Too much / not enough research before I bought it.

[ztargetshooter]

Today I woke up planning to buy a .22 caliber pistol. I have been researching for months since my 9mm is becoming tough to feed. I set out looking to buy a p22 because people say they are a lot of fun. Despite a lot of negative reviews (many positives are out there as well) I decided to buy one knowing I was buying fashion over function.

Upon arriving at FS they only had the extended barreled version which is $389. The shorter barrel model is $319. BTW if you buy either version , and then plan to buy the other barrel, the other barrel costs roughly $125 either way. If you buy the shorter barreled version and then upgrade the barrel, it’s cheaper that way by about $70.

The gun that then strikes my eye now that I’ve decided against the expensive p22 is the MKIII. You can’t read a review about .22 pistols without people raving about the MKIII. People say it shoots great and is incredibly reliable. They had the 22/45 model which I liked the look of. $325 after tax and I was out the door.

So many people have said you can’t go wrong with a MKIII.
I was totally happy with my purchase until I got the gun home and gave it the we’re alone new gun feel up. That’s when I realize this thing feels like a cheap piece of junk. The grips feel soo cheap it’s almost unbelievable that they are on a real gun. It reminds me of the $20 BB pistol they sell at walmart that comes with the dartboard… except at least those grips weren’t plastic!

Apparently I didn’t make note of 22/45 reviews. It appears you can’t buy replacement grips for this thing. Am I right?

I came home after buying the gun to strip it down and clean it up. In my desperation search for new grips I came across people saying I shouldn’t try to break the gun down until I have ~1000 rounds threw it to soften it up so I don’t break anything.

So I guess I’m going to go to the range and shoot this thing. There definitely is enough oil on it to get me through 1000 rounds. Hopefully I’ll be able to forget about the incredibly cheap feeling and unupgradeable plastic grips.

 

[depicts]

Didn't you hold it in your hand in the shop??

I don't like the feel of a plastic stock either, which is why my Rugers are the old grip frame.

I'm pretty sure you'll like the function of the gun and get used to the grip. I just wonder why you bought it if it feels so bad?? Newbie excitement??

Don't break it down until you have to. I've only taken my apart once in ten years.

 

[eisenhow]

The gun that then strikes my eye now that I’ve decided against the expensive p22 is the MKIII. You can’t read a review about .22 pistols without people raving about the MKIII. People say it shoots great and is incredibly reliable. They had the 22/45 model which I liked the look of. $325 after tax and I was out the door.

Was that $325 including accessories or ammo? AG sells the blued 5.5" bull barrel 22/45 for $236 cash/$242 credit. They probably would have had to order it but that's a big price diff.

So many people have said you can’t go wrong with a MKIII.
I was totally happy with my purchase until I got the gun home and gave it the we’re alone new gun feel up. That’s when I realize this thing feels like a cheap piece of junk. The grips feel soo cheap it’s almost unbelievable that they are on a real gun. It reminds me of the $20 BB pistol they sell at walmart that comes with the dartboard… except at least those grips weren’t plastic!

Apparently I didn’t make note of 22/45 reviews. It appears you can’t buy replacement grips for this thing. Am I right?

Yup, you're stuck with the grips. That's why I got a regular MkIII first. After I set it up for bullseye I picked up a 22/45 for plinking with irons and showing newbies. The grip is a little thin for my large hands and I don't like the feel of the cutout for the mainspring in the my palm but it's not a bad gun.

I came home after buying the gun to strip it down and clean it up. In my desperation search for new grips I came across people saying I shouldn’t try to break the gun down until I have ~1000 rounds threw it to soften it up so I don’t break anything.

I haven't heard that one before.

So I guess I’m going to go to the range and shoot this thing. There definitely is enough oil on it to get me through 1000 rounds. Hopefully I’ll be able to forget about the incredibly cheap feeling and unupgradeable plastic grips.

Go shoot it. With the plastic frame and heavy barrel it's a little top heavy but it's still a lot of fun and is cheap to shoot.

Watch this video or video 1, video 2, and video 3 from Ruger.

 

[ztargetshooter]

Wow so you're telling me I could have got this gun for $236? Now I really feel like a fool. The $325 was gun only with no accessories. UGH. If a shop can make money at $236 that means I am a fool that got ripped off. I thought the shop I went to had the best prices.

The grips didn't feel so bad at the shop. I guess I just didn't lay into them enough.

 

[PaiN]

I sold my 22/45 because I grew to hate the grip feel and there was nothing I could do about it but it did go bang everytime I pulled the trigger. Unlike my 22A which is really comfortable in hand ...but can't get through a mag without a FTF, FTE or some other issue

 

[djs764]

The MKIII Target had the full metal frame, I bought mine about a month ago for $340.00 OTD. It has the adjustable sights and comes with the rail so you can add a scope. They had the 22/45, I think it was $250.00 but I didn't like the feel of it at all. Either one will treat you right, they're both great shooters but for me I prefered the feel and the weight of the Target.

 

[ztargetshooter]

Range report: The pistol shot great as expected. I had so much fun shooting it that I truly forgot all about my issues with the grips and didn't even notice them. In fact, I wish I had never posted this thread because I would have been totally happy with the gun. Now I know I could have gotten the gun for $75 less. From now on I'll be shopping around before I drive an hour to FS because of the reviews on this forum.

My only problem was that the mags need to be broken in. I had a good few FTF, more so at the beginning as the bullets would get jammed up in the mags under the lips so they didn't even have a chance to feed. I'm guessing a couple hundred more rounds and they'll be good.

I am definitely happy with the gun.

 

[kendall-op]

If you think you paid to much for this model give Carl a call Tuesday. Tell him the model number and Im sure if there was a mistake he will make good on the price.

 

[Gammon]

Range report: The pistol shot great as expected. I had so much fun shooting it that I truly forgot all about my issues with the grips and didn't even notice them. In fact, I wish I had never posted this thread because I would have been totally happy with the gun. Now I know I could have gotten the gun for $75 less. From now on I'll be shopping around before I drive an hour to FS because of the reviews on this forum.

My only problem was that the mags need to be broken in. I had a good few FTF, more so at the beginning as the bullets would get jammed up in the mags under the lips so they didn't even have a chance to feed. I'm guessing a couple hundred more rounds and they'll be good.

I am definitely happy with the gun.

Load the mags and let them sit for a week.

 

[djs764]

My only problem was that the mags need to be broken in. I had a good few FTF, more so at the beginning as the bullets would get jammed up in the mags under the lips so they didn't even have a chance to feed. I'm guessing a couple hundred more rounds and they'll be good.

I am definitely happy with the gun.

You can try this mag. tweek if you're still having problems, this along with the VQ Extractor will take care of any problems.



http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=363360


http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/10/mkii-magazine-tweak.html

 

[eisenhow]

You can try this mag. tweek if you're still having problems, this along with the VQ Extractor will take care of any problems.



http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=363360


http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/10/mkii-magazine-tweak.html

When I had problems with my 22/45 I tried that mag tweak on one of my magazines. After that I kept track of which magazine caused the stove pipe. It turns out the magazine I tweaked had more stove pipes than the unmodified mag . The VQ Extractor did fix the problem though.

 

[depicts]

I think a majority of Failure to Fire issues are the fault of the ammo. Some brands are better than others. With Remington Thunderbolts, I can get a lot of FTF. With Remington Gold Bulk pack, hardly any.

 

[Franco]

why did you not see what it felt like in your hands at the shop??? you should of done your homework before you got to the shop...the plastic grip is why i avoided the 22/45, which has the grip angle/controls placement of a 1911...what you should of got was an all metal framed mk3 you can find grips left and right for them.

hogue has a "handall" grip you can slip over the existing grip frame

if i were you i wouldnt even shoot it,i despise cheap plastic grips ..and just try to sell it ..just my 2 cents

 

[ztargetshooter]

Sorry for reviving this thread but I forgot about it and I owe Four Seasons this update.

FS did me well. I over paid for this gun. I emailed Carl on a Monday which I believe is his day off. A few minutes later he replied to me. No more than a couple hours after my first email he had confirmed that there was a pricing error on the 22/45 likely due to new help. He promptly sent out a refund for the difference.

I will be going back with out a doubt for my next purchase. However, if they don't have the gun I went for I will walk out and wait for it to re-stock.

As far as the gun goes it's worked out well and I like it a lot. I got used to and even like the grips. After having the price of the gun reduced by almost $90 I felt a hell of a lot better about them. If you combine an excited new shooter, good reviews from this site, and some money in your pocket at the gun shop... a gun is going to be purchased!

The magazines needed some break in time but now the gun shoots great like the majority of reviews I've read on this site.

Cheap money and a lot of fun.

Thanks Four Seasons!

 

[Ray-500]

I think a majority of Failure to Fire issues are the fault of the ammo. Some brands are better than others. With Remington Thunderbolts, I can get a lot of FTF. With Remington Gold Bulk pack, hardly any.

Yup, and what does this say for current ammo? Am still using Mil Ammo in .22 .45 FMJ and .45 185 gr. SWC. The .22 is Olin white box and shows no deterioration from the 70's. The .45 is mixed...some is white box, match grade, going back to the 80's. Some is Israeli brown box...same time frame. No FTF, no accuracy problems, no failures of any type.

Guess I will regret the day when my old stash of various calibers is ultimately used up.

 

[kendall-op]

If you think you paid to much for this model give Carl a call Tuesday. Tell him the model number and Im sure if there was a mistake he will make good on the price.

Told you, I was right Carl will make things right.

 

[MassMark]

You should have bought a Mark II, but that's just me. Every hand is different and I just could not get into a 22/45...Glad it's working out for you...

 

[Kenny474]

I have 2 MK1's, essentially the same but have the metal frame. I have put 20,000+ rounds through my target model and 10,000+ through my standard, and I bought them both used and never cleaned either until this spring. I have never had a jam of any kind, and my target model is still super accurate, and was before I cleaned it. I think your Ruger will serve you well for a long time.
Kenny

 

[BossHarley]

A good accessory is one of the loading helpers, slips over the mag and hooks on the bottom with the spring all the was depressed. Just drop in 10 rounds and remove. A real thumb saver!

I have never had any functioning problems with my MKIII, just be patient the first time you take it apart and put it back together - can be a little troublesome (very tight fit) etc- pay close attention to the directions and you should be fine. I clean mine about once a year.

 

[Delta L Varmint]

A good accessory is one of the loading helpers, slips over the mag and hooks on the bottom with the spring all the was depressed. Just drop in 10 rounds and remove. A real thumb saver!

I have never had any functioning problems with my MKIII, just be patient the first time you take it apart and put it back together - can be a little troublesome (very tight fit) etc- pay close attention to the directions and you should be fine. I clean mine about once a year.

Wish I could say I was so lucky! My 22/45 misfeeds A LOT!