Ruger Mk I, II, III, IV & 22/45

Ruger Mark I, II, & III Essentials:

These are suppose to be very well built and accurate pistols.

The Ruger Mark I, II, & III pistols are a pain in the ass to disassemble and reassemble. The are all very accurate, but the level of difficulty to maintain puts it near the bottom of my list of recommended rimfire pistols. The Mark IV discussed further down the page changes all that.

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Ruger Mark III:

Ruger Mark III Assembly & Disassembly:

Like the Ruger Mark I and Mark II pistols, the Ruger Mark III is a pain in the ass to disassemble and reassemble. I would advise against any of these pistols and recommend the Ruger Mark IV.

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Ruger Mark IV, Mark IV 22/45, and Mark IV Lite:

Introduction To The Ruger Mark IV:

Ruger Mark IV Page

Features:

Simple, one-button takedown for quick and easy field-stripping and proper chamber to muzzle cleaning.
A recessed button in the back of the frame allows the upper receiver to tilt up and off of the grip frame without the use of tools.
Ergonomic bolt stop.
Internal cylindrical bolt construction ensures permanent sight to barrel alignment and higher accuracy potential than conventional moving slide designs.
Contoured ejection port and easy-to-grasp bolt ears allow for durable and reliable operation round after round.
Accurate sighting system features adjustable rear sight and drilled and tapped receiver for Weaver- or Picatinny-style rail for easy mounting of optics.
Ambidextrous manual safety positively locks the sear in the “SAFE” position when applied. Safety can be converted to left-side only with included washer.
Features a conveniently located push-button magazine release on the left side of the frame.
Magazine drops free on release for faster reloading.
Magazine disconnect prevents discharge when the magazine has been removed.
Also includes two, 10-round magazines.

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Ruger Mark IV Models and Features:

Ruger Mark IV Standard — Model 40104:

Features:

Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Material: Alloy Steel
Front Sight: Fixed
Barrel Length: 4.75″
Grip Frame: Aluminum
Grips: Checkered Synthetic
Finish: Blued
Width: 1.20″
Rear Sight: Fixed
Barrel Style: Tapered
Weight: 28.2 oz.
Overall Length: 9″
Height: 5.40″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $449.00

Ruger Mark IV Target — Models 40101 & 40103:

Features:

Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Material: Model 40101 – Aluminum, Model 40103 – Stainless Steel
Front Sight: Fixed
Barrel Length: 5.50″
Grip Frame: Model 40101 – Aluminum, Model 40103 – Stainless Steel
Grips: Checkered Synthetic
Finish: Model 40101 – Blued, Model 40103 – Satin Stainless
Width: 1.20″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Bull
Weight: Model 40101 – 35.6 oz., Model 40103 – 42.8 oz.
Overall Length: 9.75″
Height: 5.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: Model 40101 – $529.00, Model 40103 – $689.00

Ruger Mark IV Hunter — Model 40118:

Features:

Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Material: Stainless Steel
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Barrel Length: 6.88″
Grip Frame: Stainless Steel
Grips: Checkered Laminate
Finish: Satin Stainless
Width: 1.20″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Fluted Bull
Weight: 44 oz.
Overall Length: 11.12″
Height: 5.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $769.00

Ruger Mark IV Competition — Model 40112:

Features:

Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Material: Stainless Steel
Front Sight: Fixed
Barrel Length: 6.88″
Grip Frame: Stainless Steel
Grips: Checkered Laminate with Thumbrest
Finish: Satin Stainless
Width: 1.75″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Slab-Sided Bull
Weight: 45.8 oz.
Overall Length: 11.12″
Height: 5.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $749.00

Ruger Mark IV Tactical — Model 40150:

Features:

Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Material: Alloy Steel
Front Sight: Fixed
Barrel Length: 4.40″
Grip Frame: Aluminum
Grips: Checkered Synthetic
Finish: Black Oxide
Width: 1.20″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Threaded
Weight: 34.6 oz.
Overall Length: 8.50″
Height: 5.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist1: 16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $569.00

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Models and Features:

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Target — Model 40107:

Features:

Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Receiver Material: Alloy Steel
Front Sight: Fixed
Barrel Length: 5.50″
Grip Frame: Polymer
Grips: Checkered Synthetic
Finish: Blued
Width: 1.22″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Bull
Weight: 34.4 oz.
Overall Length: 9.75″
Height: 5.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $409.00

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical — Model 40149:

Features:

Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Receiver Material: Alloy Steel
Front Sight: Fixed
Barrel Length: 4.40″
Grip Frame: Polymer
Grips: Checkered 1911-Style
Finish: Black Oxide
Width: 1.22″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Threaded
Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28
Weight: 33.3 oz.
Overall Length: 8.50″
Height: 5.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $529.00

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite — Models 43906, 43909, 32910, 43915, 43916:

Features:

Model Numbers: 43906 black, 43909 bronze, 32910 red, 43915 magenta, 43916 OD green
Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 10
Receiver Material: Aluminum
Front Sight: Fixed
Barrel Length: 4.40″
Grip Frame: Polymer
Grips: Checkered 1911-Style
Finish: Models 43906 — black anodized , 43909 bronze anodized, 32910 red anodized , 43915 magenta anodized , and 43916 OD green anodized
Width: 1.22″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Threaded
Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28
Weight: 25 oz.
Overall Length: 8.40″
Height: 5.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $559.00

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Ruger Mark IV — Ease of Maintenance:

Where as the Ruger Mark I, II, & III pistols are a pain in the ass to disassemble and reassemble, the Mark IV is incredibly easy to take apart, clean, and put back together. If you are wanting to buy a this style of .22LR pistol, then you should hold out for the Mark IV.

Ruger Mark IV Magazines:

All of the variations of the Ruger Mark IV use 10-round magazines.

There are several other companies that make aftermarket magazines for the Ruger Mark IV, such as Promag. Don’t be tempted by a few dollars savings to buy lower quality magazines. Stick with Ruger OEM magazines.

Ruger Mark IV — Standard Version:

The standard version of the Ruger Mark IV (think old style grip & frame like the Mark I, II, & III) will use the same magazine as the Mark III (pictured right).

Ruger Mark IV — 22/45 Version:

The 22/45 version uses a different magazine than the standard model (pictured right).

Ruger Mark III magazines will not work in the Mark IV. The base plate on the Mark III magazines is not compatible with the Mark IV’s grips. There may be a way to change out the base plate on the Mark III magazines, however I am not aware of it if there is. If you need additional magazines for your 22/45 version, make sure that you order the correction ones.

Ruger Mark IV Sights:

The stock sights that are standard on the Mark IV consist of a fixed front post, and a rear sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation. They are both black very hard to see. I wiped any oil off of the front sight post with a Q-Tip dipped in alcohol and then used a white paint pen (the same paint pen that I number all of my magazines with) to paint the front sight post with (as seen in the photo to the right). It is a million times better now.

There are several companies (including Ruger) that make fiber optic sights for the Ruger Mark IV. I have not shot with them, but a set of these is definitely on the upgrade list for my pistol.

Ruger Mark IV Reliability:

Before testing my new Mark IV I disassembled it (in five seconds) and wiped out the oil that it was shipped with and ran a Bore Snake through the barrel. I put a very thin film of marine grease (like you pack wheel bearings with on your boat trailer) on the bolt and reassembled the pistol (another five seconds). I fired 800 rounds of several types of ammunition, both with and without an AAC Element II suppressor attached. I tested:

Winchester M22 (the official ammunition of The Savannah Arsenal Project)
CCI Mini-Mag
CCI standard velocity
CCI “green box” sub-sonics
Remington Golden Bullets
Federal “bulk pack”
Gemtech sub-sonics

I had a total of two failures to fire. The primers received a good strike, so I wrote it off to dud ammunition. Any of the ammunition listed above is good-to-go. When shooting with a suppressor, all of the ammunition should have a sub-sonic muzzle velocity out of the Mark IV’s 4″ barrel, so you do not have to worry about a supersonic crack.

Ruger Mark IV Recall:

There is a recall on Ruger Mark IV pistols due to a possible problem with the safety mechanism. The videos further in this section explain the possible mechanical deficiencies that may cause a safety issue.

How To Determine If Your Pistol Needs The Retrofit:

All Mark IV pistols produced prior to June 1, 2017 are potentially affected and therefore are being recalled. This includes Mark IV Target, Hunter, Competition, 22/45, 22/45 Lite and 22/45 Tactical models. These models bear serial numbers beginning with “401” (2017 models) or “WBR” (2016 models).

Firearms NOT subject to the Recall:

Newly manufactured Mark IV pistols will begin with serial number “500.” Thus, if you have a Mark IV or 22/45 pistol with a serial number beginning with the number “5,” your pistol is not subject to the recall.

Firearms That Have Been Retrofitted Already:

Mark IV™ and 22/45 pistols retrofitted with the updated safety mechanism are easily identified by the letter “S” in the white safety dot that is visible when the safety is engaged, as seen in the photo to the right.

Important Considerations:

Mark I, Mark II and Mark III Pistols are not affected by this recall.
For your trouble Ruger will return your fixed firearm with a free 10-round magazine.