For whatever odd reason, I keep ending up with a Ruger Mark IV in my hands at ranges. I've previously never thought about owning one, but they shoot nice. So nice in fact, that it has made my 2019 gun buying list. And I'm getting excited about the prospect of punching out the "X" ring of paper targets with the inexpensive, skill building little .22LR
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Ruger Mark IV
- Thread starter Bronco89
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Valmet
Member
I’m hearing you loud and clear. The ease of maintenance compared to the prior “Marks” is making me want one BAD.
garystl
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I've got two Mk4 models. A Hunter and a 22/45 Lite. Both are nice guns and I've added Tandemkross parts to both. For general shooting I prefer the 22/45, but I suspect the Hunter would be more accurate due to the higher weight. I've got holographic red dot sights on both. 3MOA on the Hunter, and 8MOA on the 22/45.
GypsmJim
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I have a "Standard", a Mark I, a Mark II, a Mark III and a Mark IV. (My Ruger collection is almost as big as my S&W collection)
Yeah the IV disassembles easy, but my other 4 are just as easy after you did it once. (I laugh at all the complaints).
Anywhoot, all of them shoot very fine, and the fit and finish is equally fine, but my best accuracy is with my Mark II.
The only advantage of the IIIs and IVs is that they come drilled and tapped for a scope (or red dot) mount.
Yeah the IV disassembles easy, but my other 4 are just as easy after you did it once. (I laugh at all the complaints).
Anywhoot, all of them shoot very fine, and the fit and finish is equally fine, but my best accuracy is with my Mark II.
The only advantage of the IIIs and IVs is that they come drilled and tapped for a scope (or red dot) mount.
Rare
My problem with the older Mark I, II, or II, is that I can never seem to find one used. And the price is right on a new IV.
My problem with the older Mark I, II, or II, is that I can never seem to find one used. And the price is right on a new IV.
I have one Mk4 and several Mk2's (also a couple of M41's and many K22's). The Mk4 goes to the range with me every time and makes me look like I know what I'm doing.
However, the Mk4 was not without some issues. Mine is an early one that suffered through the safety recall, also I've upgraded its trigger, sear, firing pin extractor, grips and sights with Volquartson components. Should you get one, I would strongly suggest that you at minimum replace its firing pin; the original one with "lightening" holes was/is a bad design and is subject to fatigue cracking which often results in breech damage. Also, it's been reported (Rimfire Central) that the rubber bumper near the front pivot will eventually need replaced due to wear. The FP and bumper are cheap insurance. The Volquartson parts, not so much, but they make the Mk4 a joy to shoot. -S2
However, the Mk4 was not without some issues. Mine is an early one that suffered through the safety recall, also I've upgraded its trigger, sear, firing pin extractor, grips and sights with Volquartson components. Should you get one, I would strongly suggest that you at minimum replace its firing pin; the original one with "lightening" holes was/is a bad design and is subject to fatigue cracking which often results in breech damage. Also, it's been reported (Rimfire Central) that the rubber bumper near the front pivot will eventually need replaced due to wear. The FP and bumper are cheap insurance. The Volquartson parts, not so much, but they make the Mk4 a joy to shoot. -S2
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
I have a mk1 & a mak II. I purchased on a whim for the grandson. One was so leaded up I’m surprised it cycled. I disassembled both and did a gi cleaning. These are awesome shooters congrats.
I seen a stoeger Luger in 22 rf.
I seen a stoeger Luger in 22 rf.
Pass on the models earlier than Mark IV. They are hard to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning. Mark IV is a pushbutton to get it apart and back together.
If you get a Mark IV, you'll notice that it's marked "Target." That's aspirational only. To make it into a target gun, you'll need to do two things:
1. Get a good set of target stocks to replace the dreadful little plastic ones, and
2. You absolutely must get a Volquartsen trigger installed.
When you do these things, you'll have a target grade pistol for about $700 that'll shoot better than your youngest girlfriend can.
Mine goes to the range every time I go, regardless of what other handguns will be shot that day.
If you get a Mark IV, you'll notice that it's marked "Target." That's aspirational only. To make it into a target gun, you'll need to do two things:
1. Get a good set of target stocks to replace the dreadful little plastic ones, and
2. You absolutely must get a Volquartsen trigger installed.
When you do these things, you'll have a target grade pistol for about $700 that'll shoot better than your youngest girlfriend can.
Mine goes to the range every time I go, regardless of what other handguns will be shot that day.
nachogrande
Member
THE BEST OFTHE BUNCH, IMO
If you get a chance at a MKll government model you won't be disappointed.
If you get a chance at a MKll government model you won't be disappointed.
Faulkner
Member
I've got a soft spot for .22 semi auto pistols. I have three MKII's, a MKIII LITE, and a MKIV LITE, as well as a Buckmark and a S&W Victory. The MKIV is my least favorite, actually thinking about trading it off.
those with issues taking apart and reassembling Pre Mark IV Rugers just don't understand them. I can break mine down in about 20 seconds, and reassemble in about 30. The key is a dab of anti seize under the lugs so the upper slides easily without galling.
I'm sure my first 1911 will be a pain, but I'll figure it out quickly.
Anyone fed up with their Rugers, let me know.
I'm sure my first 1911 will be a pain, but I'll figure it out quickly.
Anyone fed up with their Rugers, let me know.
Wee Hooker
Member
I hear you. Whatever else I bring to the range these days, there is usually at least one .22 pistol in the mix. LOts of fun, dirt cheap to feed and very cool in there own way.
FWIW, I've always been a fan of the Ruger MK series pistols. I've owned dozens over the years and still keep 7-8 at any given time. Those who gripe about tear down of earlier models just never stopped to understand the internals. Specifically, if you know where the hammer is, an where it needs to be during assembly/reassembly, it all becomes second nature.
That said, I do like my MK IV's and currently own 4 of them. ( Blued Target, Hunter, Lite and Davidsons target.) They are all sweet shooters and have some nice upgrades beyond take down as compared to my MK III. As someone mentioned above, while the triggers arn't horrible, they can be made to a crisp 2# with the right drop in parts.
FWIW, here are a couple of favorite model of my MK IV pistols at the moment.
Sorry, the last is a MK II but still a favorite!
FWIW, I've always been a fan of the Ruger MK series pistols. I've owned dozens over the years and still keep 7-8 at any given time. Those who gripe about tear down of earlier models just never stopped to understand the internals. Specifically, if you know where the hammer is, an where it needs to be during assembly/reassembly, it all becomes second nature.
That said, I do like my MK IV's and currently own 4 of them. ( Blued Target, Hunter, Lite and Davidsons target.) They are all sweet shooters and have some nice upgrades beyond take down as compared to my MK III. As someone mentioned above, while the triggers arn't horrible, they can be made to a crisp 2# with the right drop in parts.
FWIW, here are a couple of favorite model of my MK IV pistols at the moment.
Sorry, the last is a MK II but still a favorite!
Wee Hooker
Member
I've got a soft spot for .22 semi auto pistols. I have three MKII's, a MKIII LITE, and a MKIV LITE, as well as a Buckmark and a S&W Victory. The MKIV is my least favorite, actually thinking about trading it off.
I understand why the MK II could be a favorite but I am curious as to why you would prefer a MK III Lite over a MK IV Lite. Is it something in the design or individual pistols?
gman51
Member
I have the MKII and MKIV. With the ease of take down of the MK IV I wouldn't now buy any of its predecessors. The MKIV is the icing over them all. Ruger got it right with the MK IV.
But we all know about opinions don't we. To each their own and we all have one.
But we all know about opinions don't we. To each their own and we all have one.
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While I am not a Ruger fan, one of my friends recently bought a brand new Mark 4. The new take-down method is quite refreshing and long over due, and is a hell of an improvement over the first 3 generations!
The fit, finish and design are the best they have come out with to date, but Ruger uses the name "Target Pistol" and IMHO out of the box, the Trigger is the factor that would preclude it from being placed in that class! The stock Trigger was horrendous and they should NOT use that term if they are NOT going to give the buyer a Target Trigger!
My friend bought and installed the Volquartsen drop in parts and NOW the Pistol has a TRUE target quality Trigger. IMO, either Ruger needs to furnish their "target" pistol with a Volquartsen or equivalent trigger, or just call their stock M4 a "Plinker".
The fit, finish and design are the best they have come out with to date, but Ruger uses the name "Target Pistol" and IMHO out of the box, the Trigger is the factor that would preclude it from being placed in that class! The stock Trigger was horrendous and they should NOT use that term if they are NOT going to give the buyer a Target Trigger!
My friend bought and installed the Volquartsen drop in parts and NOW the Pistol has a TRUE target quality Trigger. IMO, either Ruger needs to furnish their "target" pistol with a Volquartsen or equivalent trigger, or just call their stock M4 a "Plinker".
misswired
Absent Comrade
Mk3 disassembly pretty straight forward.
Reassembly: place the bolt inside the barrel while off the gun...
Here's the kicker: manually place hammer at roughly 45degrees....not laying flat nor standing straight up.
Lower the barrel bolt assembly over the hammer and snap into place. With the hammer still in the half-cock position the hammer strut is not trapped behind the cross pin.... visually make sure barrel and bolt assembly are centered on the frame, a slight twisting may be needed. Insert the pin about halfway while tilting the muzzle upward to swing the hammer strut into its pocket. Seat pin and and check locking lever for a slight spring tension.
It shouldn't take more than a minute for reassembly....
If you have one of the 'needs a deadblow' pistols, you're gonna be polishing an hour or two to achieve the proper fit between barrel and frame.
Reassembly: place the bolt inside the barrel while off the gun...
Here's the kicker: manually place hammer at roughly 45degrees....not laying flat nor standing straight up.
Lower the barrel bolt assembly over the hammer and snap into place. With the hammer still in the half-cock position the hammer strut is not trapped behind the cross pin.... visually make sure barrel and bolt assembly are centered on the frame, a slight twisting may be needed. Insert the pin about halfway while tilting the muzzle upward to swing the hammer strut into its pocket. Seat pin and and check locking lever for a slight spring tension.
It shouldn't take more than a minute for reassembly....
If you have one of the 'needs a deadblow' pistols, you're gonna be polishing an hour or two to achieve the proper fit between barrel and frame.
misswired
Absent Comrade
My problem with the older Mark I, II, or II, is that I can never seem to find one used. And the price is right on a new IV.
On sale now....
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