MKIII Receiver/frame Disassembly fix

tom234 · Post by **tom234** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 5:13 pm

I just got a new "target" model and had to really pound on the receiver to remove it from the frame. Is there a recommended fix to loosen up the receiver/frame locking lug fit so that you will only have to tap on the receiver to remove it ? Below are [pics of the frame and receiver. The receiver recess appears gouged out and not machined. Is this "normal" ? Thanks.

[/img]

jjfunk · Post by **jjfunk** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 5:57 pm

I think that your grip frame lug looks just fine, but the receiver window almost looks like it wasn't milled out properly. That being said, I have "carressed" both parts on different stubborn MK series pistolas in order to get a little "less" snug receiver to frame fit. When I mod the grip frame, I take some very fine emory cloth, and curl it under the lug and take a few easy strokes at a time. Don't overdo it, as then you will have "slop " and may end up having to shim the lug. The other thing that I have done, is to dremel out on the window of the receiver, to taper it slightly to help ease the lug into postion. I personally would probably take a very small bit off the edge on the receiver window, just to even it up, and then if it still super tight, put a little grease on it, and shoot it up to a few thousand rounds before doing anything else. "Break-In" helps over time to loosen up the fit. Plus, having a tight firearm is usually prefered over having a loose and "rattling" shooter. FWIW

-edit- My most recent MKIII was just as you are describing, "supertight". I did just what I described above, and then after about 2000 rounds, it gradually got a little better. I will always have to use a mallet on it, but I don't feel like I am trying to drive 14" nails into oak anymore either. Usually just one firm whack does it now.

MicroGuy · Post by **MicroGuy** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:37 pm

If that's a 22/45, then it seems to be fairly common. Mine was that way and another one on another forum.

I really had to whack mine. I gave up and swapped it out.

The real problem is the poly grips. Basically, it's plastic. So it "gives" a bit. It'll open a bit so you can hammer it back together, but the plastic will again relax. And when it does, it grips the metal.

So as you take it apart and put it back together, the plastic giving way, and not really changing it's over all dimensions, (losing plastic).

So, you can live with it, take it back like I did and get a Hunter with SS frame, or you can shave it down like jjfunk says.

But if you do, remember, it's ALWAYS easier to remove something than it is to add to it.

I can take my Hunter apart with just a whap with the heal of my hand. i'm guessing sooner or later I'll have to do something to tighten it back up.

jjfunk · Post by **jjfunk** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:28 am

I'm fairly certain that that is a metal frame, I can see the metal "grain" and the underside of the receiver isn't piened like they are on the 22/45's.

Post by **Bullseye** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:37 am

I use the thin strip of emory cloth method that JJfunk described on the underside of the front mounting lug. Cut a strip long enough to pull back and forth like a drawstring.

R,
Bullseye

tom234 · Post by **tom234** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 12:09 pm

Thanks all for the suggestions. It's a MKIII678 "Target" model with metal frame....
I don't see a way or the have tools to get at the receiver recess so I'll get some emery cloth and give that fix a try. I attempted reassembling and I'm about 1/32-1/16" shy of having the bolt stop hole in the receiver line up with the frame; the receiver is about flush with the end of the frame. Ruger must have used a hydraulic press to assemble this puppy.

MicroGuy · Post by **MicroGuy** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 6:33 pm

Just keep in mind that once it's taken apart and put back together again, it will loosen up. The metal parts will sort of mate themselves, act like cutting tools on each other.

So when you start using that cloth, you still want it tight, you should rap it firmly with a mallet. Then it will loosen up after a couple of times.

What I do for disassembly, is hold the barrel in my left hand, and the grip in my right, with the back end of the receiver on a piece of wood. Then tilt the gun barrel (whole gun really) to the left so the grips raise off the wood.

Now you're only resting on the very tip of that receiver. Then I can use the heel of my hand to whack the grip piece on that metal part just above the trigger guard. (very front of the grip piece)

With assembly, I put the barrel on the wood, pointing down and put some pressure on the grip. Not much to whack there because of the angles. But if you're careful, you can use a small piece of wood on the very back of the receiver and tap it with a mallet.

But mine has loosen up enough I can just pull them apart. Might still have to give a thump putting it together though.