Ruger MKIII Target - a couple questions.

[sigp220.45]

I've had a few Ruger .22 Autos, but always the Standard version. I liked the looks of the bull barreled ones, but didn't snag one until today.

Some minor wear, two mags, probably needs a cleaning. It was at the store everyone loves to hate (Cabelas), marked $249. With my GI Joe discount and five bucks credit on the card it was $232 and change. Seemed fair.

I like the 1911 style mag release, and could do without the cheap looking loaded chamber indicator. On the plus side, the big warning is out of the way on the underside of the barrel. I'll shoot it Wednesday.

So, my questions: Has anyone with one bothered to replace the LCI with one of the blanks that seem to be available? And mainly - have you put optics on yours?

I'm ready to try some red dot goodness, and it looks like this thing can handle a rail or mount up top by way of some screws.

Any thoughts or opinions welcome.

 

[GypsmJim]

I have a Std, a Mk1, Mk2, Mk3 and Mk4. I like them second only to my Smiths. The Mk2 is considered by many to be the best of the lot, and I agree to some extent. My only preference for the Mk3 is the mag release.

Mine is SS and it came with a sight mount. I did add a reflex sight and it works awesome well with my old tired bifocal eyes. My Mk4 sports a red dot, and it came with the mount as well. I believe you can buy an aftermarket rail, or an oem from Ruger.

As far as the LCI, I hardly notice it is there and couldn't care less, so I never bothered to plug it.

 

[SweetMK]

To get rid of the LCI,, simply buy a Volquartsen barrel,,
I got this one on clearance, and saved enough money (almost) to buy the scope!! (LOL!!)

Below is my favorite Ruger, but, I can not get it to group worth a hoot,,,

 

[Empe]

I have the exact same model . In fact I was just out shooting it today . You got it at an excellent price as they typically sell in the $350-$400 range in nice condition with the box and paperwork.
I did replace the LCI on mine . It never caused any of the reliability issues I would see some owners complaining about . I did get a buildup of spent gun powder and debris on the top of and around it though. I happened to see a replacement LCI filler on sale from Volquartsen for $15.00 and decided to replace mine.
A very easy job once the guns apart if you are so inclined .

 

[Empe]

No optics on mine ...I prefer iron sights on my handguns . I did replace the front sight with a fiber optic and it works well for me.

 

[schutz5]

I have 2 mk1 target pistols.
They are so accurate and light triggered stock factory.
A red dot almost sounds redundant, but go for it!!!

 

[sipowicz]

Red dots are fun. I use a Burris fast fire. Got it for under $150. Can pop it off and use the irons when I want and it goes back to zero. Rail is a Tandemkross. Little cleaner looking than the Ruger which overhangs the barrel.

 

[Fishinfool]

Great deal on a nice pistol. I have the MKll version of your pistol. It is not D&T for an optic. I installed a B-Square clamp on mount and a 2x scope. The mount is rock solid, allows for clear use of the iron sights, and is butt ugly. But if you want a scope and the use of the irons, it works. Killed a lot of squirrels and bunnies with that pistol. Slicker mounting options available today though, I guess.

Larry

 

[Krogen]

I have two MKIII targets. Both have the loaded chamber indicator filled with an insert. Mostly because safety nannies bug me, but I have heard of reliability issues. One has a Vortex red dot and the other is set up for Bullseye with a Volquartsen grips and an Ultradot red dot. Both have Volquartsen trigger kits. A lot of people grumble about tearing them down. Rather it's getting them back together that gives people fits. If you know the trick, though, it's a piece of cake. Check out the Ruger website for a video on reassembly. Follow it and it's easy.

 

[Rpg]

I have a Mark 1 target I bought before heading to graduate school.

The ROTC pistol range was across the parking lot from my apartment in the men’s dorm. I was head resident.

I wrangled an invitation to shoot on the ROTC range and informally compete with members of the pistol team.

The Ruger did just fine. We sometimes swapped guns. I couldn’t do noticeably better with one of the team’s tricked out target pistols. Team members were surprised that they liked the Ruger

I’m happy with the sights that came with the gun. If I had a 4” barrel standard Ruger of similar vintage, I’d put a scope on it for small game hunting. It’s much smaller and weighs much less than the Target version so is a superior field gun.

 

[Imissedagain]

We have a IV Target in stainless.
2x on it now but made that mount fit the Leupold DPP and the Trijicon RMR ... small dot?
It was a 10/22 rail, only mount available that day locally, so mill and file.
Not co-witness.

Just got a Vortex torque tool as optics move from gun to gun.
Laserlyte bore sighter saved ammo over the years.

Not a magical trigger but how's yours?

Will put the 2.5-8x32mm on it when it gets back from Leupold just for fun.
New wood when I catch up with myself.

Will make a mount for a 63-3 4" so the Trijicon RMR can be used.

 

[OLDSTER]

This MKIII has far north of 25,000 rounds through it. First thing I did when new was replace the LCI, and got rid of the mag cutoff safety. About $25 and 15 minutes. My favorite pistol to shoot. The advice to "buy a new barrel"--is he kidding ??, when you can delete the LCI for about $15. !!

 

[rockquarry]

What is the LCI?

 

[s&wchad]

What is the LCI?

Loaded chamber indicator. It's a little bar flag that angles out on the side of the barrel extension. I just ignore it.

My MKIII Target was bought used and came with a rail and an optical sight, but i took it off. I didn't really care for the extra weight and shoot it just as well with iron sights. I use this Gander Mtn. Exclusive if I want to shoot with a red dot. They're both MKIII's, but the .22/45 uses different magazines.

 

[rockquarry]

Loaded chamber indicator. It's a little bar flag that angles out on the side of the barrel extension. I just ignore it.

Thank you for the explanation; never seen that one.

 

[Baxter6551]

I’ve got my eye on this MKIII at the LGS comes with box and 4 mags. No factory grips has these aluminum ones. I can get it for $350. Anyone care to talk me down from the ledge … ?

 

[s&wchad]

I’ve got my eye on this MKIII at the LGS comes with box and 4 mags. No factory grips has these aluminum ones. I can get it for $350. Anyone care to talk me down from the ledge … ?

That's a decent price with the extra mags. Go for it!

Far be it for me to talk to you down. We're enablers, not some gunaholic support group!

 

[OLDSTER]

$350 ??---BUY IT !!

 

[Rubone]

MkIII Slabside Competition. The LCI doesn't bother me a bit. I have a MKII Target and an early Standard as well.

 

[GypsmJim]

Just a follow-up comment. Whatever else you do, be sure to upgrade to the Ruger grips shown in posts 12 and 19. You can feel the difference.