MK III 22/45 vs. other MK III models

Fishhead · 04-11-2009, 01:35 AM

I've saved my pennies, and I'm finally going to get a MK III pistol. The local Cabela's has the MK III 22/45 on sale for $270. I'm leaning towards the 22/45 since it has the same geometry as my 1911, which should be handy.

My concern is that ALL the other MK III models go for $325+. I've found that usually you get what you pay for. Is there some issue with the 22/45 that keeps it about $50 dollars cheaper than all the other MK IIIs?

Opinions???

madcratebuilder · 04-11-2009, 08:03 AM

You are right about the 22/45 having the same geometry. I think the composite frame has hurt sales with more traditional gun owners. Plus the grips are integral of the frame.
As far as function it is just like all the other MK's. The 22/45 has a magazine disconnector, it can be removed by using a MK II hammer, or a spacer (easy mod)
I milled the factory grips off my frame and added a set of 1911 grips and screws. I have done several others for guys who saw mine at the range. With this mod the 22/45 has the same width as a 1911 grip.

Dan22 · 04-11-2009, 08:39 AM

Wow, those grips certainly help the looks of that Ruger.

I like the traditional all-metal guns with separate grips so I've been looking at the MK-III but your grip modifications help make the 22/45 look more enticing.

Nice job.

nathangdad · 04-11-2009, 11:06 AM

on more powerful handguns. The thing you really should do is look on the internet for custom triggers/components or gunsmiths working on the Ruger .22's.

I'm not saying the factory trigger is all bad yet if you have fired on these guns with a real trigger job the improvement is more than worth the cost.

SwedeSteve · 04-11-2009, 05:35 PM

Those grips look nice !! I have Hogue grips with the thumbrest on my MK II and really like them !!

Fishhead · 04-11-2009, 11:41 PM

MadCrate,

Thanks for the info. I think I'll give the 22/45 a go.

Very nice looking mod to your grips, too.

madcratebuilder · 04-12-2009, 09:08 AM

Several guys have used a Dremel tool to remove the factory grip. You can find 1911 panels on evil bay for 10-15 bucks and a screw and bushing kit is 10 bucks. Really makes a difference in the feel of the pistol.
As far as the trigger, it is easy to stone or you can buy a trigger kit.

DaTeacha · 04-12-2009, 10:43 AM

Great! Now you guys have me contemplating another project while the AR is far from done. Has anyone done the grips to a Mk II 22/45?

stalkingbear · 04-12-2009, 06:20 PM

Personally, I highly prefer the all steel version. I'd choose the hunter or slab competition series ( I did-3 times).

madcratebuilder · 04-12-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaTeacha

Great! Now you guys have me contemplating another project while the AR is far from done. Has anyone done the grips to a Mk II 22/45?

I think it's the same process. Cut/grind the original panel off, drill and epoxy the new screw bushings and your done. You have to notch the 1911 panels in a few spots for clearance.

Same 22/45 with white grips and a holo.

TechTeach · 04-22-2009, 10:49 PM

I didn't want to grip off the grips on the polymer grip frame so I made grips that would fit the MKIII 22/45 polymer grip frame. I like the polymer grip frame for competition shooting it is light which makes it quick to bring onto and move between targets. This is a picture of my MKIII 22/45 with the grips I made also notice the extended base pad on the picture of the grey grips.

04-11-2009, 01:35 AM	#1
Fishhead Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The gem state Posts: 61	MK III 22/45 vs. other MK III models I've saved my pennies, and I'm finally going to get a MK III pistol. The local Cabela's has the MK III 22/45 on sale for $270. I'm leaning towards the 22/45 since it has the same geometry as my 1911, which should be handy. My concern is that ALL the other MK III models go for $325+. I've found that usually you get what you pay for. Is there some issue with the 22/45 that keeps it about $50 dollars cheaper than all the other MK IIIs? Opinions???

04-11-2009, 08:03 AM	#2
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 2,395 Images: 3	You are right about the 22/45 having the same geometry. I think the composite frame has hurt sales with more traditional gun owners. Plus the grips are integral of the frame. As far as function it is just like all the other MK's. The 22/45 has a magazine disconnector, it can be removed by using a MK II hammer, or a spacer (easy mod) I milled the factory grips off my frame and added a set of 1911 grips and screws. I have done several others for guys who saw mine at the range. With this mod the 22/45 has the same width as a 1911 grip. __________________ Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

04-11-2009, 08:39 AM	#3
Dan22 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 666	Wow, those grips certainly help the looks of that Ruger. I like the traditional all-metal guns with separate grips so I've been looking at the MK-III but your grip modifications help make the 22/45 look more enticing. Nice job. __________________ USAF '58-'62

04-11-2009, 11:06 AM	#4
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5,178	Not really as polymer frames are very well proven on more powerful handguns. The thing you really should do is look on the internet for custom triggers/components or gunsmiths working on the Ruger .22's. I'm not saying the factory trigger is all bad yet if you have fired on these guns with a real trigger job the improvement is more than worth the cost.

04-11-2009, 05:35 PM	#5
SwedeSteve Suspected Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Anchortown, Alaska Posts: 23,576 Images: 1	Those grips look nice !! I have Hogue grips with the thumbrest on my MK II and really like them !! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

04-11-2009, 11:41 PM	#6
Fishhead Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The gem state Posts: 61	MadCrate, Thanks for the info. I think I'll give the 22/45 a go. Very nice looking mod to your grips, too.

04-12-2009, 09:08 AM	#7
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 2,395 Images: 3	Several guys have used a Dremel tool to remove the factory grip. You can find 1911 panels on evil bay for 10-15 bucks and a screw and bushing kit is 10 bucks. Really makes a difference in the feel of the pistol. As far as the trigger, it is easy to stone or you can buy a trigger kit. __________________ Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

04-12-2009, 10:43 AM	#8
DaTeacha Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: near Funk, Ohio Posts: 2,915	Great! Now you guys have me contemplating another project while the AR is far from done. Has anyone done the grips to a Mk II 22/45? __________________ Teach NRA -- If you're reading this, you should be a member. United, We Stand.

04-12-2009, 06:20 PM	#9
stalkingbear Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Ky Posts: 35	Personally, I highly prefer the all steel version. I'd choose the hunter or slab competition series ( I did-3 times). __________________ Sponsored by...............space available

04-22-2009, 10:49 PM	#11
TechTeach Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 3	I didn't want to grip off the grips on the polymer grip frame so I made grips that would fit the MKIII 22/45 polymer grip frame. I like the polymer grip frame for competition shooting it is light which makes it quick to bring onto and move between targets. This is a picture of my MKIII 22/45 with the grips I made also notice the extended base pad on the picture of the grey grips. Last edited by TechTeach; 04-22-2009 at 10:52 PM.