I was reading the Ruger catalogue and noticed for the first time that Ruger now makes their metal framed MK IV's with an Aluminum grip frame. When did THAT happen???

__________________
Forum consigliere

Just guessing since my Mk1 has a single piece frame, but the new ones 'break' to clean, that once they went to a two piece frame in the Mk4.

__________________
Certified Curmudgeon

That happened with the advent of the new CNC machined frames of the MK IV. However, they use aluminum on the blued version only. The stainless models use a stainless frame . The 22/45's still use polymer. I point out the difference to customers all the time because now, the Blued model weighs a full 7.2 oz lighter than it's stainless brother. It's also only an ounce heavier than the 22/45 version. ( Something you would think Ruger would point out.) That's a significant difference in weight if your shooting one handed and or for training kids/women.
FWIW, I like the weight and balance of the blued version the best. (Even over my Hunter model.)

__________________
Dave

Don't doubt you for a second Dave vis a vis the stainless steel ones and am quite glad they are still all steel but the website says aluminium for the stainless ones
With your statement regarding the balance of the blued ones, I need to check it out to see if I kike the balance, and if so,I might just get me one of those Turnbull models

__________________
Forum consigliere

My SS Mark 4 Target has a SS grip frame. I just reviewed their web site and all SS models are SS frame. The only reference to aluminum is for blued models.

Please provide a link to your SS / alum finding...

Only the blued pistols have the machined aluminum frame, the SS models have frames of SS also machined.
The prior model grip frames (Standard Model, Mk1, Mk2, Mk3)were stamped steel, welded and cleaned up to look one piece. 22/45 models are a different ball game.

I have the older mk I and mk II. Must be steel because there older.