Author Topic: Ruger MK II? Pistol Scope? (Read 4355 times)

Matt3357 · « **on:** October 31, 2008, 03:33:40 PM »

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting here. I have been wanting a 22lr pistol for a while now and from what I have read and looked at I am thinking about the Ruger MK II in 5.5 in slab side or bull barrel. I am wanting it to plink with and to do some small game hunting. I am still open to suggestions on a better/cheaper option but keep in mind that I want to put some sort of scope on it to hunt with.

Which brings me to my second question. I have been debating between a standard 1-4 power pistol scope or some sort of red dot. I really like the looks of the open holographic EOTech models but the price is a bit steep for what I want it for. Is there any similar type scope that you would recommend? What standard scopes would you recommend for a limited budget? Thanks in advance.

Matt

Uncle Howie · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2008, 10:22:28 PM »

Matt- welcome to the forum! Lots of great folks in here. I tend to lurk a lot more than I post.

I'm a big fan of the MKII. Handle as many configurations as you can, and pick the one that balances well for you. If you are OK with the grip angle (some don't like it), I think it's hard to go wrong with a MKII.

IMHO, a scope with magnification higher than 2x is very hard to hold still w/o a rest. The other thing is that a traditional pistol scope can temporarily "black out" on you if it's out of alignment (i.e., you're shaking). The higher the magnification, the worse your shaking will be... magnified!

I happen to own a Leupold 2x, which I like very much. Other, cheaper brands which should give good service might include Swift, Weaver, or Bushnell. I've heard lots of good things about the Bushnell Trophy(?) 2-6 power. Apparently it compares favorably to much more expensive scopes.

I don't have any experience with an Eotech-type sight, so I can't help you there.

Here's a link with some good info on red dots: http://www.bullseyepistol.com/dotsight.htm

For a traditional red dot, I think it's hard to go wrong with an UltraDot. I've owned two, and been VERY happy with both of them. UltraDot has scopes with several levels of options- tube size, multiple dot sizes, etc. Even their basic scope is a top quality piece, and they start around $130 shipped. The following testimonial is pulled from the above link:
In this game of bullseye shooting, I have seen more military shooters using 1" UltraDots than any other sight, and these guys are the pros. I used to shoot the Tasco ProPoint sights and based on my experiences, have now converted all six pistols to UltraDots.

And one last thought. Before you throw out your hard-earned cash on a high-dollar dot sight, consider the fact that if that brand was better than the UltraDot, ALL of the high master shooters would already have them on their pistols. But they don't.

A couple of places that sell UltraDots for reasonable prices include:
http://www.ultradotwest.com/
http://www.larrysguns.com/Departments/UltraDot-Optics.aspx

Happy shopping!

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2008, 02:31:08 PM »

I have 2 Ruger target pistols, a mark 1 in a 7 something tapered barrel with a red dot scope, and a mark2 5.5" bull barrel with factory sights. They are both great shooters. I also have a S&W 617 with a 2x scope. At the range with 2 daughters, son in law and wife, the mk 2 is there favorite to shoot at 25 yds. I think for me the ultra dot is the ideal sighter as I have it on a 6"44 and it performs well, so to scope it I would do a ultra dot. BTW a retired Ruger rep told me the mark 2 was the best they had ever built, and this was last year when this statement was made.
Jim

mike243 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2008, 12:51:37 AM »

i bought a 4x32 & put on mine,to much scope for fast hunting,great on targets but its tough holding freehand squirrel hunting,going for a red dot in the near future,mike243

Jal5 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2008, 10:36:49 AM »

I haven't scoped mine yet but will probably go for a red dot. What type mount system are you guys using?

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2008, 11:19:23 AM »

I have a couple of Browning buck marks and decided to stick a scope on one of them for hunting and a target shoot the club puts on.
I bought the scope mount for the gun and then ordered a cheap BSA 2X pistol scope and also went to Wall mart and bought a BSA 30mm red dot sight. Mounted the rail and then mounted the red dot to see if I want it or the scope on the gun. I eneded yp not liking the scope for three reasons. 1) My scores went down as I was waiting too long to shoot as I was trying to line up the cross hairs exact and the more I waited the more I moved. 2) I could not find a strong side holster that would work with the scope, and 3) the BSA scope had bent or twisted is a better word cross hairs and looking through the scope all I could see is the imperfection when practicing.
The red dot was a little better and it is still on there but in order to see the dot in the day you have to turn the dot way up and it gets bigger as so do your groups. But it does work well for critters at dusk.

wheelgun · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2008, 09:16:16 AM »

I have a Mark II bull barrel and would like a scope or red dot .What type of base and rings are you guys using on yours.

Uncle Howie · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2008, 11:27:07 AM »

Quote from: wheelgun on December 02, 2008, 09:16:16 AM

I have a Mark II bull barrel and would like a scope or red dot .What type of base and rings are you guys using on yours.

My preference is for the Ruger base/rings that ship with the KMK678GC "Slabside" pistol. These are the Ruger-style base and rings, not the newer Weaver-style base that Ruger has started shipping. They're all I use.

Ruger system positives:
-sturdy as all get out
-take the scope off and you can still use the iron sights

Ruger system negatives:
-heavy
-gun must be drilled/tapped
-mounts/rings can be expensive, unless you get them used

Other popular options:
-Weigand Combat: no-drill, but I think you have to remove the rear sight
-So-Low mounts look intriguing, but they are only for 30 mm scopes, as far as I know

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #8 on:** December 19, 2008, 08:55:33 AM »

Morn'in shooters,

I have a Mark II slab side on which I put a 2X Leupold.

I wanted a "minute of grouse head" shooter, so sent the scope back to Leupold and had the paralax adjusted to 25 yards.

This unit fullfills the requirement of "MOGH" as long as I can do my part, Placing 10 shots into a nasty, less then head sized hole at the 25yd, distance.

Because I would most likely be taking grouse as targets of oppertunity while ride trails/logging roads in my area, I built a weak side shoulder holster system for carry.

In the limited amount of test I have done to date, the unit seemed to favor Wolf Match Extra over the other ammo tested, including other match ammo.

I really like the Mark II because of the RUGER ring/mount set up, and the ability to pull the scope and use iron sights should the need arise.

Enjoy the Ruger!

Crusty Idaho Ol'Coot

GGaskill · « **Reply #9 on:** December 19, 2008, 12:31:58 PM »

While the BSA red dots may not be the best, they cost only $30 and are available at WalMart so you could try one and toss it if you don't like it and not be out much. They have built in mounts (both Weaver style and 3/8 dovetail style) so you don't need extra cost rings, although you will need some kind of mount since the Ruger .22 pistols don't have integral bases.

bubbinator · « **Reply #10 on:** December 19, 2008, 07:19:00 PM »

Matt, I had an old Aimpoint on my HB MK II for years & loved it. Used a Wiegand (SP?) mount. I found a Doctor/Optima type knock off at a gunshow (when not selling guns to terrorists-Pay attention Sara Brady) for about $80. It looks great, cut the added weight by 80%, is accurate as I can be and really makes the package much more compact and portable. NcStar is making a copy too, saw one at GS too. It will fit a Weaver rail-type mount.

Savage · « **Reply #11 on:** December 20, 2008, 01:39:12 AM »

My Mkll Slablside 22/45 came drilled and tapped for a weaver style base. The base was about $15. Put an eighty buck holo sytle dot sight on it, and have been happy with the setup. I use it for NRA falling plates.
Savage

Matt3357 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 23, 2008, 05:08:58 AM »

Savage,

What kind of sight was it? I haven't done any research into it, but I didn't know anyone produced a holo style sight for less than like 300 bucks. Holo style sights are like EOTech and similar right? That would be awesome if you could find a decent one for less than a hundred bucks.

Thanks,
Matt

Savage · « **Reply #13 on:** December 23, 2008, 06:10:51 AM »

Matt,
It's a holo style sight. It's made by BSA (No exactly known for high quality) and has the 4 reticules. I like the circle dot. I bought it from Midway when it was on sale for $79.95 if I recall correctly. Regular price was around a hundred bucks. It has worked well for me so far.
Bushnell makes a holo sight for around $300 that is pretty much the same sight as the eotec, but a hundred bucks less.
Savage

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #14 on:** December 24, 2008, 08:11:06 AM »

You have already received a lot of advise. Not sure what I can add but I'll try.

I have been a Range Officer and member of the Board of Directors of an Indoor Shooting Range since 1990. In all those years I have seen my share of .22 LR Handgun / Sighting Combinations.

The one thing to consider when picking out your Handgun is not how it handles in the store as it comes out of the box but how it is going to handle once an optic is added. I have actually seen shooters removed their optics and go back to open sights because they said the optics made their Handgun too heavy and totally changed the balance. Most complain about their Handguns being Top Heavy with an Optic.

I have seen about every brand & type of Red Dot Electronic Optical Sight that is common and seen most every brand & type FAIL also. A buddy bought a NcStar Holographic Red Dot Electronic Optical Sight. Well we never even got it zeroed before it broke. Another buddy bought an old Tasco Optima and it too failed before we ever got it sighted in. This same buddy just bought a Burris Holograpic Sight and it seems to be working OK, but the dot was really flared to my eyes.

Yet another shooter at our club has a Famous Maker Holographic Type Red Dot Electronic Optical Sight on his .22 Handgun, has been shooting it for several years without any issues at all. This one has multiple reticles (I just don't remember what they all are at the moment).

One Electronic Optical Sight I have used that I really liked was the Bushnell Trophy. The one I had had the 4 reticles, 4 MOA Dot, 10 Moa Dot, Crosshair and a 4 MOA dot inside of a 35 MOA Circle. Mine also had the dual color in which any of the reticles could be illuminated in either Red or Green. To me this was the BEST Electronic Optical Sight I had ever used as it was so versatile. I liked the Green for Indoor Target Shooting and or low light conditions. The Green is much softer and doesn't produce the glare that the Red does. I also liked the different reticles depending on what I was doing. The Red worked great with the Crosshair Reticle this past spring for shooting Gophers out to 50 yards. The downside to the Bushnell was when I switched reticles I at times had to rezero it (even stated that in the owners manual).

I have also used the old Illusions, ADCO Red Dot, and Tasco Pro Points. Some were good, some not so good. Some seemed fussy about batteries and at times replacing the worn out battery with a new one resulted in a star shaped dot.

As per Scopes the 2x Leupold is at the top of the list. This is an excellent Scope but is kind of expensive. I have also had great luck with Burris Handgun Scopes as well as Weaver Handgun Scopes. On a .22 LR Rimfire Handgun the 2x Leupold is about as compact / light weight as a scope is going to get.

Per mounts I mainly shoot Rugers that have been drilled and tapped at the factory or have been drilled and tapped by a local machinist to the same hole spacing as the factory drilled & tapped Rugers. I prefer the Weigand or Ruger Scope Mounts myself. The right Aluminum Mount & Rings will hold an optic quite securely on a Rimfire Handgun where recoil is not an issue. Besides by going this route you save a few ounces over using steel mounts and rings, and on a Handgun that can be an issue to some.

Good luck with your project.

Larry

halfshot · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2009, 12:10:03 AM »

Listen to S.D. I've had a Ruger 5.5 bull barrel for 20 years. It has had two different dot scopes , a T.C target scope, but like S.D. says , it changes the handling of a handy quick gun into a not so handy top heavy gun . Mine now wears a Tru -Glo front sight that you can change insert sizes for under thirty bucks, put in small insert, shoot 1" groups at 25 yards, put in large insert for fast rabbit action . to scope or not , you can't go wrong with the Ruger.

Jal5 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2009, 05:38:34 AM »

halfshot-
that TruGlow front sight sounds like just the ticket for me too. Can you point me in the right direction to find that one? thanks

Joe

Matt3357 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 04, 2009, 06:05:18 AM »

It does sound like a good idea, now all I have to do is find a good used mkII

Matt

Savage · « **Reply #18 on:** January 04, 2009, 07:34:42 AM »

HiViz is another option for fiber optic sights. Remember this is not an electronic sight. I use fiber optic front and rear on my SSP IDPA gun. I use the dot for rapid indexing on close targets. For me, dot sights on a target pistol are useless! I use the top of the sight post for precision shooting. Changing the size of the dot doesn't help for that.
Savage
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=25999&title=FIBER%20OPTIC%20HANDGUN%20FRONT%20SIGHTS
This sight is about $25 if you have an account with Brownells.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #19 on:** January 04, 2009, 09:29:04 AM »

Quote from: Savage on January 04, 2009, 07:34:42 AM

HiViz is another option for fiber optic sights. Remember this is not an electronic sight. I use fiber optic front and rear on my SSP IDPA gun. I use the dot for rapid indexing on close targets. For me, dot sights on a target pistol are useless! I use the top of the sight post for precision shooting. Changing the size of the dot doesn't help for that.
Savage
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=25999&title=FIBER%20OPTIC%20HANDGUN%20FRONT%20SIGHTS
This sight is about $25 if you have an account with Brownells.

Yep what Savage said. I have a HiViz Fiber Optic Front Sight on my Ruger MKIII 22/45 4" Bull Barrel. I have used it with both the Ruger and have also experimented by replacing the Square Notch with Rugers V Notch Rear Sight. My problem with the V Notch Rear Sight is I can not get my Ruger Adjustable Rear Sight low enough.

I am currently using the HIViz Fiber Optic Front Sight with the largest Green Insert (I seem to be able to see the greeen much better than the Orange or Red) with the Ruger Square Notch Adjustable Sight with good success. It seems to work good for Target Shooting at our Indoor Shooting Range as well as for Cottontail Rabbits.

I ordered my HiViz Fiber Optic Front Sight direct from HiViz and got all the extra inserts they have available in addition to the ones that the sight came with.

Larry

Tom C. · « **Reply #20 on:** January 07, 2009, 08:13:24 AM »

I have an Ultradot LT on my MK II 678GC. It is a small holographic sight, small enough not to effect the weight and balance, but it does provide a nice sight picture.

I also have a BSA red dot scope. It is pretty big and heavy. It is nice to put on a gun for test work, but it is too bulky and heavy to leave on.

halfshot · « **Reply #21 on:** January 14, 2009, 01:46:03 PM »

HEY GUYS , SORRY NOT TO GET BACK HERE,, THAT TRU GLO SIGHT IS AVAILABLE AT CABELAS.. GOOD SHOOTIN

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #22 on:** January 23, 2009, 07:12:56 AM »

Morn'in shooters,

Well, I like the looks of the Mark II slabside, so picked up a new one awhile back.

Like the looks, don't like the fiber sights on the Mark IIIs, and like the RUGER rings and mounts.

Because this unit has iron sights and mounts/rings, I can pick and choose the sight situation.

However, my main reason for picking up this unit was for a easy to carry Grouse gun.

Also because of the fact I see most of my grouse when crusing back country trails on a 4wheeler, I wanted a unit with a scope, paralax free at close range.

I bought a used Leupold 2X, sent it back to the factory for a paralax adjustment to 25yards and now have myself a shooter which will keep ten shots - with the right ammo - in a small ragged hole at the 25 yd distance.

Now as mentioned above, scopes can make a handgun a bit hard to hold/shoot. But, on the 4wheeler, using the bike for a rest, and shooting at the 25yds or less, this package will shoot MOGH (minute of grouse head) whenever I do my part.

For fun or plinking, well that is the reason I can quickly take the scope off.

I have designed and built a shoulder rig for the scoped handgun, so it is out of the way/weather/dirt while riding the back country, yet quick to have for targets of oppertunity.

Keep em coming!

CDOC