Rule Question

First topic message reminder :

On another forum I mentioned that I'm shooting a Ruger Mk III for bullseye and I have replaced the standard hammer bushing with a replacement that allows me to remove the magazine disconnect.  In some replies I'm told that removal of the magazine disconnect is not legal to remove.  Others have told me it is not an issue.  I'd like to keep the mag disconnect out as it drops the magazines so much better without it.

Anyone out there have some insight for me on how it would be perceived at Perry? Is the magazine disconnect truly a safety device per the rules, or can the normal safety, which is completely functional, cover that rule?

Thanks!

DavidR wrote:Ruger, says this, which depending on how you interpret  it could go either way,
Remember that a round may still be in the chamber and that the pistol may still be

loaded even if the magazine is removed. As always, you should not rely upon the

magazine disconnect or any other mechanical device or safety to justify careless or

unsafe handling of any firearm.

and THAT is the crux of the safety issue according to Ruger.

Wow, this looks like so much fun!!!   I guess I'll join in also.

Yes, I have seen shooters not pass inspection on the line at Perry for a number of items, including magzine disconnect on model 41's, grip safety not working, trigger weight, etc. 

Yes, they generally do random pistol inspections at Perry before firing the match.  Some regionals inspect at well. 

Yes, I was there at Perry when they did equipment checks AFTER firing the match (and this was the first day, HM / M relay).  Therefore you got no second chance.  

The big question is, do you want to shoot tens or worry about gun?  Pick one, and lets start training again. 

Cecil

I for one have no worries, I just took the time to do it right.....

And, I think Cecil's point is loud and clear, or is that clear and load?

I wound the spring back around to restore the mag disconnect in a 41.  The mag disconnect does not bother me one way or the other in a 22.

I still question the after market uppers when mounted on MkIII frames.  The gun then is no longer a Ruger.  What are it's safety features now? 

I mentioned on the other list my OPA upper mounted on a "former" MkIII lower.  The lower has been trigger jobbed by OPA to be like a MkII.  (fantastic trigger BTW)  The gun as delivered from OPA has no LCI or mag disconnect.  I would argue that this firearm is an OPA.  It's safety features are what you see. 

(I do like the MkIII mag release)

So, I've been working tonight on getting my Ruger Mk III trigger heavy enough.  I weighed it the other day and it came in at 1.4 lbs.  I now have it at 2.1 lbs.  One of the steps I took to get there is I put the magazine disconnect back.  That increased the trigger pull by 0.15 lbs.  I then realized another reason for not having it besides having the magazines release easily is that it is more of a pain to cycle the bolt to dry fire.  You have to hold down on the bolt stop lever while you slingshot the bolt.  With the target grips I have it is a pain.  Oh well, enough complaining.  I don't think I'll be breaking any records with this gun anytime soon, but I do like the idea of not worrying about it.

Thanks for everyone's input.

If you take a magazine apart so the spring and follower aren't in it, the bolt won't lock back.  It will make it easier to dry fire.

Just a reminder, with .22 rimfires, nothings foolproof...

From Ruger: Can I dry fire my Mark III pistol?
Yes. The Mark III has a firing pin stop that prevents the firing pin from contacting the rear of the barrel and damaging the edge of the chamber. If you are going to dry fire the pistol extensively, the stop pin and firing pin will eventually wear and contact could occur, and we recommend replacing both the firing pin and the firing pin stop from time to time. You should also monitor the contact of the firing pin with the rear of the barrel.

Thanks, James.  I do watch and monitor for any contact between the firing pin and the barrel.  So far, so good.