Nightingale 0 #1 April 26, 2007 I tried this weapon at the range today, and loved it. It fit my hand, was accurate and fun to shoot. I got my California Handgun Safety certificate today, and I'm thinking about buying a ruger 22/45 mark iii. I already own a shotgun (winchester defender) for home defense, so this weapon will be for target shooting and practice. Price is $309 new. So, is there anything I should know about it, pros/cons, etc? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #2 April 26, 2007 Picture here and discussion hereI'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #3 April 26, 2007 Are you required to take some kind of training, in California, before you're allowed to purchase a handgun? What caliber is it? .22 or .45? The name sounds like a split personality... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #4 April 26, 2007 .22. I finished the training today. =) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #5 April 26, 2007 QuoteAre you required to take some kind of training, in California, before you're allowed to purchase a handgun? What caliber is it? .22 or .45? The name sounds like a split personality... It's a .22, but the geometry of the handles matches the 1911s. I think it's intended for 1911 owners who want to use this for working on their accuracy. While the recoil is much lighter, the weight is equilivient. I have a bull barrel form of the mkII target and it's a very nice, fairly cheap, target pistol. I can get new shooters using it and hitting the 4" targets at 25 ft on the first session. The one drawback with my model is the takedown for cleaning is overly complicated and a couple missteps can mess it up. I have to reconsult the manual if I haven't done it in a while, and it takes me 10s of minutes. My sigs - I can strip in 30 seconds. Nightingale - I'd ask them to show you that process before purchase, make sure it's ok. I don't fully strip mine either - just enough to be able to clean the barrel while it's still on the frame. --- political side - John, up until 5 years back, you had to get a BFSC card before you could buy a handgun. Basically a DMV style test on safe handling. It was supposed to be good for life. But then they decided to replace it with this new card, good for only 5 years. I decided I had enough handguns and haven't bothered. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #6 April 26, 2007 Quote.22. I finished the training today. =) a .22 even in a hollow point does not have alot of stopping power. Sure - there will be injury, but . . . have you tried the mini 45's?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #7 April 26, 2007 I know there isn't much stopping power. I was also shooting a .357 revolver today. =) I want a gun that I can practice with for several hours, cheaply. I'm not concerned so much with stopping power, since I'm not planning on using it for self-defense (I have my shotgun for that). .22 ammo is cheap, so I'll be able to practice a lot with not a lot of damage to my wallet or my body. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crotalus01 0 #8 April 26, 2007 I own a Ruger .45 and love it. Its accurate and has a LOT of stopping power, perfect for home defence. Only real drawback is the size, no way to conceal carry that cannon. Possible drawback (depends on the person) is no safety, just a decock (pulls the hammer in before firing the trigger). edit to add beware of "cheap" ammo like reloads, they will foul the shit out of your barrel, and the shell casings sometimes swell leading to jams. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willard 0 #9 April 27, 2007 Buy it! Buy it! BTW, for all interested, my .22-45 is a .22 rimfire with a 4.5" bull barrel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #10 April 27, 2007 First, there is only one model magazine that fits the Mark III 22/45. It's not the same as the one for the other Mark III's or any of the Mark II's including the Mark II 22/45. As someone who has two Mark II's and about 12 magazines this is annoying. So, make sure that you buy the ones that work. I'd actually suggest a standard mark II. Saw one in the store just yesterday, still new. The first Mark III's were designed such that they could fire when dropped or hit on the loaded chamber indicator with a hammer. This was the stupidest design I've seen ever. In general I like Ruger firearms and have several. But this was just dumb and resulted in a long delay in it coming back to market. The Mark III is supposed to be better but I like the Mark II's fine. If you'll never be shooting a 1911 pistol the standard Mark III or II would be fine. The 22/45 mimics the grip angle of the 1911. At least try both and see which grip angle you like better. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #11 April 27, 2007 I tried both today, and liked the angle of the 22-45 much better. It felt much more natural to me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #12 April 27, 2007 How long of a barrel is on your 22/45? I've always preferred a little longer barrel. It may not be quite as handy, but I think they are easier to shoot accurately than the short barrelled model. I have a 22 high-standard that looks very similiar to this. I've had it since I was a kid. They are very fun to shoot and I've shot everything from gophers to grouse to ducks with it. Right now I'm looking for a small 9 shot 22 revolver in a dull stainless finish. I had my eye on the old Smith and Wesson Kit gun, but they are really hard to find these days, and expensive. I may settle for a Taurus....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #13 April 27, 2007 I think it's going to be a 5" barrel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skiskyrock 0 #14 May 1, 2007 If you can, get a used Mark II ... the Mk III just adds needless complexity. Also, be aware that this is where it begins. If you get the .22, in a few years you'll be talking yourself into a .44. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #15 May 1, 2007 Oh my... Saw a guy with a mil-spec model similar to that for a Mk ll at the range a few weeks ago... it was made by Springfield Armory & damn the BOLT was noisy! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #16 May 1, 2007 I've already got plans for a 9mm Glock 17 or an HK USP .40 further down the road. Right now, I just need something I can practice with a lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #17 May 1, 2007 Quote I've already got plans for a 9mm Glock 17 or an HK USP .40 further down the road. Right now, I just need something I can practice with a lot. Be sure to include the Springfield XD on your list of guns to look at. The grip angle on it will be similar to the 22/45, and they're really nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #18 May 1, 2007 I'll take a look at it if the range has one to rent. =) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites