If You Think Field Stripping a Ruger MK I - II is a Pain...

**AndyLate** · 05-13-22, 09:48

I just installed VQ sears and Clark hammer bushings+pins on my 2 MKIIs. It made a significant difference on both my 5.5" bull barrel target and my 4" standard model.

If you dread stripping one for cleaning, don't even think about changing the sear or hammer bushing+pin. Or even adjusting overtravel on the factory "target" trigger.

I had previously installed a steel AMT trigger on the MK512 and swapped the target trigger from it into my standard model. After the sear swap, I need to find a longer set screw for the AMT trigger - the trigger travel is reduced so much the current overtravel screw is practically falling out before a change can be felt.

TIPS:
* A pair of tweezers is a huge help with the sear install.
* A small C clamp makes installing the new hammer bushing simple.
* Remove the bolt hold open mechanism completely when adjusting the factory target trigger overtravel so you can lift the trigger high enough to adjust the set screw without removing the hammer, safety, and bolt stop thumb piece every time. You will have to push the trigger pin out and lift the trigger a few times to get the overtravel set. Insert the trigger pin fully between adjustments. Its a PITA.
* If you have a spare hammer pin, you can insert it from the right side to hold the hammer and safety in place when you remove or install the bolt stop thumbpiece.
* Install the mainspring housing and test before re-assembling the pistol.

The safeties on both my pistols drag on the VQ sears. I have to relieve the safety notch on my MK512 at some point. The safety applies, but it doesn't snap into place.

Andy

**markm** · 05-13-22, 09:51

God... I remember those days. I used to shoot the piss out of my Ruger Mk 1. An old, classic example of American mediocrity in design.

**202** · 05-13-22, 10:27

I just bought a Mark IV 22/45 lite. It’s so much easier to take apart.

**gaijin** · 05-13-22, 10:54

Oh yeah. I remember getting a few calls beginning with; “ Uh, I took my Ruger .22 apart to try and clean up the trigger. Do you know how……”.
Since any effort on my part was gratis, I always declined, avowing NO knowledge of the procedure(s).

**AndyLate** · 05-13-22, 11:29

Originally Posted by markm

God... I remember those days. I used to shoot the piss out of my Ruger Mk 1. An old, classic example of American mediocrity in design.

I couldn't disagree more. They were designed to be manufactured to a price point. There were many nicer 22 autos manufactured since the Standard model was introduced, but very few are still being sold.

Andy

**pinzgauer** · 05-13-22, 15:03

Originally Posted by AndyLate

I couldn't disagree more. They were designed to be manufactured to a price point. There were many nicer 22 autos manufactured since the Standard model was introduced, but very few are still being sold.

Andy

Same, you just have to remember the trick in reassembling which is the invert the pistol horizontally.

When you do that it takes no longer to reassemble than any other pistol.

I used to shoot my 5.5 inch bull barrel stainless in silhouette (ihmsa) competition along with my 7br.

Briefly Browning made a very nice target version 22 with a six or seven inch barrel that I wished I had bought as it had decent sights and was just a little bit easier to shoot due to the longer barrel.

Outside of a Smith model 41 there's nothing else I would rather have than the rugers. I know the new plastic frame Smith and similar get rave reviews, but the rugers hold their value a lot more.

I found my son the trail version of a sig Hammerli 22 and it is a wonderful pistol, except it uses plastic magazines.

If I were buying one now I'd probably get a 22/45 just for the aftermarket support and ergonomics.

**grizzman** · 05-13-22, 17:07

This is the reason I never bought a MK until the IVs came out. I'm pretty sure either of my Democrat nieces (that have probably never touched a pistol before) could figure out how to disassemble and reassemble the MK IV without instructions.

**SteyrAUG** · 05-13-22, 17:30

Originally Posted by markm

God... I remember those days. I used to shoot the piss out of my Ruger Mk 1. An old, classic example of American mediocrity in design.

.22 Type 14 Nambu.

**AndyLate** · 05-13-22, 17:39

Originally Posted by grizzman

This is the reason I never bought a MK until the IVs came out. I'm pretty sure either of my Democrat nieces (that have probably never touched a pistol before) could figure out how to disassemble and reassemble the MK IV without instructions.

My Dad didn't buy one before the MK IV either (well, he did buy my 1st MKII).

There are some 22 autos that are better than the Ruger Standard/MKI-IV, but a lot more that are worse. They are great plinkers and decent target pistols for the price. It takes a pretty stunning number of rounds to wear one out and they are not terribly picky about which ammo they run.

Andy