Instruction manual

a. Make certain the gun and the magazine are unloaded and that the

safety is “on” (S). Remember, the magazine should be removed first,

then check the chamber and be certain it and the magazine-well are

clear of cartridges.

b. Thoroughly clean the magazine and bolt mechanism, paying

particular attention to removing accumulated grease. Use a bristle brush

and solvent to remove grease and fouling from the bolt face, the

extractor, the chamber, and the feed ramp. (See the “Care and Cleaning”

section of this manual for detailed cleaning instructions.)

c. Check to see that the magazine spring tension is adequate.

d. Check the magazine lips to be certain they are free of nicks and burrs

and are not deformed.

e. Remove excess oil and solvent from all cleaned components, load the

magazine, and try the firearm again. As always, proceed slowly. Be

certain bystanders are not close and that you are wearing eye and

hearing protection and that your face is a safe distance from the pistol so

that any discharge resulting from a jammed cartridge will not injure

anyone.

If the above procedures do not result in a smooth and reliably functioning firearm,

don’t use the gun. The pistol can be returned directly to our Prescott Product

Service Department for repair. See the Service and Parts Policy section of this

manual for packing and shipping information.

Another precaution: when using any firearm chambered for rimfire cartridges,

form the habit of examining fired cartridge cases. If they have bulged heads or

frequently show splits on any part of the case, the rifle or pistol should be

returned to the factory for inspection.

DISASSEMBLY

Although RUGER

MARK III pistols are designed to be disassembled and

reassembled without the use of tools, some “tools” may be useful in the process,

particularly when the pistols are new. Tools that may be useful include: (1) a soft

rubber/plastic mallet; (2) a paper clip; and (3) a wooden dowel (1/8” - 1/4”

diameter).

1. Before beginning disassembly, be certain that the muzzle is pointed in a safe

direction and that the safety is "on" (S) if the pistol is cocked. Remove the

magazine and carefully check it to verify that it is completely empty. Draw

the bolt fully rearward and visually inspect the chamber to be certain that

there is no cartridge in it and then release the bolt. Insert the empty

magazine into the magazine well until it "clicks" and is fully in place.

Disengage the internal lock, if necessary. (See p. 13.) Place the safety in the

"off" (F) position. Point the pistol in a safe direction and pull the trigger to

be sure the hammer has fallen. The hammer must be uncocked before the

pistol can be disassembled. Remove the empty magazine.