Ruger Mark II with Ranch Mag Release

Review of the Ranch Products Magazine Release for the Ruger Mark II pistol. Available from Brownells at the link below. I did a little cutting together on this video. It started out about 25 minutes and I trimmed some of the rambling and ranting out as well as a discussion about fixing the spring interference issue that went nowhere. I left some of it in as a troubleshooting guide if you're having problems with your catch.
www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/frame-parts/magazine-release-parts/magazine-releases/ruger-reg-mk-ii-extended-magazine-release-prod9958.aspx

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

Overall video review: Knowledge of subject matter - A+ Instructional value - C I watched very close, as I am getting ready to perform the same upgrade, but I never saw how to really complete the installation, start to finish. All I can swear to is that I CAN get the spring in backwards and hinder the full effect of the mag release. I shoot my "tapered barrel" MK II all the time; more now than when I bought it in the 80's. I think I've developed a new appreciation for it. Thanks for the video.

[@fatefinger]

Kentucky Justice i’m having The same issue. However I am not upgrading my factory one fell out during a total tear down. There does not seem to be instructions here or anywhere on the Internet at all they gives step-by-step how to put it back in. And this video actually skipped the vital step I needed to avoid going to a gunsmith and having to pay out-of-pocket to put this back together for something that should be simple.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

It's a head scratcher, I'll give ya that.

[@slimjim7411]

Exactly what I have been looking for since picking up some Majestic Arms magazines for my Mk II. They have a extended baseplate and removing them is a pain with the stock mag release. Side note I was happy to find new magazines for it and they seem to work very well.

[@RyeOnHam]

I wish that Ruger had come up with a better magazine when they updated to the MK IV. Since they redesigned the baseplate anyway. A high-capacity magazine would have been nice, especially considering their SR-22 holds 10 rounds as well. Now we're getting Taurus and Kel-Tec guns with high capacity magazines.

[@cebersimpson7327]

Very helpful video. Gave me confidence to install another brand of extended magazine release. My spring was a bit different, such that it didn’t have the issue cited here.

[@RyeOnHam]

Glad it helped.

[@whitebuffalo4641]

Thanks for the intro to this nifty replacement for the awkward original magazine release.

[@flyboytim2009]

I'll answer my own question, yes, they do. Also, it's only the bottom (lowermost) pin that has to be removed. Removal allows the magazine catch to fall free and the new one to be installed. It's not really necessary to remove the spring. The instruction on aligning the spring in between the wings on the magazine catch was a great tip too. Now I'm able to use 10 round Mark II magazines in my Standard model with perfect function. Thanks.

[@RyeOnHam]

+flyboytim2009 I have owned and worked on a dozen or so MK I's over the years. I really prefer the MK II for the slide release. I hate manipulating the finger-skin-guillotine system they have for the bolt. The MK-III has to go down as the absolute worst "upgrade" of a pistol in history. I have a few videos on my 'fixing' my MK III's.

[@flyboytim2009]

+RyeOnHam Thanks, and I would love to find one. Perhaps some day. I live in Commiefornia and people hold onto Ruger Mark Anything as they are no longer on "the list" of California Compliant firearms. I hate even saying that.

[@RyeOnHam]

+flyboytim2009 I lived in California for a while but left after the '89 gun bans.

[@flyboytim2009]

+RyeOnHam Well, you haven't missed much, high taxes maybe. And crime of course. Now those favorite sidearms for drive-by shootings, Ruger .22 target pistols, coveted by the Crips and the Bloods I'm sure you know, are unavailable.

[@RyeOnHam]

flyboytim2009 Thank goodness. At least, thankfully, gang members can't get hold of them on account of the Utopian gun laws.

[@kenibnanak5554]

I am wonderiing if this will work (or is modifiable) to work with an Mk1 Standard? Oh, never mind I see the answer below. :)

[@jbovenzi]

I'm glad I came across your review. I've got three MKI pistols and was looking around for extended magazine catches for them. I like how this one has just enough material sticking out for your thumb/finger to engage but isn't overly long like some other brands out there. Plus I like the fact that these are a 1/3 the price of the others so I can outfit all 3 pistols for what I thought I was going to have to spend for just one. Thanks!

[@Fishifyed]

Did this particular model fit your MK1?

[@fatefinger]

I got the spring in just fine but I cannot get the release in. I don’t have an upgrade, mine just fell out during disassembly. There’s nothing in here that shows how to actually put the release back in; your video seems to skip showing that part of assembly and then you go “everything is back together“. So the most vital step is actually deliberately left out it seems. What would you advise to do so I don’t have to take it to a gunsmith and pay $75 have it put back in because I’m struggling?

[@RyeOnHam]

I don't think I cover it in the video. You have to push the spring in the right way with the release to properly tension it and then slide the pin in when it is in the correct position. I am a hands-on person, so I don't have much help for you. I doubt that a gunsmith would charge $75, but keep fiddling with it. I can't really demonstrate in a message, I have to have my hands on it.

[@RickJZ1973]

Nice institutional video. I'm going to look to obtain a few of the Ranch Products magazine releases. The release would work well on some of the semi custom MKII builds that I completed. Btw, those are really nice stainless models you have!

[@sunburst68]

Those are some fine looking Standards you have there. I am envious! I have a wonderful blued Mark II Standard, but these are mighty pretty!

[@RyeOnHam]

+sunburst68 They are awful pretty, I agree. They come up on the market enough, you just have to pay for them sometimes.

[@pedrowhack-a-mole6786]

Thanks for this video. So many, so called, full assembly videos don't include the mag release or sear. I had to check that I put the spring in the right way. . . twice.

[@RyeOnHam]

Yeah, most mag releases are there till you decide to change it out. That is, unless something goes wrong with it.

[@larrywolfe7760]

Thank you! I put the spring in backwards!!!! This video showed me what was wrong!!!

[@RyeOnHam]

Thanks for watching!

[@TrainSimUSA]

Thanks for showing the spring how it was originally. My dumb self decided to clean it, but I couldn't event get the latch to come up because the pin had shifted a bit. It prevented me from pulling it out. So I had to tap those mag. spring pins out. Then tap that pin back into postion. It took a lot of patience to get the release back. The gun is now clean at least. A vintage Mark 1.

[@RyeOnHam]

Good to hear. I have had them apart so many times it almost seems old hat to me, but I still enjoy wrapping my hands around these old girls.

[@leytonpatzer6778]

I pulled apart my grandpas old standard ruger to clean it fully and i cant tell you how many videos ive watched trying to figure out how to put my mag release back to gather.

[@RyeOnHam]

Hope this helped.

[@TRRILCS]

Hi Ryan RyeOnHam. I recently purchased a blued MKII Heavy Barrel target pistol and would like to install this upgrade. Do you know if this is still available for purchase and if so, best source to Canada? Great job on the videos.

[@RyeOnHam]

Yeah, they are still available through Brownells. Just search for Ranch Products Magazine Release. They show the Blued one out of stock.

[@loftonharris5632]

I recently bought a Mark I with the older frame. I hate the OEM mag release and ordered the Ranch Mag from Brownell. For the life of me I cannot get the holes on the RM to line so the pin can be inserted completely. Is it possible that the new release is out of spec? I could drill the holes to allow insertion of the pin but would rather not. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[@RyeOnHam]

I would suggest calling the company and asking for assistance.

[@desertdale2405]

I have had clearance problems with the Old Model frames made before 1971. The MKII mag catches are a bigger diameter. The old springs were shorter also.

[@judecassar6914]

Great upgrade but I can only find them in black. If you know where I can find one in stainless please let me know.

[@RyeOnHam]

Brownells has a stock notification system. That or you could try to contact the company.

[@trimmr]

I watched this twice and I don't recall seeing what you did to actually fix the spring issue? I just noticed you pushed the spring over a little so the release would clear the spring, is that the only "fix"? Does the spring stay there and not cause any more issues? Or is there more to the fix?

[@RyeOnHam]

Been a couple of years. I don't recall. I think I filed an angle on the release so that the spring would be pushed to the center each time the release was activated. Again, been a while. I film these videos sometimes months prior to posting them.

[@trimmr]

Thanks, if it comes back to you, let us know.

[@RyeOnHam]

Yes, best I can figure I did bevel the edge of the catch a bit where it contacts the pin on both sides. That way, if the spring creeps over, it will be pushed back into position by the release.

[@Thomas-po3by]

Ryeonham I hope you are still active!!! I took my ruger mk1 magazine release out and I just don’t get the orientation of how the mag release spring holds the release in place under spring tension??? Can you please help!!! Tc from Nevada

[@RyeOnHam]

Best I can say is watch the video closely. I am a visual learner. There should be wear marks that clue you in.

[@Thomas-po3by]

@@RyeOnHam thanks for guick response just so you know I’ve watched ur video at least 2 dozen times. I’m just a moron and just don’t get it.. I’m frustrated with it I’ll find someone here in Las Vegas to show me the way!!! It just seems so ez, but when I put it back together the release won’t pivot forward to engage with the magazine???

[@jmartin9059]

*THANK YOU. I think I 'MIGHT WANT the MARK II heel style mag catch 'retrofitted' into my EARLY PRODUCTION {TRANSITION MODEL} steel frame Mark III ... in addition to the side button mag catch. That would allow for more positive mag retention {and possibly better alignment for better feeding...I hope}. Also, I should be able to use Mark II , Mark III and Mark IV magazines in my Mark III "retro" with BOTH magazine catches in place.*

[@RyeOnHam]

That's interesting. Is there just a filler block in the base where the old mag catch would have been?

[@gwcracker]

Nice hockey puck. Never saw one close up.. Still thinking about your spring adjustments and fit. Resemble a Chinese puzzle?

[@RyeOnHam]

gwcracker I think about such things constantly. Thanks for watching.

[@flyboytim2009]

Great how to video. Do you know if these will fit a Ruger Standard? Thanks.

[@desertdale2405]

The smaller one is a MKII Standard. There are Standards in all series.

[@shaved1999]

Do you have to take the spring out?

[@RyeOnHam]

Yes, the spring wraps around the pin you use to install it. It's quite a fiddly job.

[@shaved1999]

@@RyeOnHam I hate springs LOL.

[@jamesdecker3299]

Just installed this release extension. Really quite pleased. Your video was both informative and helpful. Presented in a straight forward manner with clear videography. Thank you sir.

[@RyeOnHam]

Thank you for watching. Still like the Mark IV better, but don't need to get one.

[@Capt_Killingfield]

I have one coming in the mail right now, from Brownell's. Any tips??

[@chrisjanquart7550]

Only two things I don't really like about my favorite .22 pistol...it's really finicky to break down/reassemble and you had to perform a bit of manipulation when inserting/removing magazines. I was going to mention availability of ammunition but that's getting a bit better. Other than swapping the stock grips for Packmyers, this will be the only other modification I'll need to do and make my Mk II truly awesome. Red Eagle grips would be a bonus.

[@RyeOnHam]

+chris janquart I think I have Red Eagle grips on my three MK II frames now. Might have done another video about that in the past. They look better. That's just my opinion. I don't like the Pachmeyr grips. I prefer factory, but I really have nothing against the Hogue. Yes, disassembly is a pain, but it was made worse by the MK III magazine disconnect. Removal of the Magazine Disconnect actually makes disassembly easier. I have a video on how to do this, but there are dozens of other users who have done the same video. I would also recommend removing the loaded chamber indicator that is known to cause jams. I've got a vid on that as well. Thanks for watching!

[@jansultan4850]

There are two ways the spring can go in, and your video does not shoe how to install it. I nneded this tonreassemble the mag release correctly

[@RyeOnHam]

Look at RUGER.COM. The manual has a parts breakdown that shows it IIRC.

[@RyeOnHam]

I do believe that the Ruger MK I (otherwise known as the "standard") takes the same parts, but perhaps Ranch Products would have a better answer: www.ranchproducts.com/

[@Bcamos1]

That is literally the worst designed website, ever.

[@RyeOnHam]

Justin Starkey Agreed. That is just the machine shop. They are available at www.brownells.com/manufacturers/RANCH%20PRODUCTS/index.htm

[@jbovenzi]

The Standard, MKI and MKII take the same parts so this will fit.

[@evilcowboy]

yeah same parts I have the blueprints for the A-54 frame it puts both pin locations at the same spot as the MKII I confirmed with a friends MKII VS the prints and they match perfectly. The blueprints I have are tighter clearances and tolerances than the original frame resulting in better fitting mags and parts. I am about 50% done with building my frame and just cut the slot for the mag button on the side. Very cool frame to build and very cool gun all together. When I go to make my mag release I will be referencing this video to make the same modification to it. I like the release you bought a lot better than the original design. Thanks for the video.

[@jamesdecker3804]

I too really like the mk4 I would like to have one, but not a necessity for now.

[@RyeOnHam]

My collection stands at 2 complete MK II's (a 6 7/8" and 4 5/8" tapered stainless) one 22/45 MK III, one blued MK II lower with a MK III upper, and a MK II blued upper standing by in case it's needed. I don't need the MK IV any time soon. I know how to disassemble the other ones so there's no real advantage to the new models beyond the button mag release.

[@sammyfoister3677]

Did he just like jump over the fix how is this helpful???? The sad part is I watched two times due that I just thought I missed it

[@RyeOnHam]

Being a bit vague. Fix for what? Who are you asking?

[@willieb6529]

you're not mistaken - the video is incomplete in reassembly of the magazine release and spring... fortunately, pg. 38 of the Ruger MK II manual shows orientation, and most folks will be able to figure out correct installs from later parts of the video here

[@willylickit8694]

I didnt come here to learn what it does i came to learn how to put it back on wtf

[@RyeOnHam]

Sorry, I will issue you a refund.

[@python357magnum100]

Completely skipped putting it together.

[@RyeOnHam]

I mean, it's putting a spring in and then putting a pin through the hole. What I usually say here is if you don't feel comfortable with what I haven't filmed, then perhaps you should take it to somebody who is. It's hard for me to gauge what other people have the aptitude for as I've been doing this for my entire life.

[@jansultan4850]

Your camera workmis abysmal…the viewer cant see the detail of how the spring fits, orwhich pins go where, and how they fit

[@RyeOnHam]

Would you like a refund?