Ruger Mk III Strip/Reassembly Aftermath

[pdogg77]

After searching around here and elsewhere on the net I realized I had what is probably the first of many rights of passage for gun owners. I spent the better part of a few hours stripping, cleaning and reassembling my Mk III for the first time and then doing it over again 3 or 4 times because I didn't get it right. The little hammer latch that goes into the main spring is a PITA, but I think it is in the right place finally...

Quick question... Everything is back together and functions correctly according to basic function tests. Bolt locks back on an empty mag, closes, dry fires, safety works, mag release works. This may be "me" but it feels to me like the bolt is harder to draw back when the gun in uncocked than it did before. Again I may be imagining things... I read in several places that this pistol loves the lube so I made sure it was well oiled and clean. The cocking function just seems more difficult than it was before I opened it up. The only other observation is the bolt retaining pin seems a little "higher" out of the back of the receiver than it was before (I can post pics later).

Anything else I can try without ammo in the gun to ensure proper function?
Any gotchas or tricks beyond the funky hammer latch positioning?

Just trying to save a trip to the range where I spend all day futzing with the gun when there's something I can solve now.

Thanks,
-Paul

 

[scouter-rick]

Hi Paul,

I own several of those and use them for Pistol classes exclusively. The initial learning curve for cleaning and reassembly is more difficult than some other firearms. I have found that the durability, accuracy and overall handling of the Mk III's outweighs the fact that the first few times you clean and assemble the thing it results in some colorful metaphores.

It sounds to me like you have it together fine based on your description. I also think that the "changes" you are noticing are due to paying more attention now than before.

Do you have some dummy rounds that you can test the action with for comfort factor????

Again, it sounds like you are OK. The typical "symptom" of improper reassembly is that the action will only be able to be pulled back about half way and the main spring assembly will not allow you to remove it from the grip.

-Rick