Which Ruger Mark IV to get?

TTv2

TTv2

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I have plenty of other .22's to shoot with, looking at possibly getting an LCP .22 soon, but later this year I'm considering a Mark IV for the birthday. I've never owned a Mark pistol, I guess my interest in them is how different they are compared to other pistols I have (grip angle, grip size, barrel threaded directly into receiver, pretty long barrels available) and they're also metal frame.

Not really interested in the standard models as I don't like fixed sights. The 75th anniversary model looks cool, has the sights I like and the tapered barrel is neat, but then there's the bull barrels and IDK how much difference those make in accuracy over the taper barrel. Also, the frames are available in Aluminum and stainless steel, what's the difference in how those feel in shooting? Then there's different barrel lengths. I'm always a sucker for the longest barrel, but 10 inches seems a bit much...

Purpose is to try something different and I also would like a more target shooting focused pistol that I don't have to reload.

ETA: Not interested in any of the 22/45 models.
 
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Sounds like you have narrowed things down somewhat already, which is good.

Some people like the tapered barrel, others do not.
Personal preference.
They generally tend to be fixed sight, but a few adjustable rear sight models may exist.
I'm not all that up to date on the current Mark 4 offerings...


I remember when I was trying to choose a Buckmark. I got down in the weeds about a specific model, only to end up buying what was actually available. If you have your heart set on some obscure or hard-to-find model, you will likely have to special order it or go to some big-box store and overpay. Either that or you will eventually run into something that speaks to you and carry it home.
 
Many Mark IVs to choose from, I like the 22/45 models as I shoot mainly guns with a 1911 grip angle so that works best for me. For faster shooting I like the shorter barrels, for slow shooting I like the longer barrels. If you are looking for a really nice birthday present, consider upgrading the the Volquartsen's. Basically Ruger's, but upgraded with nicer features. I have sold off all the Ruger's and now have several Volquartsen's I really enjoy. Good luck finding the right one for you!
 
I chose a 22/45 Lite because I wanted a suppressor host. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that, as much fun as it is, it’s not as accurate as Mrs. McGee’s Target model. Then I figured out that Volquartsen sells various uppers in its clearance section. So I bought myself a Target upper. For ~$150*, I got an extra upper that I can swap out in about 15 seconds. (*= including tax, transfer, and sights, so that’s a total amount)

Having watched the VQ site for some time, I can tell you that the bull barreled uppers show up regularly. https://volquartsen.com/clearance

So to be filed away in “FWIW,” get a Mark IV in something other than a target model. Something else you want, then get a target upper from VQ.
 
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I only have significant time with a MKIII 22/45 with bull barrel. I do have some limited time with a standard grip MKII with a taper barrel. The point of the bull barrel in a pistol is mostly for muzzle weight, which can stabilize the gun for many shooters. I never shot either pistol side by side, but my problem with the 22/45 with molded in grip "panels" was the grip was too thin. I'd have to get a 22/45 with replaceable grip panels so I could "thicken it up".

I'd buy whatever feels good at the local gun shop, but make sure you can add a red dot at some point in the future. Red dots and .22 autoloading "target" pistols go naturally together.

Speaking of 10" MK Rugers I can only give you my experience with my Ruger Single Six with 9.5" barrel. I had to put a big ol' honkin' target grip to be able to handle the muzzle weight. I'd likely have to do the same with the long barrel MK pistol.
 
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tubeshooter said:
Sounds like you have narrowed things down somewhat already, which is good.

Some people like the tapered barrel, others do not.
Personal preference.
They generally tend to be fixed sight, but a few adjustable rear sight models may exist.
I'm not all that up to date on the current Mark 4 offerings...


I remember when I was trying to choose a Buckmark. I got down in the weeds about a specific model, only to end up buying what was actually available. If you have your heart set on some obscure or hard-to-find model, you will likely have to special order it or go to some big-box store and overpay. Either that or you will eventually run into something that speaks to you and carry it home.
Click to expand...
The only thing I can say that I've narrowed down is no fixed sights and none of the 22/45 models.
 
chicharrones said:
I only have significant time with a MKIII 22/45 with bull barrel. I do have some limited time with a standard grip MKII with a taper barrel. The point of the bull barrel in a pistol is mostly for muzzle weight, which can stabilize the gun for many shooters. I never shot either pistol side by side, but my problem with the 22/45 with molded in grip "panels" was the grip was too thin. I'd have to get a 22/45 with replaceable grip panels so I could "thicken it up".

I'd buy whatever feels good at the local gun shop, but make sure you can add a red dot at some point in the future. Red dots and .22 autoloading "target" pistols go naturally together.

Speaking of 10" MK Rugers I can only give you my experience with my Ruger Single Six with 9.5" barrel. I had to put a big ol' honkin' target grip to be able to handle the muzzle weight. I'd likely have to do the same with the long barrel MK pistol.
Click to expand...
Actually, something I should also consider is the Mark III. How are the used prices for those these days?
 
TTv2 said:
Actually, something I should also consider is the Mark III. How are the used prices for those these days?
Click to expand...
Mark III's are undervalued because most people don't like that pesky Loaded Chamber Indicator. You might be able to pick up a bargain.

Like the Mark IV, the Mark III needs to have the magazine disconnect removed in order to have a decent target trigger pull.
 
Before you settle on a Mark III look at the manual for teardown....they're a serious pain to clean even after you're used to the procedure.

It sounds to me like the Mark IV target might be just what you're after.
 
I have a Mark 2 Target model with a bull barrel that I absolutely enjoy. It’s a great shooter with a smooth as silk trigger.
Having said that, if disassembly is an issue, go with the Mark IV like speedingpickle recommends.
 
I've had several MKll's and enjoyed them all. However, I finally got tired of the disassembly/assembly process and went the 22/45 Lite route. However, since the 22/45 is out for you I'd just go with the MKlV "Target" and be done with it. I will say this...if you want it to be truly a good shooter you're going to want to install some aftermarket (VQ,TK) trigger parts to make for a nice trigger pull. Plus, it eliminates the pesky mag safety in the process.
 
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@TTv2, the Mark IV is cool for a couple of reasons.

First is the ability to change uppers to have barrels of different styles and lengths.

I bought a 10” blued bull batrel, which has an alloy frame, and added two 5.5” bull barrels that Volquartsen sells cheap. (The uppers are serialized, so they go through an FFL.) One wears a dot, one is stock.

IMG_4253.jpeg

The second good thing is the ease of takedown and reassembly. I have a 4 5-8” original “Standard” model (fixed sights) and a 6.5” bull barrel Mk II Government Target model. Both are, for me, a PITA to reassemble. (Others may find them easy peasy. I don’t.) The fixed sights on the Ruger autos are good sights, I don’t feel handicapped with them at all.

IMG_4718.jpeg

I will say that my Mk IV trigger was not the best, certainly not as smooth and crisp as the other two when I bought it. I put in a Volquartsen kit, which made the trigger amazing. It is some additional effort (not hard), and an added expense, but it is worth it.

The Stainless Mk IV are all steel, so the frame is a tad heavier than the blued versions. The difference isn’t huge, but a 10” stainless model would be a handful shooting one handed.

I love the Ruger .22 autos, I find them to be accurate, reliable and rugged pistols that your great-grandkids will love shooting when you pass it down. If you buy one let us know how it shoots for you. :thumbup:

Stay safe.
 
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Mark IV Target I bought a few years ago runs well. I put the Pic rail and a dot on mine for range duty,,,
 
I have had a number of Mark series pistols but my favorite is my Mark 2 competition target. It has a fantastic trigger from the factory. I upgraded to a Mark 4 bolt with Volquartsen extractor and firing pin. Also added a Holosun 407 dot sight. Shoots better than I can. Just a side note, the first pistol I ever shot was a standard pre mark series back in the 50's. IMG_8254.png
 
Get the stainless, 5.5" bull barrel gun with adjustable sights. You will not regret it. Nice all-around plinker and shooter.
 
Howdy

I have had a number of Ruger 22 pistols over the years.

I bought this Mark II with tapered barrel and adjustable rear sight many years ago, don't really remember when. It was my favorite for a long time. The factory trigger pull was stiff, so I put a Volquartsen trigger kit in it a long time ago. I have never measured the trigger pull with a gauge, but I'll bet it is around 2 pounds.

Ac5vdm.jpg





If you are considering buying a Ruger 22, forget the Mark II and Mark III models. They are a royal pain to field strip for cleaning. Trust me on this.


I recently bought this Stainless Competition model. Just like my old Mark II, the factory trigger pull was stiff. I took it to the range along with my old Mark II and was amazed how stiff the factory trigger pull was compared to my old Mark II with the trigger kit. I had the Volquartsen trigger kit installed and it brought the trigger pull down where I wanted it.

8GfPpI.jpg




zDAGYw.jpg





This is the reason you want a Mark IV. Field stripping for cleaning is so simple compared to the earlier models. Just rack the slide, release it, engage the safety and push the button at the rear. You rotate the barrel assembly slightly to pull it off the frame, the bolt slides out and you're done. SO MUCH SIMPLER THAN THE EARLIER MODELS.

p8nKaf.jpg




The other nice thing about the Mark IV is the frame is machined from a solid block of metal, in this case Stainless steel. The earlier models the frame was two halves of pressed metal welded together.


My new Stainless Mark IV is on the heavy side, so I have a blued one with 6" barrel on order at my local shop. Unlike my old Mark II it has a fixed rear sight (adjustable for windage by drifting it left or right). And my new one comes with an aluminum frame, not steel. I expect I will be putting the Volquartsen trigger kit in it too.
 
white smoke said:
I have had a number of Mark series pistols but my favorite is my Mark 2 competition target. It has a fantastic trigger from the factory. I upgraded to a Mark 4 bolt with Volquartsen extractor and firing pin. Also added a Holosun 407 dot sight. Shoots better than I can. Just a side note, the first pistol I ever shot was a standard pre mark series back in the 50's.View attachment 1204361
Click to expand...
What sort of mount for the RMS? Just got one with the factory Ruger mount and 30mm rings for old-school tube red dot. I'd like to modernize like you did... TIA.
 
DesertFox said:
What sort of mount for the RMS? Just got one with the factory Ruger mount and 30mm rings for old-school tube red dot. I'd like to modernize like you did... TIA.
Click to expand...
i think it's the lobos industries mount seeen below. i had mounted mine yesterday on my clearance ruger mark 4 upper with loctite and ordered the red dot from amazon. i haven't shot the upper yet and have not checked the zero yet on the iron sights so i may try shooting it first to make sure irons are zeroed before mounting the red dot. btw, if your amazon order is eligible for overnight delivery they really mean it. i ordered around 2pm i woke up at 445am with my phone ringing. it was the amazon driver asking how to get gate access. fortunately he got in without my help as i was still trying to figure out who's number i was getting.
20240417_182122.jpg
 
white smoke said:
I have had a number of Mark series pistols but my favorite is my Mark 2 competition target. It has a fantastic trigger from the factory. I upgraded to a Mark 4 bolt with Volquartsen extractor and firing pin. Also added a Holosun 407 dot sight. Shoots better than I can. Just a side note, the first pistol I ever shot was a standard pre mark series back in the 50's.View attachment 1204361
Click to expand...
not trying to derail the thread but how much torque did you apply to attach the holosun to the plate. the instructions were 7 inch pounds with the plate ( i guess that low since it's mounted on the receiver of a 22)and 15 inch pounds with the red dot instructions. my lowest torque setting is 10 inch lbs.
 
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