I have that exact handgun and its been great. its been reliable with all sorts of ammo and I dont think ive had any FTE or FTFs. Also, the trigger pull is very nice and the bull barrel gives it a very nice balance IMO. When it comes to .22 handguns, i think that the the 22/45 or the MKIII (they are really the same gun with a different grip) are the best out there in all aspects. you certainly get a great value for the relatively low price on these guns. The only drawback that i can think of with the gun is it has a somewhat tricky take down system. Although, i wouldnt use this as a reason to not buy the gun. If you just follow the directions in the manual and are a little patient the first time, it should be no problem.

It may not be "the Best," but it's definitely on the short list. The Buckmark is also a pretty good deal for the coin.
Takedown and reassembly is the biggest negative of Ruger MK ownership. It's not terribly hard, but it is fiddly. As previously noted, read the manual. Additionally, IIRC Ruger has videos on their web site. Youtube will have useful info as well.
I was less than thrilled with the trigger on mine (MK3, blued, 5.5 BB). I pulled mine down to bits and polished (no grinding or other shenanigans) everything with a dremel. Much better now. I might still purchase an uprade trigger from Volquartsen.

i think i have watched 4 different youtube videos on taking them apart
yea they appear tricky

just when i thought my research was done i discovered the S&W model 22 is the same price or a bit less!!
so which would you get the Ruger or the S&W model 22?

found the browning buckmark is $100 more that both of these

Originally Posted by hideit

so which would you get the Ruger or the S&W model 22?

IMO, Ruger without question.

I have had that Ruger and the Buckmark. Both shoot so well they are boring. sold them both and went to single actions. singlesix ect. the smith trigger stinks I think. Get the new Ruger single ten and have fun !

Just my two cents !
Gator.

I picked up a new Mk III Target 5.5" bull barrel last month. I agree with most of what has already been said -- very well made, very reliable, very accurate, and a good value. I have been very pleased with mine. If you're looking for a 22 semi-auto -- I highly recommend one.

I will also underscore the points that take down and cleaning is a serious pain (you can find my personal rant in another thread). The YouTube videos are very helpful -- BUT these video demos are using guns that are very well broken in. A new one will be very tight and very difficult the first few times - but the process in the videos is the same. Get yourself a rubber hammer or other non-marring mallet.

As an aside, I also picked up single six, 6 shooter, 6.5" barrel. It is great too, but I don't think it's as accurate. This is a great 22 revolver.

Hey gator: took your comment and studied it. Ive decided to get the single six because of the 22mag capability to add more versatility and also for my wife to use it. Also of semiautos she can't rack the slide

I have owned a SA 30 carbine and 45 long colt with 45 acp cylinder so I am familiar to the fun they provide

Guess I'll get the 5.5" but still wondering SS or blue. Never had a SS gun

SS all the way !!!! 5.5 good one. The 22 mag is a hammer ! used to love to hunt with it ! Hogs and all.

i showed my wife a pic of the ruger sp101 in 22 and ooops she liked it
she really likes revolvers over the semiauto
that mkiii or 22/45 is going to have to wait
more expensive - yes
but if i get her to go with me to the range the extra $$ will be worth it
lol - now to find one - they are scarce - so far

My friend has a Ruger MKIII and it rocks. We installed a burris red dot and can consistently hit the bullseye at 25 yards. One thing to note though, if its legal in your state you, you want to remove the magazine disconnect and replace it with with this bushing (Amazon.com: Mark III (22/45) Hammer Bushing for Magazine Disconnect: Sports & Outdoors). Your magazines will then be able to freely slide out for quick reloading and the magazines just seat a lot better.

For a gun enthusiast answering the question "what is the best .22 pistol" I'll give it a try. Currently, I have what might be called the Big Three: Rooger MkIII 22/45, Buck Mark, S&W 22A. I like them all. The Buck Mark has the best grip followed by the S&W 22A. The Rooger is pure 1911 slab side- thin and kinda wobbly. As far as construction the Rooger wins hands down. Nothing will harm this gun; it is well protected all around. Field stripping the S&W and BM is a snap and can be done blindfolded by a pre-schooler. Not so the Rooger. One commentator said it was "fiddly" but I say it is vexing. It will tax your brain. Read the book and then read it again. It is not warm and fuzzy but more like a tribute to engineering gone wild. All are great guns in their own right. I use a reflex sight on one that is a blessing for old eyes. Give one (two, or three) a try.
-sevensix