Help with Ruger Mark III

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  • dljx3

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 26, 2010
    50
    6
    I must have reassmebled my Mark III incorrectly as now the hammer will not drop nor can I get the mainspring out. I need some help. I am afraid to do anything else as the mainspring is pretty much stuck.. I can unlatch it, but with moderate force, it will not disengage the receiver pin. I am in SE Indy. Any recommendations for shops or individuals would be appreciated. An email back would be best, but feel free to call me stupid.

    dave@dlbk.net

    Thanks,
    Dave
     
    Last edited:

    XtremeVel

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    21   0   0
    Feb 2, 2010
    2,380
    48
    Fort Wayne
    I am only familiar with the Mark II's... Actually, the only thing I know about the 3's is there is a difference or two on reassembly...

    I went years following the manual on the Mark II. Then Al Gore invented the internet... After watching a handful of YouTube videos, reassembly is not an issue at all anymore...

    I would suggest backing away for a few moments, watch a few videos on reassembly of the Mark III, then go and give it another try... My guess is this is the first time the pistol was taken apart and it's just tight... A few of my II's were very tight initially... Pay special attention to when they say the mag needs inserted and what position the hammer needs to be in at each step...
     

    NHT3

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    52   0   0
    Check Utube for vid on Ruger MKIII reassembly.. I'm sure that will get you there.

    [FONT=&quot]NRA Life member [/FONT][FONT=&quot]GSSF member[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
    Gunsite graduate Certified Glock armorer[/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]1911 Mechanic[/FONT]
     

    Dargasonus

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Sep 7, 2010
    481
    18
    Jeffersonville
    Can you pull the bolt back at all? Or just a half inch or so?

    It sounds alot like you've got the hammer strut stuck in that cross pin

    Insert the magazine. Point the muzzle straight down. Safety off. Pull the trigger and hold it while tapping the muzzle on the floor or work bench or some hard but not scarring surface. You are trying to get the hammer to fall forward and free the hammer strut.


    Bookmark these:

    http://www.1bad69.com/ruger/internals.htm

    http://www.guntalk-online.com/detailstrip.htm
     
    Last edited:

    Dargasonus

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Sep 7, 2010
    481
    18
    Jeffersonville
    I am only familiar with the Mark II's... Actually, the only thing I know about the 3's is there is a difference or two on reassembly...

    I went years following the manual on the Mark II. Then Al Gore invented the internet... After watching a handful of YouTube videos, reassembly is not an issue at all anymore...

    I would suggest backing away for a few moments, watch a few videos on reassembly of the Mark III, then go and give it another try... My guess is this is the first time the pistol was taken apart and it's just tight... A few of my II's were very tight initially... Pay special attention to when they say the mag needs inserted and what position the hammer needs to be in at each step...

    The loaded chamber indicator and the safety mechanism that doesn't allow you to shoot without a magazine inserted were the changes. Yeah some of them are super tight..I got lucky with my MIII and never had much trouble.
     

    Simon6101

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    153   0   0
    May 3, 2008
    2,545
    83
    Sw Indy(Camby)
    Come see me

    I work at Bradis Part-time and the Ruger's are one of my favorites. I will be in both Monday and Tuesday. Bring it by if you have not gotten it fixed and I am sure that I can get it corrected. Kenny
     

    1911ly

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Dec 11, 2011
    13,419
    83
    South Bend
    Youtube video's are your best friend when trying to reassemble a 22-45. If you are close to South Bend I woold gladly show you how to do it. Once you have done it a few times it gets easier.
    i beleive one of the tricks is to put the Mag in it and tilt it back so the hammer falls back. I have to help mine a little. The other gotcha point is the strut has to be hanging down when you put the pin back in. The mag has to be removed to close the lever on the pin. The mag safety on a III is a little bit of a pain. Watch a few videos and don't forc anything in to place.
     

    Hookeye

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Dec 19, 2011
    15,039
    77
    armpit of the midwest
    Mk3's if assembled incorrectly can stick the mainspring housing.

    Manipulate it as best you can, back and forth (not side to side), and after a few (or a lot) of wiggles it'll pop free. This assumes of course the latch is free and that end of the mainspring housing is out maybe 1/4 from the frame (it's out a bit, but won't go to normal pivot position).

    Might take 30 secs, might take 2 or 3 mins-of constant wiggle, but it works (when you think that POS will never come free).

    Sore fingers the outcome, and maybe some swearing for a few minutes. But wiggle that POS and it'll pop free (to full retract position then allowing the bolt stop to pull down).
     

    dljx3

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 26, 2010
    50
    6
    Thanks for all the advice. Turns out the hammer was not as far forward as it should have been when I installed the mainspring. All it needed was a sharp smack in the muzzle, kind of like a old mule. Guess i need to keep a mallet handy.
     

    dljx3

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 26, 2010
    50
    6
    Thanks for all the help and advice. The hammer was not fully forward. And Like an old mule, a firm whack to the muzzle solved the situation.
     

    JettaKnight

    Я з Україною
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Oct 13, 2010
    26,517
    113
    Fort Wayne
    Not sure how much work you want to do that gun, but consider changing out the bushing to remove the magazine disconnect. It makes reassembly easier and improves the trigger.
     
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