Buying a Ruger Mark II - ????

T

The Walrus

New member
There's so many different varieties and barrel lengths of Ruger Mark II... Which would be the best practical gun for plinking? I recall somebody else's post a few weeks ago complaining about weird balance with the 8" and 10" barrel models. Should I go with a 6"?

Also, if anyone else has bought a Mark II lately and could help me out with the expected average retail prices, that's be a big help. :D
 
I like the balance of the 5.5" bull barrel best. I've got Hogue Coco Bolo wood grips + thumbrest on my Ruger Mk II, and it balances and feels great.

Another good balanced Ruger Mk II is the 6" standard model. Although, with fixed sights the standard model is not as good for plinking.

I'd recommend trying the bull barrel 5.5" barreled model first.

Price ranges from $240 (standard blue model) to $425 (bull barrel + stainless) in my area. Depending where you live, prices might very significantly.
 
For plinking? 5.5" or 6" -whatever is the right model.

Ease of transport, carry and little compromise on accuracy.

I'd have little problems buying a used one to save some $.
 
One more recommendation for the 5.5" bull barrel. I would also recommend the stainless steel finish (I really wish I had gotten it). Ruger's blued finish isn't very good, and it scratches VERY easily.
 
Had a funny little range incident involving a 20-year-old Ruger Standard with a 5.5" standard (tapered) barrel.

Friend brought it with him back to my range. He complained what an old piece of junk it was, and how he wanted a "real" pistol. I tried to tell him what a nice pistol it was, since my step father used to have a MkII with 5 1/2" Bull Barrel, and that was the most accurate pistola we ever experienced, out of the box.

After plinking with it for awhile at the typical 25-50m pistol targets, he started saying how he was going to sell it for $100 to get rid of it. I told him, "Old piece of junk, eh? Watch this...", and I steadied the barrel on the bench.

I picked up a 2" widex 6" tall remnant of an old flipping target I had downrange, at 90m. I pulled the barrel way high to adjust for elevation, puled the trigger, and CLANG!! Steel dropped. So did the jaws on my and friend's faces.

He still owns that "ol' piece of junk" 5 1/2" barrel Ruger Standard. I think the 5 1/2"-6" barrel will be fine.
 
Minority input here! I like the standard Mark II with a 4" barrel. Works good for me! I have shot expended 12 guage shells at 50ft with it. Dead on! Best ammo, IMO, is CCI MiniMags.
 
I may have been one of those whiners with the longer barrel version you were referring to. I have an 8" barrel 22/45 model. It is a great pistol, just REAL hard to hold steady with a red dot scope on it. Using the standard sights that come with it is much easier though. If you plan on getting a red dot scope, go with the 5.5" bull barrel, the balance will be much better with that combination. I do like my longer barrel though, for long shots with a good rest, it's like a mini-rifle.
 

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This pistol is so much fun I wish I had bought it 10 years ago!
 
10" Bull Barrel

My first gun was a Rugar Mark II w/ a ten inch bull barrel & adjustable sights. I really liked the gun and it was very accurate. I could hit just about anything i could still see at a long distance.

I had the gun for about 15 years and traded it last year for a Beretta Custom Carry as i found that i didn't shoot it much. Great gun but i would definitely get one w/ shorter barrel.

Blombo
 
yanky- nope, but I have been thinking about it. There only needs to be a little bit of filing done at the base of the scope front and rear and I think I'd be able to use the iron sights too. There is a bit of a "window" there already, so it is feasible. Hmmm, where did I put that round file?:cool:
 
I have a MK II Government Target with the 6-7/8 inch bull barrel. It is a bit muzzle heavy and the 5-1/2 inch barrel would probably balance better. You best bet is to handle a few and see which you prefer.
 
For ease of carry, light weight, balance, and general fun use, you can't beat the standard tapered 4.75 inch barrel. (Just looked in the catalog to be sure)

We have two, and my wife and kids like the guns as much as I do.
You could always add a bull-barrel target model later, but I bet you'll be plenty pleased with a compact KMK4.
(Stainless, tapered barrel, MKII)

Seems like you have better gun prices in WA than we do here in TN. My gun was $289.00 before tax.
 
5.5 bull barrel, excellent gun, also
the 22/45 model if you like the 1911
style grip, just as accurate as the
Mark 2 but straight grip with plastic
type frame, I have seen this at gun
shows for $189.oo.
 
I just picked up a 22/45 blue bull 4" with adjustable rear site at a pawn shop for $150

Ruger s/n sets man. date at 12/2000

Cleaned up great and shoots like a dream

I am not really into competition target shooting so I chose the 1911 grip and controls 4" to best simulate my bigger bore carry weapons. This is a very inexpensive way to work on technique. I can attribute better accuracy with my 40 and 45 from shooting this 22. box of 550 copper clad HPs at wally world was $8.50.

It's not uncommon to see these lightly used by first time gunowners in the used gun cases.

Mine came with box and papers. Called Davidsons and it was never registered by original owner so I registered it and now have a lifetime replacement gaurantee.

I'm really satisfied, nothing encountered that a good cleaning, lube and a little locktite on the front site screw did't fix.
 
Ruger Mark II

I have a Mark II Model KMK-678, It is the target model with the 6 & 7/8" Tapered Bull barrel. This is a very accurate pistol and serves me well in bullseye target shooting.


But as far as barrel length goes 5.5-6.5 are excellent length's.
Its just going to depend on how it balances in your hand.

I agree with Stans in that you should go out and handle a few you might like the 22/45 version. But what ever one you get plan on it lasting a LONG time.


Tony
 

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