Ruger Mark III Competition vs Mark III Target

[helluvaengr]

Does anyone have any insight regarding the differences between the Mark III 6 7/8 Competition and the Mark III 6 7/8 Target ?

The obvious differences that I see are:

1) SS for the Competition, Blued for the Target

2) Different Grips. I like the thumbrest on the Competition, but for the difference in price I could get an aftermarket grip.

3) Slab sided barrel for the Competition.

4) Competition is slightly heavier (45 oz vs 42 oz).

Is there a significant difference in accuracy ? Difference in Trigger ?

I will be using this for Bullseye and International Pistol competition

[Bullseye]

You've noticed most of the differences between the two models. The target model has a tapered bull barrel and the competiton model has a slab sided barrel. The differences in the mass of these two barrels is the overall weight difference between the two models.

You can get rubberized thumbrest grips from Hogue for about $20.

Trigger feel and accuracy are the same between the models. Try feeling the two and make your choice based on comfort. The more comfortable you are with the pistol the better the accuracy results will be on the target.

Hope this helps.

R,
Bullseye

[helluvaengr]

Bullseye,

Thanks for the input. I've been trying to decide if I should put the money that I'd save buying the target model toward a trigger accessory package or just go with the competition. I'm leaning toward just getting the competition. Six months to a year from now if I feel the need to improve the trigger, the price that I originally paid will not be at the forefront of my thinking. If I go with the cheaper gun, I'll probably always be second guessing myself.

Thanks again for the input.

[Bullseye]

When you decide which pistol you're going to purchase, all you'll need later is a VQ sear and an VQ adjustable target trigger for that upgrade. The whole package costs around $46 at Rimfire Sports and Custom.

R,
Bullseye