When it was introduced, back in 1949 as the “Standard Model”, it was the company's first product; then came the Mark II, Mark III and Mark IV models. Now Ruger introduces the newest member to its vast and popular family of .22 LR semi-auto pistols with the Mark IV 22/45. A 4.40"/112 mm threaded bull barrel with adjustable rear sight and optics rail are the highlights, together with an affordable price that in the US is $449.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 features
The Mark IV 22/45 is a rimfire pistol that, like its siblings, has its strengths in simplicity and reliability. First, the simple one-button takedown system for quick and easy field-stripping and chamber-to-muzzle cleaning: to disassemble the gun, you just have to press a button in the back of the frame. This allows the barrel-receiver assembly to tilt up and off the grip frame without the use of tools.
The checkered 1911-style “double diamond” synthetic grip panels add a traditional and aesthetic touch to the Mark IV series design, based on a polymer grip frame with serrated frontstrap and checkered backstrap coupled to an internal cylindrical bolt construction (receiver is alloy steel). The latter also ensures permanent sight-to-barrel alignment and higher accuracy potential than conventional moving-slide designs. Rear sight is adjustable and front sight is fixed, but there is a factory-installed Picatinny rail for easy mounting of optics. Picatinny rail and trigger are nicely color-matched.
The cold hammer-forged bull barrel has a 1/2"-28 thread with thread protector for the attachment of popular muzzle accessories.
In terms of controls and ergonomics, the ambidextrous manual safety can be converted to left-side only with included washer, while the easy-to-grasp bolt ears makes operation even easier. Magazine release is a push-button placed on the left side of the frame – magazine capacity is ten rounds. (Magazine disconnect prevents discharge when the magazine has been removed.)
For a US MSRP of $449, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 comes with two 10-round magazines.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 technical specifications and price
| Caliber: | 22 LR |
| Barrel Length: | 4.40"/112 mm |
| Overall Length: | 216 mm |
| Height: | 140 mm |
| Width: | 31 mm |
| Sights: | Adjustable rear, fixed front, Picatinny optics rail |
| Capacity: | 10+1 |
| Weight: | 944 g |
| Price (MSRP in the US): | $449 |
