

View Quote

I love the shit out of my MkIII and I shoot the shit out of it, but I've battled the rear sight drifting from recoil since I've had it.

I also got rid of the shallow V rear sight blade.

Posted: 10/6/2014 5:00:38 PM EDT

[#24]

The Ruger OEM "competition" front sight I installed in lieu of the original optic fiber sight in addition to replacing the express style V rear sight blade with the target notched blade.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ruger MKlll Hunter; my wife got me one for Father's day 1 more question

Handguns » Rimfire Pistols

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us