trade ruger mk1 vs mkIII

[Lurker66]

Buddy wants to trade ruger standard mk3, 4", fixed sights for my mk1 standard, 4", fixed sights.

His comes with box, papers, key and 2 mags, mine with holster and mag.

Should I trade?

 

[Hobbes]

I would NOT trade if it was me.

 

[Perplexed]

Keeping in mind they haven't made the Mk I in a long time, while you can walk into any gun shop today and buy or order a Mk III... do you want to make the trade?

 

[Lurker66]

Keeping in mind they haven't made the Mk I in a long time, while you can walk into any gun shop today and buy or order a Mk III... do you want to make the trade?

I could take it or leave it. Im not collecting. I only have mine because i wanted a .22 pistol.

 

[Lurker66]

I would NOT trade if it was me.

why not? Is a mk1 more valuable or collectable? Mk3's junky or what?

 

[Perplexed]

I could take it or leave it. Im not collecting. I only have mine because i wanted a .22 pistol.

In that case, check the S/N of your pistol. If it's at least 33000, the value will be in the same neighborhood as the Mk III, especially if it's a lot higher S/N. If the S/N is less than about 30000, you've got a less common Mk I that's worth a bit more than a Mk III.

Value aside, the Mk III will be more user-friendly with a mag release in the usual spot behind the trigger, and the bolt lock-back feature after the last cartridge is fired.

 

[Hobbes]

why not? Is a mk1 more valuable or collectable? Mk3's junky or what?

Here is a thread about it on the ruger forum.
http://rugerforum.net/ruger-rimfires/61069-why-used-mark-iis-selling-more-than-new-mark-iii.html

Some people don't like the LCI, magazine safety on the new Mark3 and feel that they are more difficult to reassemble as well.

 

[Hobbes]

Here are the manufacturing dates by serial number for the Mark1

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/PI-MarkI.html

 

[Lurker66]

Ok, mines in the 1970 range. Think I'll hang onto mine. Its nothing special but it shoots good and is fun.

Thanks guys.

 

[Hobbes]

I have a 1982 MarkII and it's a great little handgun to spend an afternoon plinking with.