Is the Ruger 22Mark III Bull Barrel a good CCW handgun?

The Carryconcealed.net team took a look at this question. The Ruger 22 Mark III Bull Barrel is only one in the line of Mark III pistols from Ruger. Let me be the first to say that these are some of the finest handguns out on the market. The Mark III is designed to "feel" like a 1911 .45. The grip and weight are a close feel to my personal favorite Springfield Arms 1911. This allows shooters to practice the basics like breath control, and sight alignment on .22 ammunition rather than the more costly .45 caliber shells. This comes in a 4 ½ and a 5 ½ barrel and we tested the 5 ½ model.

The sights are adjustable and have been designed for a quick and accurate target acquisition. The design also includes the cylindrical bolt construction for permanent alignment giving the shooter a higher degree of accuracy. Ruger also included a magazine disconnect which prevents accidental firing when the magazine is removed. Another neat feature is the chamber-loaded indicator. When people use semi-automatics and get careless because they forget that just because the magazine is out does not mean that it is unloaded. This model also comes standard with holes drilled and tapped for Weaver-Type scope base adapter. We did not test it with the scope and was pleased with the accuracy just using the open adjustable sights.

In our CCW classes we use this for students that do not have a semi-auto and need to borrow one for the class. As it is a .22LR there is no kick and it functions flawlessly. We have talked to other CCW trainers and they also use Ruger Mark III pistols in their classes when students need to borrow one for their classes. We tested the pistol at an indoor range and at 25 and 50-yard outdoor ranges. It is simply amazing how accurate the pistol shoots. We were able to hit all 10 ring shots at the indoor range and at the 25-yard outdoor range. At the 50-yard we were able to hit center mass shots but could not get consistent groups. Pictured is Scott, one of Carryconcealed.net’s law enforcement contributors. The target shows that at 25 feet in an indoor range center mass and head shots are very easy to achieve. Our students that have used the pistol in classes and other tests on the out door range verify this.

This brings up the question that we have been asked. Is the Mark III a good CCW pistol? Because it is a .22LR pistol it does not have a very good rating for "Stopping Power". The accuracy of the pistol is unbelievable and when used for defense multiple shots to the center mass would be possible. This could be a problem as you may have to answer to a over zealous district attorney why so many rounds were used in self-defense. The 4 1/2and 5 1/2-inch barrels and the shape of the handgun are like trying to hide a full sized 1911 .45.

For a CCW gun the Mark III would only get a score of 2 Stars.

For a target or training tool the Mark III gets a 5 out of 5 Stars.

Pictured on the left is a good shot to help show the difference between a .22 up to a shotgun slug. Which will have more "Stopping Power"?

The bottom line: We recommend this gun for anyone that teaches CCW Classes or any body that wants one of the finest "plinking" and training handguns on the market. This would also be an excellent handgun to throw into a survival bag. We have used the term "BOB" or "Break Out Bag". If you need to leave your home due to a natural disaster, this would be a good one to bring as you can carry more .22 ammunition and the pistol would be able to bring down small game to help feed your family in an emergency. If you are a CCW permit holder you could keep it in a car while traveling or camping for same reason. We all have seen people get stuck in the wilderness and lost loved ones. The Mark III might be the difference you need to stay alive.

Specifications of model tested.

Caliber: .22 LR

Capacity: 10 Rounds

Finish: Blued

Grip: Black Synthetic

Barrel Length: 5 1/2" Groove: 6 Twist: 1:16"

RH Overall Length: 9 1/2"

Weight: 35 oz

California Approved: Yes

Massachusetts Approved: Yes

Sights: Adjustable

Loaded chamber indicator, magazine disconnect, and internal lock.

Suggested Retail Price: $ 307.00

Drilled and tapped for Weaver-style scope adapter (included).

Check out all of the other Mark III models. http://www.ruger-firearms.com/

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