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Since getting back into shooting I've run into some old shooting buddies. One's got a MKI which is in need of some reconditioning including grip replacement. I've surfed the usually places Numrich, Ruger, Midway but am not finding much for MKI
Any tips?
TIA
SD

Depends, on which frame model you are looking for grips? (A54 or A100)

What kind of grips are you trying to find?

R,
Bullseye

Thanks Bullseye! I was afraid of that. I'll check it out and get back. I had seen one designated A100 but then realized there may have been another type. Just want to replace the orig plastic grips as a gift and help him out.
I thought I'd "clean up" the gun for him in my spare time. The grips appeared to be cracked, the metal/bluing was shot and it was in need of a thorough "going over" The gun functions fine at this point but could stand some cosmetic attention and cleaning at least.

SD

The "A-100" frame has a stamping under the left grip panel that designates it. These A-100's are 1972 and later first generation frames that use magazines with the follower button on the left side of the magazine body, like the Mark II and Mark III pistols use. The "A-54" has no stamping under the grip panel. The screw hole patterns for the grips are different locations based on the frame version you are trying to replace. Locating OEM plastic grip panels for the earlier "A-54" frames is much harder to do.

R,
Bullseye

The A54 magazine has the follower on the right side, I think. The A100 mag has the follower on the left. You can get year of manufacture from the serial number on Ruger's website. If it's an A100, Hogue finger grips work very well.

Thanks greener, I guess I wasn't as clear as I thought about the A-100 when I created that post. You are right, A54-follower right side, A-100 - follower on left side of mag.

R,
Bullseye

Bullseye wrote:Thanks greener, I guess I wasn't as clear as I thought about the A-100 when I created that post. You are right, A54-follower right side, A-100 - follower on left side of mag.

R,
Bullseye

I should have started mine with "if you don't want to remove the grips.."
If it is an A100 frame, it will take MKII magazines, so you can have a 10-round magazine. Is that a high capacity mag for that pistol?

All M-10 magazines made now days have dual follower slots so the mag will work in either version of frame by simply placing the follower on the proper side. The M-10 and M-9 magazines have identical overall length, it is the base that's different. The M-9 has a non-removable metal base and the M-10 has a plastic removable base plate on the mag body. Sometimes the larger diameter follower buttons hang-up in the A-54 frame's follower track.

R,
Bullseye

Thanks for the valuable dialogue guys. I'm learning! The referenced guy is out of town for a few more days but when he gets back I'll be armed with real info! This gun is worthy of rescue. I just hope it's not the A-54 frame.
I always get a jolt rescuing a 1022 or a MK and putting it back with a happy shooter.
Thanks!

SD

When you get a chance to look at the pistol if the location of the lower grip screw is in a higher position on the left side of the pistol then it is an A-100 frame. If the lower grip screw position is higher on the right side of the frame it is an A-54.

R,
Bullseye

Thanks Bullseye!

I found some (A-100) and put them on his gun today for a gift!
The old ones were cracking and rather abused. He was jazzed!
Now he's decided to start shooting it again!

Nothing like a little make-over to rekindle interest in a long overlooked firearm. I'm glad to hear he's found a reason to take it out again.

R,
Bullseye

Yeah, Bullseye! I think I had that in the back of my "alleged mind" the whole time! Now to work on switching the follower button on a couple of mags and a red dot & base!

If you have any issues with the follower buttons, some frames don't like the newer, larger diameter, follower buttons and you may have to re-size them down a little. You can use the M-10 mags in the Mark I frames. The overall length and width of the M-9 and M-10 mag bodies are the same. It is the bases that are different. The M-9 is thicker and non-removable. The M-10 is plastic, thinner, and removable.

R,
Bullseye