Ruger MK ii/iii experiments
1I have a MK ii 10" barrel, mostly OEM with the exception of the VQ target grips, hammer bushing, and mainspring assembly. I also have a MKiii 7" slab side which is still in OEM condition. I've noticed recently that the groups shot with the MK iii have been getting tighter over time. I believe it's primarily a function of the trigger smoothing out. It's also a bit easier to hold steady with the shorter barrel. I decided to do an experiment and swap the barrels. After approximately 15 minutes (I'm very proud of this), I'd swapped the uppers/lowers so I have a MKii lower with a MKiii 7" upper and a MKiii with a MKii 10" upper. I figured that the groups on the MKii with the shorter barrel would be noticeably better, but they weren't. I easily shot as well with the MKiii lower with the 10" barrel. I need to mention here that the trigger on the MKiii is getting better, but it is noticeably rougher with more slop and take-up. In spite of this, it's doing as well as the MKii. What gives? Well, I next decided to change the grips. The massive VQ grip on the MKii won't fit on the MKiii (mag release) so I had to set it aside and use the original wood grips and the groups with the MKii got smaller. I swapped grips again and put a rubber (not VQ) grip on the the MKii and the wooden target grips on the MKiii and the groupings got even better with the MKii. My theory is two-fold. 1) although the massive VQ target grip aids in steadying the 10" barrel, it isn't optimal for my hands. 2) the trigger on the the MKiii is gradually getting better and muddling the results somewhat. Maybe the MKii is getting worn and needs the lower rebuilt? Any other insights possibilities? I'm going to order a trigger kit after the new year and those results could be interesting. I'm not sure which pistol to put it in.