I've been the owner of a Mark II Target model since 1983 and at first this gave me fits trying to remember how to reassemble this pistol. Then one day after reading the manual again and again it finally sunk in. I know many folks are not able to visualize what they are reading so a vid such as this is tremendously helpful. This pistol is a tack driver.
I don't think I understand all the features your tool gives me, but I'm going to be buying one just to say thank you for this video. I just inherited my Dad's 1964 target bull-nosed mark I, and this video was a lifesaver!
The Ruger mark ll was the very first pistol I got almost 20yrs ago. It's still my favorite of all my guns to this day. I just don't understand how people are having a hard time with it or loading the clips. The instruction book has perfect step by step directions and is quite easy to follow. The first few times I can understand but after that maybe 30 seconds tops to break down and a minute to reassemble. I've only had to use a mallet a few times to tap the back of the barrel. I've never had to use any other tools to break it down or put back together(that's just me though). Enjoyed your video and painting that part orange is a great idea.
Thank you for this informative video. btw, an easy trick that worked for me when installing the hammer strut assembly (3:30) was to pull and hold back the trigger then after installing turn pistol barrel upwards and shake as you showed (3:37) to make sure strut was correctly oriented. Thanks again, RP.
This tool is well worth its cost ( around $12-14 new at last check) and you can sometimes find them used, but in very good condition on eBay or Amazon, at reduced cost. I use this tool consistently with my Ruger Mk I, and Mk II's.
The gun in the video is a standard, or MKI style gun, which doesn't require the firing pin retainer to be moved out of the way. The MKII and MKIII have a longer extractor plunger than the MKI, requiring the partial removal of the firing pin retainer pin. This is explained in the tool instruction sheet. My bad for leaving it out of the video.
Excellent Video! I bought one of these today and couldn't figure why it wouldn't cock after re-assembly until I looked up this vid and you mentioned the 'hammer strut' many thanks :o)
Would like to see gunsmither do a vid on frame, sear, trigger disassembly/ reassembly for comparative purposes. Lighting and angle shot is key to an outstanding instructional video. Bought the 4 in 1 pistol pal tool . Seems like a handy thing and may prevent some scratching on my NRA limited edition Mk II. It is a beautiful blue.
Once you understand that the hammer strut placement is the part that gets everybody and know how to properly make it fall in place these really aren't so bad. Not as easy as a Glock but not as nasty as they are made out to be.
Good tool, but it was a little tougher to securely hook the mainspring housing latch on my gun than shown in the video. Also on the video, how did you get the extractor out without removing the firing pin retaining pin? On my Mk II, I could not push the extractor plunger in far enough to remove the extractor unless I removed the firing pin retainer first. Anyhow good tool, very happy with it. Thanks.
I didn't know about the disassembly of the 'bolt' as you demonstrated in the video. I don't remember seeing that in the Ruger instructions manual. Is that to be done often?
Cut my finger badly on the edge of the main spring housing the first time I pulled mine apart. Neat tool indeed. I use a modified heavy duty paperclip with mine.
TOOK ME 20 MINUTES TO GET IT BACK TOGEATHER. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO FOR IT SAVED ME GOING TO THE GUN SMITH TO PUT BACK TOGEATHER FOR ME. THIS IS A PAIN TO DO AND RUGER SHOULD DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS ASSEMBLY OF THIS GUN. MINE IS 30 YEARS OLD ATLEAST.
if anyone has noticed the tool can be made from a bolt on a lathe, and yes it is very easy to disassemble I do not need tools just my finger nail under the spring he has the wire for, and I can take it apart in under 10 seconds, takes me 30 seconds to reassemble oh one thing he doesn't mention after you place the bolt in, pull the trigger so the hammer is in the fired position, otherwise yes it will be a pain in the ass to put back together, because you are trying to depress the mainspring to the firing pin.
I am happy for you sir that you don't have a problem dis-assembling and re-assembling these guns. Many people do. I do mention to be certain that the hammer is forward for re-assembly. Yes, part of the tool is made from a bolt. What is your point?
I have repeatlvely taken care to get the 'slight pressure' as instructed (and I get it) but my bolt won't budge after the assembly. Even when I install it wrong (no spring pressure), the action will give a little, but when I do it right, the action won't move at all. And I'm through with paper clips,.. I getting your tool. One one attempt, the action seemed to be working ok, but then it stopped and started sticking.
After I assemble it (took days to figure it out), why won't the slide pull back all the way? What am I doing wrong? Anybody want to but an almost new stainless Mark II competition piece?
Right, but somehow in the video he got it out without removing the retainer pin. Actually if you watch carefully at 1:43-44, it looks he might catch it (the retainer pin) falling out, but if so, he doesn't put it back when re-assembling the gun :-o
I know it's not just me so I'm not trying to be a big mouth, and I certainly do appreciate your posting this video. However, I don't find the Ruger MK pistols very difficult to disassemble, reassemble or even complete take down, clean & oil.
it is not very hard to take the bolt apart. in my opinion, you don't have to take it apart every time you clean your gun though. i suppose if the face of the bolt looks real black, then it might be a good idea. just my 2 cents. call Ruger for more info.
If it weren't for the take down, Ruger would have made the perfect .22LR pistol long ago. I'm sure they can engineer a better way. I don't know why, but it took them 50+ years to put a standard button magazine release on the it, creating the Mark III.
This isn't really "the easy way", so much as the "only way". I should really get one of those tools. No other gun I've ever owned was less intuitive to take apart and clean. I always end up looking for a paper clip, or a spark plug gap tool to pull that stupid latch on the back strap of the grip. End up using an eye glass screw driver or nail clipper file and invariably slice my finger open. Great gun to carry for plinking or small game/pest eradication/target shooting... Horrible to clean. I could take down a 1911 or AR and put back together blindfolded (not quickly mind you), but I can't take apart a Ruger Mark 2 without a lot of cursing and usually self inflicted injuries lol. I never have problems reassembling after it's clean, it's just that stupid latch is so tight and hard to open.
I know exactly what you're talking about. I use a small plastic zip tie, looped like the this tool, works great and no marring.But, man when they are brand new and super tight, they are a bear to remove and install from the frame, but you wouldn't want it to be sloppy. .
I love Ruger Mk 2's, they are the ultimate Shooters Intelligence Test. In my opinion, if you are too stupid to put it back together, you're too stupid to own guns. Great video!
very nice tool i have owned Rugers pistols for a long time and at 13.99 not bad better then using a screw driver and scratching the gun I going to 2 of those tools one for me and one for my son thanks good video
I will never take this great iconic piece shit of apart again! If gun scrubber cant get it out then the hell with it. I love these little pistols but i curse the god damn design at the same time!
You made this sound difficult and made it look harder than it needed to be. This video makes it look simple with no tools at all. youtube. com/watch?v=vh5eylgiNcI
The gun in the video is a standard, or MKI style gun, which doesn't require the firing pin retainer to be moved out of the way. The MKII and MKIII have a longer extractor plunger than the MKI, requiring the partial removal of the firing pin retainer pin. This is explained in the tool instruction sheet. My bad for leaving it out of the video.
The gun in the video is a standard, or MKI style gun, which doesn't require the firing pin retainer to be moved out of the way. The MKII and MKIII have a longer extractor plunger than the MKI, requiring the partial removal of the firing pin retainer pin. This is explained in the tool instruction sheet. My bad for leaving it out of the video.
I've been the owner of a Mark II Target model since 1983 and at first this gave me fits trying to remember how to reassemble this pistol. Then one day after reading the manual again and again it finally sunk in. I know many folks are not able to visualize what they are reading so a vid such as this is tremendously helpful. This pistol is a tack driver.
Tr..
R?.mm...
That really sums up the re-assembly of these great guns!
I don't think I understand all the features your tool gives me, but I'm going to be buying one just to say thank you for this video. I just inherited my Dad's 1964 target bull-nosed mark I, and this video was a lifesaver!
You gave the best explanation I've seen of how the hammer strut should seat into the main spring. I'm definitely subscribing to your channel. Thanks.
Excellent innovation! Thank you! The extractor tool is my personal favourite 👌
The Ruger mark ll was the very first pistol I got almost 20yrs ago. It's still my favorite of all my guns to this day. I just don't understand how people are having a hard time with it or loading the clips. The instruction book has perfect step by step directions and is quite easy to follow. The first few times I can understand but after that maybe 30 seconds tops to break down and a minute to reassemble. I've only had to use a mallet a few times to tap the back of the barrel. I've never had to use any other tools to break it down or put back together(that's just me though). Enjoyed your video and painting that part orange is a great idea.
Thank you for this informative video. btw, an easy trick that worked for me when installing the hammer strut assembly (3:30) was to pull and hold back the trigger then after installing turn pistol barrel upwards and shake as you showed (3:37) to make sure strut was correctly oriented. Thanks again, RP.
This tool is well worth its cost ( around $12-14 new at last check) and you can sometimes find them used, but in very good condition on eBay or Amazon, at reduced cost. I use this tool consistently with my Ruger Mk I, and Mk II's.
Me too
Great tool!!! I have a couple of them, and also highly recommended the tool to several friends.
The gun in the video is a standard, or MKI style gun, which doesn't require the firing pin retainer to be moved out of the way. The MKII and MKIII have a longer extractor plunger than the MKI, requiring the partial removal of the firing pin retainer pin. This is explained in the tool instruction sheet. My bad for leaving it out of the video.
So this video cover Ruger standard auto pistol with the A-100 marking under the right grip? Does anyone know what year it was made?
Excellent Video! I bought one of these today and couldn't figure why it wouldn't cock after re-assembly until I looked up this vid and you mentioned the 'hammer strut'
many thanks :o)
Would like to see gunsmither do a vid on frame, sear, trigger disassembly/ reassembly for comparative purposes. Lighting and angle shot is key to an outstanding instructional video.
Bought the 4 in 1 pistol pal tool . Seems like a handy thing and may prevent some scratching on my NRA limited edition Mk II. It is a beautiful blue.
the idea of painting the strut is genius
Once you understand that the hammer strut placement is the part that gets everybody and know how to properly make it fall in place these really aren't so bad. Not as easy as a Glock but not as nasty as they are made out to be.
Patience my friend. Once you understand it, it's a "piece of cake".
Good tool, but it was a little tougher to securely hook the mainspring housing latch on my gun than shown in the video. Also on the video, how did you get the extractor out without removing the firing pin retaining pin? On my Mk II, I could not push the extractor plunger in far enough to remove the extractor unless I removed the firing pin retainer first. Anyhow good tool, very happy with it. Thanks.
I didn't know about the disassembly of the 'bolt' as you demonstrated in the video.
I don't remember seeing that in the Ruger instructions manual. Is that to be done often?
Cut my finger badly on the edge of the main spring housing the first time I pulled mine apart. Neat tool indeed. I use a modified heavy duty paperclip with mine.
Great tool! I use mine all the time. Thanks
TOOK ME 20 MINUTES TO GET IT BACK TOGEATHER. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO FOR IT SAVED ME GOING TO THE GUN SMITH TO PUT BACK TOGEATHER FOR ME. THIS IS A PAIN TO DO AND RUGER SHOULD DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS ASSEMBLY OF THIS GUN. MINE IS 30 YEARS OLD ATLEAST.
if anyone has noticed the tool can be made from a bolt on a lathe, and yes it is very easy to disassemble I do not need tools just my finger nail under the spring he has the wire for, and I can take it apart in under 10 seconds, takes me 30 seconds to reassemble oh one thing he doesn't mention after you place the bolt in, pull the trigger so the hammer is in the fired position, otherwise yes it will be a pain in the ass to put back together, because you are trying to depress the mainspring to the firing pin.
I am happy for you sir that you don't have a problem dis-assembling and re-assembling these guns. Many people do. I do mention to be certain that the hammer is forward for re-assembly. Yes, part of the tool is made from a bolt. What is your point?
thank you from France
I have repeatlvely taken care to get the 'slight pressure' as instructed (and I get it) but my bolt won't budge after the assembly. Even when I install it wrong (no spring pressure), the action will give a little, but when I do it right, the action won't move at all. And I'm through with paper clips,.. I getting your tool.
One one attempt, the action seemed to be working ok, but then it stopped and started sticking.
No, it does not require it often. In fact, the entire gun seldom needs a total strip down.
After I assemble it (took days to figure it out), why won't the slide pull back all the way? What am I doing wrong? Anybody want to but an almost new stainless Mark II competition piece?
Great vid and I want to buy your tool. Where is your website listed?
At 4:09 "If it doesn't got that spring, its not gonna do it's thing."
Awesome...
Right, but somehow in the video he got it out without removing the retainer pin. Actually if you watch carefully at 1:43-44, it looks he might catch it (the retainer pin) falling out, but if so, he doesn't put it back when re-assembling the gun :-o
Well done thank you
You should sell on eBay and Amazon as well
I know it's not just me so I'm not trying to be a big mouth, and I certainly do appreciate your posting this video. However, I don't find the Ruger MK pistols very difficult to disassemble, reassemble or even complete take down, clean & oil.
I am happy for you sir that you don't have a problem dis-assembling and re-assembling these guns. Many people do.
I always just used a paperclip or the top of a Zippo lighter(when I smoked)
Good video.
it is not very hard to take the bolt apart. in my opinion, you don't have to take it apart every time you clean your gun though. i suppose if the face of the bolt looks real black, then it might be a good idea. just my 2 cents. call Ruger for more info.
I HAVE THE TOOL AND IT IS A GREAT HELP!
Thanks
A tool ?
Good vid
If it weren't for the take down, Ruger would have made the perfect .22LR pistol long ago. I'm sure they can engineer a better way. I don't know why, but it took them 50+ years to put a standard button magazine release on the it, creating the Mark III.
This isn't really "the easy way", so much as the "only way". I should really get one of those tools. No other gun I've ever owned was less intuitive to take apart and clean. I always end up looking for a paper clip, or a spark plug gap tool to pull that stupid latch on the back strap of the grip. End up using an eye glass screw driver or nail clipper file and invariably slice my finger open. Great gun to carry for plinking or small game/pest eradication/target shooting... Horrible to clean. I could take down a 1911 or AR and put back together blindfolded (not quickly mind you), but I can't take apart a Ruger Mark 2 without a lot of cursing and usually self inflicted injuries lol. I never have problems reassembling after it's clean, it's just that stupid latch is so tight and hard to open.
I know exactly what you're talking about. I use a small plastic zip tie, looped like the this tool, works great and no marring.But, man when they are brand new and super tight, they are a bear to remove and install from the frame, but you wouldn't want it to be sloppy.
.
I love Ruger Mk 2's, they are the ultimate Shooters Intelligence Test. In my opinion, if you are too stupid to put it back together, you're too stupid to own guns. Great video!
Stupid comment! Not everyone is so brilliant as you.
very nice tool i have owned Rugers pistols for a long time and at 13.99 not bad
better then using a screw driver and scratching the gun I going to 2 of those tools one for me and one for my son thanks good video
I will never take this great iconic piece shit of apart again! If gun scrubber cant get it out then the hell with it. I love these little pistols but i curse the god damn design at the same time!
You made this sound difficult and made it look harder than it needed to be. This video makes it look simple with no tools at all. youtube. com/watch?v=vh5eylgiNcI
The gun in the video is a standard, or MKI style gun, which doesn't require the firing pin retainer to be moved out of the way. The MKII and MKIII have a longer extractor plunger than the MKI, requiring the partial removal of the firing pin retainer pin. This is explained in the tool instruction sheet. My bad for leaving it out of the video.
The gun in the video is a standard, or MKI style gun, which doesn't require the firing pin retainer to be moved out of the way. The MKII and MKIII have a longer extractor plunger than the MKI, requiring the partial removal of the firing pin retainer pin. This is explained in the tool instruction sheet. My bad for leaving it out of the video.