Ruger Mark IV 22/45: Full Review

The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 offers easier maintenance for more time and fun at the range. The .22 LR-­chambered Standard Pistol designed by Bill Ruger was introduced in 1949. It was Ruger’s first firearm. The success of the Standard Pistol spawned many variations. Subsequent generations include the Mark II (1982), Mark III (2004) and Mark IV (2016). While the Mark II and Mark III lines were iconic, disassembly was neither easy or fun.

Featured in the November 2016 issue of Guns & Ammo, the Mark IV line included the Standard, Tactical, Hunter and Competition models, in addition to the 22/45, 22/45 Lite and 22/45 Tactical. The 22/45 models are distinctive for the Model 1911-style grip, hence the “45” moniker.

Rimfire pistols, including the Mark IV 22/45, are a great platform for a new shooter because they are quiet and light-­recoiling, particularly when a rimfire suppressor is attached to the threaded barrel. Shooters can focus on learning fundamentals rather than loud distractions and muzzle flips. 

The Mark series is known for its accuracy and reliability, too, attributes lacking in many rimfire pistols. Mark IV pistols are a cinch to disassemble, so you’ll be more likely to maintain them than previous generations.

Easy Takedown

Previous Standard and Mark-series pistols required a complex, multi-­step process to disassemble, so most people never maintained theirs. A non-­marring hammer, non-­marking dowel, an internal key lock, and a paper clip to remove the housing latch on the backstrap was often required. Not so with the Mark IV.

Mark IV pistols are disassembled with the press of a button, and you can’t miss it. It’s located just below the bolt, emblazoned with the Ruger logo. Pressing the button releases the upper receiver, which can then be lifted from the frame. Then, remove the bolt assembly. From there, a punch or similar object is all that’s needed to gently pry out the spring and guiderod.

This simple and easy-­to-­perform procedure is sure to resonate with anyone who struggled to disassemble a Mark II or Mark III pistol, but there’s more to the Mark IV — particularly the 22/45 — than ease of disassembly.

The Mark IV 22/45’s grip angle makes shooting it similar to shooting a Model 1911, yet it functions differently. The serrated manual safety is similarly located, but there’s no grip safety as on a 1911. Also, there is no reciprocating slide. Still, shooting the Mark IV 22/45 is a great way to hone your marksmanship on the cheap. The retail price of a base Mark IV 22/45 is $449; Across the counter, the price is often less. With the savings in using .22 LR as opposed to .45 ACP or 9mm, it’s easy to see the value in owning a Mark IV 22/45.

Dimensionally, the Mark IV 22/45 and a M1911 Government are similar. The Mark IV 22/45 is 81/2-inches long, 1.22-inches wide, and 51/2-inches tall. It weighs 33.3 ounces, and the cold hammer-­forged bull barrel measures 4.4 inches.

All of this, including the barrel’s precise 1-in-16-­inch twist rifling, contributes to the pistol’s reputation for accuracy. The barrel is also threaded ½x28, so a suppressor can be added to reduce noise. Either a suppressor or compensator will mitigate muzzle flip as well. A flat-shooting Mark IV 22/45 is a lot of fun. The supplied thread protector should be used when a muzzle device is not affixed to the barrel.

The Mark IV 22/45 frame is polymer with synthetic 1911-­style diamond-checkered panels. The frame features a serrated frontstrap and checkered backstrap. These characteristics, along with the thin full-­length grip, beavertail and slightly undercut triggerguard, result in a comfortable and controllable grip that inspires confidence for most users.

The round magazine release button is situated forward of the grip panel on the left side of the pistol. The button has circular grooves for tactile feedback, similar to a 1911’s.

The Mark IV 22/45’s serrated, ambidextrous thumb safety is hinged, but unlike a 1911 the hinge is at the front instead of the rear. As with a 1911, pushing down with the thumb deactivates the safety. If one prefers, the safety can be converted to left-­side only by using a provided washer. The Mark IV 22/45 has a serrated bolt lock/release in the same position and functioning the same as the slide stop on a 1911.

The 22/45 receiver is on top, machined from alloy steel. It has a contoured ejection port for reliable operation and a fixed front sight blade and an adjustable rear sight with a square notch. Both are serrated, too. “RUGER MARK IV” appears on the left side of the receiver in a serif font.

Between the sights, a section of Picatinny-­style aluminum rail is fastened to the receiver, providing ample space to attach an optic. The rail and trigger are natural ­colored, which contrasts with the black composite lower and blued receiver. 

The bolt’s wings and serrations provide a sure grip to rack. It’s easy to pull, too. The Mark IV 22/45 is user-­friendly and easy to operate.

The Mark IV 22/45 feeds from a 10-­round magazine with an extended basepad. The body is finished in electroless ­nickel. A large button on either side of the magazine can be leveraged to assist in pushing down the follower for easy loading. Two magazines are provided, and a magazine disconnect prevents the Mark IV 22/45 from firing when the magazine is removed. A press of the magazine release button releases the magazine, which ejects with authority.

As with all generations of Ruger’s Mark-series pistols, the receiver and bolt are cylindrical. Since there’s no reciprocating slide, the sights are always in alignment with the barrel. Accuracy is ensured and they’re easy to track when firing.

At the Range

For testing, a TruGlo Tru-­Tec Micro red-­dot sight was mounted to the Mark IV 22/45’s rail. 

The curved, serrated, flat-­faced trigger felt smooth and crisp. According to a Lyman digital trigger pull gauge, it measured 3 pounds, 9 ounces. It undoubtedly contributed to G&A’s impressive accuracy results. The average group size was 1.7 inches at 25 yards, and tight 1-­inch groups were turned in with all three loads. Federal Champion 36-­grain lead hollowpoint had a best group of .9 inch.

Firing one shot at a time from a bench is a good way to determine a pistol’s accuracy potential, but firing offhand gives a better idea of how a pistol handles. Light recoil and steady sights make the Mark IV 22/45 a blast to shoot with speed and precision.

Given the popularity of the Mark IV line, it came as no surprise that aftermarket components are readily available. Whether you’re looking for distinctive grip panels, a trigger kit, extended controls, recoil rods, an extractor, a mounting plate, compensator, or even a complete frame, the Mark IV 22/45 is one of the most customizable pistols available. One of our favorite aftermarket accessories is the Tandemkross Halo Charging Ring, which enables you to insert a finger for optimal leverage to cycle the bolt.

Of course, you could keep it stock, too. The Mark IV 22/45 doesn’t need upgrading — especially the Ruger Collector Series version ($599) — but it’s nice to know you can.

The Mark IV 22/45 is a modern classic. Anyone seeking a rimfire pistol with a 1911 grip will be impressed. Being a Mark IV, it’s as easy to disassemble as it is to shoot. That being the case, you’ll be more likely to keep it clean and maintained, furthering its performance and longevity.

You’d be hard pressed to find a better .22 LR pistol for the money than the Ruger Mark IV 22/45. 

Ruger Mark IV 22/45

• Type: Hammer fired, blowback operated, semiautomatic
• Cartridge: .22 LR
• Capacity: 10+1 rds.
• Barrel: 4.4 in., cold hammer-forged stainless steel, bull, ½x28 threaded
• Length: 8.5 in.
• Height: 5.5 in.
• Width: 1.22 in.
• Weight: 2 lbs., 1.3 oz.Trigger: 3 lbs., 9 oz. (tested)
• Frame: Polymer; synthetic grips
• Sights: Fixed post (front), notch, adj. (rear)
• Safety: Two position, thumb switch
• MSRP: $449
• Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., 336-949-5200, ruger.com

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