Ruger Mark III Hunter to Mark IV

Miles2014 · May 4, 2018, 08:59 PM

I’ve got a Ruger Mark III Hunter and was thinking of trading it in to get the IV. Aside from the easier disassembly, is there other meaningful improvements compared to the older III? Would you do the trade?

Thanks!

3Crows · May 4, 2018, 10:45 PM

I would trade a III, maybe not a II. The mag release, the safety, the slide release, the easy disassembly, taped for a rail, yeah. 3C

Targa · May 5, 2018, 05:43 AM

If I were to buy one today, it would be the Mark IV because of the dissasembly but I wouldn’t trade my III in for a IV just for that.

Z400ACDC · May 5, 2018, 06:45 AM

I have a mark 2,3 and 4. The mkiv is easier to take down, but I find that the only advantage. After you get rid of the mag disconect, I like the mkiii better than the mkii because the mag release is where it should be and all come drilled and tapped. The Mark 3s are not bring a lot. I would just keep it. You can make a friend or family members day by taking them plinking a loan them your mkiii. After you get rid of that mag disconect by swapping out that bushing that takes about ten minutes and ten dollars, take down is much easier.

Miles2014 · May 5, 2018, 06:55 AM

Thanks for all the info, all. I also heard a rumor that Ruger sells a kit that allows you to essentially convert a III to a IV. Is that true or just internet crap?

Thanks again!

Pahoo · May 5, 2018, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Aside from the easier disassembly, is there other meaningful improvements compared to the older III?

As others have stated, I would not trade for the reason you mentioned. In fact, I am happy with the MK-II.

Now then, "If" I did not own any, yes I would buy the MK-IV. .....

Quote:

I also heard a rumor that Ruger sells a kit that allows you to essentially convert a III to a IV. Is that true or just internet crap?

Am not aware of this but am skeptical. I do know that there are after market parts that makes the process easier and some have been available, for many years. Personally, they are very pricey and I have no issues with cleaning mine.

Be Safe !!!

T. O'Heir · May 5, 2018, 11:38 AM

Nope. You're trading one entry level .22 for the same thing. .22's rarely require disassembly too.
It was discussed by these guys last year.
https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=583262

laytonj1 · May 5, 2018, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles2014

Thanks for all the info, all. I also heard a rumor that Ruger sells a kit that allows you to essentially convert a III to a IV. Is that true or just internet crap?

Thanks again!

Yes. It consist of a mkIV barrel/receiver, frame and internal parts.

Jim

Ricklin · May 5, 2018, 12:16 PM

I have a Mk. III Hunter and like it very much. The takedown is greatly overblown.
I actually like the engineering that went in to it. Not hard at all when you get the hang of it.

And the point is well taken, they just don't need to be be taken down much at all.
Does the Mk. IIII have the idiotic loaded chamber indicator? That was really the issue with my Mk. III and is easily disabled by removing the little tab that extends in to the chamber.

Mine went from jam o matic to well behaved with the removal of that little tab. Prior it would only function well with Mini Mags. Now it eats everything.

I do need to get rid of the mag safety. Once I have a place to work on firearms again, I will.

Z400ACDC · May 5, 2018, 01:07 PM

I clean the MKIII sometimes by just taking out the mag, opening the bolt and spraying it out with kerosene. I then blow the pistol out with compressed air.

DAKA · May 6, 2018, 06:50 AM

KEROSENE ?? This is something I have never heard before...

sparkyv · May 6, 2018, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles2014

Thanks for all the info, all. I also heard a rumor that Ruger sells a kit that allows you to essentially convert a III to a IV. Is that true or just internet crap?

Thanks again!

Miles, Majestic Arms is the manufacturer of The SPEED STRIP. It sounds like this is what you're looking for.

CajunBass · May 6, 2018, 08:29 AM

Am I the only one who thinks the MK IV is as ugly as a mud fence? There seem to be a bunch of do-dads on the right side that I guess make it easier to take down, but man, they mess up the clean lines IMHO.

I've never had that much trouble taking down a MK 1, 2, or 3 anyway. I admit that most of the time I just spray it down with Gunscrubber, then put a drop or two of oil here and there, and it sort of finds it way where it needs to go, but I can break one down with no problem. The hardest part was hitting with something that first time.

The only one I've got now is an old standard model, first generation. I wouldn't trade it for a new one.

3Crows · May 6, 2018, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CajunBass

Am I the only one who thinks the MK IV is as ugly as a mud fence? There seem to be a bunch of do-dads on the right side that I guess make it easier to take down, but man, they mess up the clean lines IMHO.

I've never had that much trouble taking down a MK 1, 2, or 3 anyway. I admit that most of the time I just spray it down with Gunscrubber, then put a drop or two of oil here and there, and it sort of finds it way where it needs to go, but I can break one down with no problem. The hardest part was hitting with something that first time.

The only one I've got now is an old standard model, first generation. I wouldn't trade it for a new one.

What doodads? The ambi-safety is there and can be removed if desired but I like it (wife is left handed), nice feature for some. The takedown is the button on the rear under the charger. There are no doodads.

Full take down and reassembly in about 30 seconds.

3C

gnystrom · May 6, 2018, 09:56 AM

I have a couple of MKIII's with all Volquartsen parts and once the mag disconnect and the loaded chamber indicator is removed the gun is as good as it gets. Once you get the field stripping procedure down, it will take you only a few seconds longer to strip the MKIII. I have heard the MKIII's can be available at great prices if you look. Either way you can't go wrong.

I use my MKIII hunter for training new shooters and after well over 100,000 rounds through it I have only replaced a few parts that should be part or long term maintenance for any semi-auto.

mete · May 6, 2018, 10:14 AM

Kerosene ? WD-40 happens to be mostly kerosene.

As much as many love WD-40 it's not the best and I don't have it in my home .
Cajun's way would be better .

laytonj1 · May 6, 2018, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mete

Kerosene ? WD-40 happens to be mostly kerosene.

.

Wrong.
"Norm Larsen, founder of Rocket Chemical Company, is considered the original founder of WD-40," according to wd40.com. ... WD-40 does not contain fish oil, contrary to a popular myth, nor does it contain silicone, kerosene, water, wax, graphite, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).Jul 24, 2009”

Jim

laytonj1 · May 6, 2018, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkyv

Miles, Majestic Arms is the manufacturer of The SPEED STRIP. It sounds like this is what you're looking for.

That kit allows you to remove the bolt without disassembly.

AzShooter · May 6, 2018, 11:37 PM

I like my Mark IV over my Mark III. Yes, you do have to clean the Mark III and when you do you will learn that it can be a PITA.

The Mark IV is easy to take apart and there are many accessories for it. I changed the barrel to a Volquartsen LLV 6 and now love the gun even more. Not to say the accuracy of the Mark III Hunter isn't great though.

rt11002003 · May 7, 2018, 05:02 PM

The Mark iv hasn't had any appeal to me; so far. IMO the shorter barrel Rugers are better balanced and as a consequence I shoot them more accurately. However, over the past three range trips I've been shooting my Mark ii Government Target with a scope and getting excellent results shooting off a small bag. Probably the bag adds to the balance of that longer barrel. I have three Mark iii models and the Government Target Mark ii. Two short barrels (Target and TALO Hunter) and two long barrels (Government Target and Competition Target). Clearly, the Mark iii models have some parts that are a pain for some of us. Take down is an issue for some folks. My first one was a problem for me. But, I've read the manual and followed it since without any issues.

sparkyv · May 7, 2018, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laytonj1

That kit allows you to remove the bolt without disassembly.

My bad. I regret any confusion my comment may have caused.

Z400ACDC · May 7, 2018, 08:18 PM

It cleans very good. Give it a try.

SGW Gunsmith · May 9, 2018, 06:32 PM

Absolutely nothing, NOTHING, on the Ruger Mark III that can't be fixed, changed, modified, or improved. Take a look at post #15 "gnystrom's" post. Do you see that fugly "Loaded Chamber Indicator?" NOPE, it's been removed and a filler installed. He has a Volquartsen Custom trigger installed and I'll bet the magazine disco parts are somewhere else, hopefully forgotten.

It doesn't take a whole lot to set up a Ruger Mark III very close to what the Mark II pistols are like. And...............that Ruger Mark III Hunter his picture shows in one of the rarest of all the Ruger Mark III pistols. Didn't make very many and it took me 2 years to find mine, new in the box.

It has a Clark Custom trigger, an S.G.W. LLC custom fit hammer bushing, LCI filler and a VC sear. The bolt has a "Positive Extractor" that tosses spent cases 12 to 15 feet to the right. This is my favorite "walk-about" pistol I carry when inspecting my empire for furry trespassers.

May 5, 2018, 06:45 AM	#4
Z400ACDC Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2006 Location: Bowling Green,KY Posts: 433	I have a mark 2,3 and 4. The mkiv is easier to take down, but I find that the only advantage. After you get rid of the mag disconect, I like the mkiii better than the mkii because the mag release is where it should be and all come drilled and tapped. The Mark 3s are not bring a lot. I would just keep it. You can make a friend or family members day by taking them plinking a loan them your mkiii. After you get rid of that mag disconect by swapping out that bushing that takes about ten minutes and ten dollars, take down is much easier. __________________ Bowling Green, KY

May 5, 2018, 11:38 AM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Nope. You're trading one entry level .22 for the same thing. .22's rarely require disassembly too. It was discussed by these guys last year. https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=583262 __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

May 5, 2018, 12:16 PM	#9
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,012	Why? I have a Mk. III Hunter and like it very much. The takedown is greatly overblown. I actually like the engineering that went in to it. Not hard at all when you get the hang of it. And the point is well taken, they just don't need to be be taken down much at all. Does the Mk. IIII have the idiotic loaded chamber indicator? That was really the issue with my Mk. III and is easily disabled by removing the little tab that extends in to the chamber. Mine went from jam o matic to well behaved with the removal of that little tab. Prior it would only function well with Mini Mags. Now it eats everything. I do need to get rid of the mag safety. Once I have a place to work on firearms again, I will. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

May 5, 2018, 01:07 PM	#10
Z400ACDC Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2006 Location: Bowling Green,KY Posts: 433	I clean the MKIII sometimes by just taking out the mag, opening the bolt and spraying it out with kerosene. I then blow the pistol out with compressed air. __________________ Bowling Green, KY

May 6, 2018, 08:29 AM	#13
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	Am I the only one who thinks the MK IV is as ugly as a mud fence? There seem to be a bunch of do-dads on the right side that I guess make it easier to take down, but man, they mess up the clean lines IMHO. I've never had that much trouble taking down a MK 1, 2, or 3 anyway. I admit that most of the time I just spray it down with Gunscrubber, then put a drop or two of oil here and there, and it sort of finds it way where it needs to go, but I can break one down with no problem. The hardest part was hitting with something that first time. The only one I've got now is an old standard model, first generation. I wouldn't trade it for a new one. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

May 4, 2018, 08:59 PM	#1
Miles2014 Member Join Date: April 4, 2016 Posts: 56	Ruger Mark III Hunter to Mark IV I’ve got a Ruger Mark III Hunter and was thinking of trading it in to get the IV. Aside from the easier disassembly, is there other meaningful improvements compared to the older III? Would you do the trade? Thanks!

May 4, 2018, 10:45 PM	#2
3Crows Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2017 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 220	I would trade a III, maybe not a II. The mag release, the safety, the slide release, the easy disassembly, taped for a rail, yeah. 3C

May 5, 2018, 05:43 AM	#3
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	If I were to buy one today, it would be the Mark IV because of the dissasembly but I wouldn’t trade my III in for a IV just for that.

May 5, 2018, 06:55 AM	#5
Miles2014 Member Join Date: April 4, 2016 Posts: 56	Thanks for all the info, all. I also heard a rumor that Ruger sells a kit that allows you to essentially convert a III to a IV. Is that true or just internet crap? Thanks again!

May 6, 2018, 06:50 AM	#11
DAKA Member Join Date: May 5, 2011 Location: S FL Posts: 59	KEROSENE ?? This is something I have never heard before...

May 6, 2018, 09:56 AM	#15
gnystrom Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2006 Posts: 308	I have a couple of MKIII's with all Volquartsen parts and once the mag disconnect and the loaded chamber indicator is removed the gun is as good as it gets. Once you get the field stripping procedure down, it will take you only a few seconds longer to strip the MKIII. I have heard the MKIII's can be available at great prices if you look. Either way you can't go wrong. I use my MKIII hunter for training new shooters and after well over 100,000 rounds through it I have only replaced a few parts that should be part or long term maintenance for any semi-auto.

May 6, 2018, 10:14 AM	#16
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	Kerosene ? WD-40 happens to be mostly kerosene. As much as many love WD-40 it's not the best and I don't have it in my home . Cajun's way would be better . __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

May 6, 2018, 11:37 PM	#19
AzShooter Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2006 Location: Surprise, Az. Posts: 766	I like my Mark IV over my Mark III. Yes, you do have to clean the Mark III and when you do you will learn that it can be a PITA. The Mark IV is easy to take apart and there are many accessories for it. I changed the barrel to a Volquartsen LLV 6 and now love the gun even more. Not to say the accuracy of the Mark III Hunter isn't great though.

May 7, 2018, 05:02 PM	#20
rt11002003 Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2014 Posts: 524	The Mark iv hasn't had any appeal to me; so far. IMO the shorter barrel Rugers are better balanced and as a consequence I shoot them more accurately. However, over the past three range trips I've been shooting my Mark ii Government Target with a scope and getting excellent results shooting off a small bag. Probably the bag adds to the balance of that longer barrel. I have three Mark iii models and the Government Target Mark ii. Two short barrels (Target and TALO Hunter) and two long barrels (Government Target and Competition Target). Clearly, the Mark iii models have some parts that are a pain for some of us. Take down is an issue for some folks. My first one was a problem for me. But, I've read the manual and followed it since without any issues.

May 7, 2018, 08:18 PM	#22
Z400ACDC Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2006 Location: Bowling Green,KY Posts: 433	It cleans very good. Give it a try. __________________ Bowling Green, KY

May 9, 2018, 06:32 PM	#23
SGW Gunsmith Junior member Join Date: December 31, 2014 Location: Northwest Wisconsin Posts: 285	Absolutely nothing, NOTHING, on the Ruger Mark III that can't be fixed, changed, modified, or improved. Take a look at post #15 "gnystrom's" post. Do you see that fugly "Loaded Chamber Indicator?" NOPE, it's been removed and a filler installed. He has a Volquartsen Custom trigger installed and I'll bet the magazine disco parts are somewhere else, hopefully forgotten. It doesn't take a whole lot to set up a Ruger Mark III very close to what the Mark II pistols are like. And...............that Ruger Mark III Hunter his picture shows in one of the rarest of all the Ruger Mark III pistols. Didn't make very many and it took me 2 years to find mine, new in the box. It has a Clark Custom trigger, an S.G.W. LLC custom fit hammer bushing, LCI filler and a VC sear. The bolt has a "Positive Extractor" that tosses spent cases 12 to 15 feet to the right. This is my favorite "walk-about" pistol I carry when inspecting my empire for furry trespassers.