Ruger Mark Pistols: How Accurate Are They?
- Thread starter SGW Gunsmith
- Start date
I have a dozen mkii's competion targets and government models, they all shoot about the same from a pistol rest. At 25yds., 10 shots,1to 1-1/4 ctc is most common with cci standard and norma tac. Sk will shoot a bit tighter but at higher cost. 3 min red dot optics. Volquartsen trigger and sears.I have all of those collected, just need to spend the time digging them out of my file cabinet, but I have 'em to prove what I posted.
Anyone else have the targets they've shot from their Ruger Mark pistols off sandbags? Let's see those.
EDIT: Here's one picture that I have that I've used as an avatar:
10 rounds, full magazine, shot at 35 meters from the above mechanical rest.
Attachments
I shot NRA Precision Pistol (Bullseye) for over 30 years, both indoor and outdoor and qualified Distinguished Expert (285x300) in small bore.
While I never used the Ruger Target Pistol, a few guys on our civilian team did and they were as competitive as anyone else using the S&W Model 41 and the Hi-Standard Target Models. Two of those guys was on our "Gold" team, top 5 shooters. However, they both had trigger jobs done on their pistols but other than that, they were stock factory pistols mechanically.
When I shot Bullseye on the Army Post pistol team, we use Hi-Standard Target Models. In my experience, these were the most reliable semi-auto rimfire pistols I ever competed with. When I began civilian competition, I started with an S&W Model 17 revolver because I love revolvers. I eventually in the latter stages of my competition career switched over to the S&W Model 41 but never achieved a Master Classification even though I would occasionally shoot a Master Class score but not enough of them to win the Classification.
In those days, Remington Target Ammo was the standard used by most. One summer we ran extensive tests of various pistols and ammo using a Ranson Rest mounted on a concrete block. We found this device to be extremely consistent and of great value in evaluating pistols and ammo IF mounted correctly. The Ruger's would hold a "X" ring at 50 yards with Remington Target Ammo. In our testing the 41's and Hi Standards held the tightest "X" ring, but an "X" is an "X".
I can tell you from personal experience that within reason, the limiting factor in this competition is the skill of the shooter and their ability to handle match pressure rather than the specific firearm and ammo used.
While I never used the Ruger Target Pistol, a few guys on our civilian team did and they were as competitive as anyone else using the S&W Model 41 and the Hi-Standard Target Models. Two of those guys was on our "Gold" team, top 5 shooters. However, they both had trigger jobs done on their pistols but other than that, they were stock factory pistols mechanically.
When I shot Bullseye on the Army Post pistol team, we use Hi-Standard Target Models. In my experience, these were the most reliable semi-auto rimfire pistols I ever competed with. When I began civilian competition, I started with an S&W Model 17 revolver because I love revolvers. I eventually in the latter stages of my competition career switched over to the S&W Model 41 but never achieved a Master Classification even though I would occasionally shoot a Master Class score but not enough of them to win the Classification.
In those days, Remington Target Ammo was the standard used by most. One summer we ran extensive tests of various pistols and ammo using a Ranson Rest mounted on a concrete block. We found this device to be extremely consistent and of great value in evaluating pistols and ammo IF mounted correctly. The Ruger's would hold a "X" ring at 50 yards with Remington Target Ammo. In our testing the 41's and Hi Standards held the tightest "X" ring, but an "X" is an "X".
I can tell you from personal experience that within reason, the limiting factor in this competition is the skill of the shooter and their ability to handle match pressure rather than the specific firearm and ammo used.
I shot NRA Precision Pistol (Bullseye) for over 30 years, both indoor and outdoor and qualified Distinguished Expert (285x300) in small bore.
While I never used the Ruger Target Pistol, a few guys on our civilian team did and they were as competitive as anyone else using the S&W Model 41 and the Hi-Standard Target Models. Two of those guys was on our "Gold" team, top 5 shooters. However, they both had trigger jobs done on their pistols but other than that, they were stock factory pistols mechanically.
When I shot Bullseye on the Army Post pistol team, we use Hi-Standard Target Models. In my experience, these were the most reliable semi-auto rimfire pistols I ever competed with. When I began civilian competition, I started with an S&W Model 17 revolver because I love revolvers. I eventually in the latter stages of my competition career switched over to the S&W Model 41 but never achieved a Master Classification even though I would occasionally shoot a Master Class score but not enough of them to win the Classification.
In those days, Remington Target Ammo was the standard used by most. One summer we ran extensive tests of various pistols and ammo using a Ranson Rest mounted on a concrete block. We found this device to be extremely consistent and of great value in evaluating pistols and ammo IF mounted correctly. The Ruger's would hold a "X" ring at 50 yards with Remington Target Ammo. In our testing the 41's and Hi Standards held the tightest "X" ring, but an "X" is an "X".
I can tell you from personal experience that within reason, the limiting factor in this competition is the skill of the shooter and their ability to handle match pressure rather than the specific firearm and ammo used.
While I never used the Ruger Target Pistol, a few guys on our civilian team did and they were as competitive as anyone else using the S&W Model 41 and the Hi-Standard Target Models. Two of those guys was on our "Gold" team, top 5 shooters. However, they both had trigger jobs done on their pistols but other than that, they were stock factory pistols mechanically.
When I shot Bullseye on the Army Post pistol team, we use Hi-Standard Target Models. In my experience, these were the most reliable semi-auto rimfire pistols I ever competed with. When I began civilian competition, I started with an S&W Model 17 revolver because I love revolvers. I eventually in the latter stages of my competition career switched over to the S&W Model 41 but never achieved a Master Classification even though I would occasionally shoot a Master Class score but not enough of them to win the Classification.
In those days, Remington Target Ammo was the standard used by most. One summer we ran extensive tests of various pistols and ammo using a Ranson Rest mounted on a concrete block. We found this device to be extremely consistent and of great value in evaluating pistols and ammo IF mounted correctly. The Ruger's would hold a "X" ring at 50 yards with Remington Target Ammo. In our testing the 41's and Hi Standards held the tightest "X" ring, but an "X" is an "X".
I can tell you from personal experience that within reason, the limiting factor in this competition is the skill of the shooter and their ability to handle match pressure rather than the specific firearm and ammo used.
THe Ruger Mark 1 target model needs trigger work.
Rugers rear sight is subpar. The windage parts wear . Being spring loaded, sight can move to the right, from firing.
The read blade needs to be flat.
The 5.5" barrels front sight will shoot loose. Remove & add red loctite thread locker.
Comparing Ruger, High Standard & S&W 41 HB accuracy is different from barrel to barrel. There are great barrels & good barrels.
Pass on the HS Trophy for the Victor. Sights must be mounted on the barrel.
The M41 was not reliable, before and after factory adjustment.
I shot Bullseye & ISU in the 1970s.
I Did Ruger & High Standard trigger jobs. Back then, Ruger would sell me trigger parts.
Rugers rear sight is subpar. The windage parts wear . Being spring loaded, sight can move to the right, from firing.
The read blade needs to be flat.
The 5.5" barrels front sight will shoot loose. Remove & add red loctite thread locker.
Comparing Ruger, High Standard & S&W 41 HB accuracy is different from barrel to barrel. There are great barrels & good barrels.
Pass on the HS Trophy for the Victor. Sights must be mounted on the barrel.
The M41 was not reliable, before and after factory adjustment.
I shot Bullseye & ISU in the 1970s.
I Did Ruger & High Standard trigger jobs. Back then, Ruger would sell me trigger parts.
Here again, the reason they are more accurate than the shorter barreled versions is because the bullet spends more time engaged in the rifling so that it becomes much more stable once it leaves the muzzle, and both of these two pistols like the very same .22 Long Rifle ammunition, yet dislike ammunition of the same brand just as well. So, by golly some alike barrels do indeed like the same fodder.
I've owned a number of the Mark pistol over the years and found the 10" models to shoot as well off sandbags as a lot of rifles. These were scoped handguns so the sight radius wouldn't have factored in. I always assumed it was a stability issue as well. Many of my shorter Rugers shot great, but the 10" guns were just in another league.
I purchased a 22/45 Mk3 as it was dirt cheap. Previous owner hadn't shot it much due to a trigger that was abysmal. I thought it would get me through until I saved up to buy a S&W model 41.
Shot a few matches with it and dropped a Volquartsen trigger into it. Trigger went from eleventymillion pounds and full of sand to a neat 1.5 pounds and crisp. The install also took out the magazine safety. I liked the result and started winning matches with it - against shooters with mod 41s.
I never did buy the mod 41. I also don't mind the disassembly process. I can strip and assemble it in less than 30 seconds.
Most of the Mod 41s at the club have reliability issues. My Mark3 is very reliable.
Shot a few matches with it and dropped a Volquartsen trigger into it. Trigger went from eleventymillion pounds and full of sand to a neat 1.5 pounds and crisp. The install also took out the magazine safety. I liked the result and started winning matches with it - against shooters with mod 41s.
I never did buy the mod 41. I also don't mind the disassembly process. I can strip and assemble it in less than 30 seconds.
Most of the Mod 41s at the club have reliability issues. My Mark3 is very reliable.
rockhound78
Silver $$ Contributor
I have a MKI that I put thousands and thousands rounds thru it, usually WW white box high speed. Almost bought one of the 10" guns, but had a Browning buckmark silhouette model that was more accurate than I was, so passed. Did have a chance about 8 years ago to get a stainless, but thought it was too high (boy was I wrong!!)
Hey mate. Don't shoot those matches. Different country. Even a different hemisphere!
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