Which Mark III is the best?

upsanderson · September 26, 2012, 09:05 AM

HI - I'm brand new to pistols and would like to get into competitive shooting with a .22. I've read reviews, held different guns, and shot a Mark III Standard. So, I've narrowed it down to the Mark III but I'm not sure which one I should get... Standard, Hunter, Target, or Competition. Then there is the 22/45 series which I'm not sure if I'm a fan. Right now, I'd like to shoot with open sights and maybe add a scope in the future so I'd like the longer barrel with keeping in mind the weight of the gun. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Yooper1 · September 26, 2012, 10:05 AM

I think you would be very comfortable with the Mark III target model in 5.5" barrel and stainless steel. It is very popular for a reason.

g.willikers · September 26, 2012, 10:36 AM

It kind of depends on the type of competition you might do.
Slow, precision, or fast action.
The ones you mentioned are well suited to the first type, like bullseye.
The 22/45, with the more upright grip angle seems, at least to me, better for steel challenge, action pistol and the like.
But you will have to try them.
As far as barrel length is concerned, that's never seemed to make as much difference as other aspects, like trigger action, the sight design, weight balance, mag release style, and so on.
Anything from 4.5 to 5" seems fine.

Pahoo · September 26, 2012, 02:55 PM

Have to admit that I'm really biased for I would say;

Quote:

Hunter, Target, or Competition.

In that order. I especially like the Hunter fluted barrels and HiViz sights. With these sights, I really don't need a scope as my eye are still good enough. I don't care for any of the 22/45 and the synthetic frames. ...

Be Safe !!!

OakleyAnna · October 3, 2012, 12:32 PM

I have the Mark III Competition Target model, and I think it's great. It took a few times to get used to the sights, but once I made a few adjustments and became familiar with it, it's perfect. The first time I shot it, I had a few jams. Since then, I haven't had a single jam or any other problem.

RickB · October 3, 2012, 05:08 PM

I like shooting the Mk. III, but reassembly is such a total P-in-the-A, that I sold mine, and would not consider buying another one, regardless of how popular they are.

langenc · October 3, 2012, 09:31 PM

Hunter with 6 7/8 barrel.

For the guys that cant follow instructions in dis/assembly-dont listen to them.

September 26, 2012, 09:05 AM	#1
upsanderson Junior Member Join Date: September 26, 2012 Posts: 1	Which Mark III is the best? HI - I'm brand new to pistols and would like to get into competitive shooting with a .22. I've read reviews, held different guns, and shot a Mark III Standard. So, I've narrowed it down to the Mark III but I'm not sure which one I should get... Standard, Hunter, Target, or Competition. Then there is the 22/45 series which I'm not sure if I'm a fan. Right now, I'd like to shoot with open sights and maybe add a scope in the future so I'd like the longer barrel with keeping in mind the weight of the gun. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

September 26, 2012, 10:05 AM	#2
Yooper1 Junior Member Join Date: September 26, 2012 Posts: 6	Mark III I think you would be very comfortable with the Mark III target model in 5.5" barrel and stainless steel. It is very popular for a reason.

September 26, 2012, 10:36 AM	#3
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	It kind of depends on the type of competition you might do. Slow, precision, or fast action. The ones you mentioned are well suited to the first type, like bullseye. The 22/45, with the more upright grip angle seems, at least to me, better for steel challenge, action pistol and the like. But you will have to try them. As far as barrel length is concerned, that's never seemed to make as much difference as other aspects, like trigger action, the sight design, weight balance, mag release style, and so on. Anything from 4.5 to 5" seems fine. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

October 3, 2012, 12:32 PM	#5
OakleyAnna Member Join Date: July 7, 2012 Posts: 19	I have the Mark III Competition Target model, and I think it's great. It took a few times to get used to the sights, but once I made a few adjustments and became familiar with it, it's perfect. The first time I shot it, I had a few jams. Since then, I haven't had a single jam or any other problem.

October 3, 2012, 05:08 PM	#6
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I like shooting the Mk. III, but reassembly is such a total P-in-the-A, that I sold mine, and would not consider buying another one, regardless of how popular they are.

October 3, 2012, 09:31 PM	#7
langenc Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 1,551	Hunter with 6 7/8 barrel. For the guys that cant follow instructions in dis/assembly-dont listen to them.