Ruger MK III Hunter (Optics question)

[Pa Migra]

I'm considering purchasing a Ruger Mk III Hunter. I'm looking at the model with the 6 7/8" fluted barrel. From what I've read, it seems to be a great gun. I would be using it to hunt jack rabbits out here in the desert at distances out to about 40 yards or so.

I'm considering mounting the BSA edge 2 power pistol scope on it. Any thoughts, experience, or suggestions? Thanks in advance.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firear...10118&return=Y

http://www.bsaoptics.com/scope.aspx?product=312

[Ranelagh B]

My very first handgun purchase was the MKIII Hunter, and it's a keeper. I've oft considered optics for the piece, but I've been so satisfied with accuracy right out of the box that I've not got around to mounting anything on it. I haven't gone for a 40-yard-dash with open sights, but I don't think you can go wrong with this Ruger, and a scope should enhance the fun of it exponentially. Don't forget to post pics when you get it.

[phill]

In my opinion for speed shooting nothing beats a red dot. We shoot a MKII 10" with a dot, the target aquisition is fast. Our first choice is Aimpoint but also have a couple of Tasco's that work well.

[greener]

I wouldn't go above 2x on the scope. I have a 4x and it does a fine job of magnifying all wiggles when I'm shooting unsupported. Check the mounting rings that come with your scope. My scope extends over the rear sight. The standard rings would have required me to remove the rear sight, which I didn't want to do. Took me a while to find rings that were high enough to let the scope clear the rear sight.

[Ronnies111]

In my opinion for speed shooting nothing beats a red dot. We shoot a MKII 10" with a dot, the target aquisition is fast. Our first choice is Aimpoint but also have a couple of Tasco's that work well.

He's right a red dot is much better for what your wanting to do.
I would also say not to go more than 1X power..2 would work but
1 would better suited. Aimpoint is on top of the A list but they are
expensive but they will also last a lifetime. One thing good to remember
when dealing with optics, if your looking to cut a little cost?

Purchase a less expensive firearm & go with the best optic you can afford.
When purchasing quality optic, they will normally last a lifetime & most are
warrantied for life. I'm a Leupold man myself but there still some good quality
optics out there if you know what your looking for. Like Simmons, their Magnum 44..
line are very good optics for the money. I don't know what your budget is?

But you can do a whole lot better than BSA for not a lot of more money.
Another company that makes good optics is Bushnell..very good quality
for the money. In fact Bushnell makes excately what you need for
hunting rabbits HoloSight..it's a red dot sight made from an optic like
the F18 fighter piliots use over one eye. With these there is no need to
line up 2 objects like front post & a rear. You see one red dot & no matter
what angle you are viewing it from your POA (point of impact) will be right where
you see the dot pointing. With a little searching you should be able to pick
one up for around $200. Best rule to remember save the money on your
firearm & not on your optic. Because most firearms are more accurate
that their shooter. So even when you purcase a less expensive firearm
it's still able to out shoot most people.

Good example I've got a Benchrest rifle with over $5000 in it but you
can go out & purchase a rifle under a $1000 & it will come within 1/2 inch
of grouping what my $5000 does? When you look at it that way sometimes
it's makes me laugh & think DAM where was my brain when I started
building this rifle? And in benchrest a $5000 rifle is an entry level rifle...lol

You spend many thousands & it will only out shoot an out of the box rifle
by only a 1/2 inch. Now that 1/2 in. is the equivalent of like going to the
moon in benchest, but in real world applications..it ain't shit!

PS: Everyone has reccomended Aimpoint & they are correct..Their are about 3 or 4
Best in the world & Aimpoint is one of them. But the cheapest
is about $400..Look here at the Bushnell if your wanting good quality
for a good price...
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-laser-sights.html

[S&W 10mm]

i have a mark.III its a 22/45 hunter model. i dont like it as much but its a good gun. if i dont use federal rounds it will jam up ALOT...actually almost everytime for me. what i did on mine tho is i mounted the picattiny rails that came with it, bought a lasermax laser that goes on the rail, and simply sighted it in. its great and a lot of fun to shoot. honestly though i think i would trade my mark III for a buckmark anyday actually the smith and wesson .22's are just as comfortable to shoot and i havent had any kind of jams with it. then again thats probably the difference between the 22/45 and the regular mark III i thought i was getting the mark III but when i got to my gun dealer it was the 22/45, thought it was a mark III at the time but boy was i wrong

[Xringshooter]

S&W 10mm, if you are having that much trouble with your Ruger feeding ammo I would give Ruger a call. These guns should feed everything, if not then it may need to be repaired. I have a 5 1/2" bull barrel 22/45 and it feeds anything I put into the magazine. It is possible that the feed ramp isn't polished enough or wasn't machined quite right. I've never had a Ruger 22 that wasn't very accurate and reliable and I bought my first one in 1976.

I agree with not going over 2X for a scope. A 1.5X would be really good. If you're going after jacks in the desert, why not go with the Ruger Charger. This would be a great gun to go after desert critters, JMO.

[S&W 10mm]

[B]S&W 10mm, if you are having that much trouble with your Ruger feeding ammo I would give Ruger a call. These guns should feed everything, if not then it may need to be repaired.

yes i should probably send it back to ruger for a quick analysis.. i used to shoot it alot and i bought 1000 rounds of federal and so far i have used like maybe 100 or so rounds... so it really isnt a big deal for me. i used to carry it hunting with me and it was a great "snake gun". im going to buy a M&P .357 sig and then buy the 40S&W barrel to go along with it. so i wont be using it once i buy the M&P so i probably should send it to em to see what they can do