RUGER MARK IV 22/45 TACTICAL
Posted May 14, 2023
As an avid handgun enthusiast, I have been searching for my perfect range pistol for years. After much research, I discovered the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical, a handgun I believe is the perfect combination of performance and affordability. I’ve owned the Ruger Mark II 22/45 for several years and was excited to test the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical for this review. Follow along as I explain why I believe the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is one of the best range pistols you can buy in terms of quality and value.
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical has a black, stainless steel slide and an ergonomic, synthetic rubber grip. It’s equipped with adjustable, fiber-optic sights, an interchangeable grip plate and a Picatinny accessory rail. This gun is designed with an internal, ambidextrous magazine release, a manual thumb safety, and a black anodized aluminum frame. This handgun also has a threaded barrel, making it great for suppressed shooting. With all of these features, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is a great choice for competitive shooting or simply plinking at the range.
Now let’s take a look at performance. The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is a semi-automatic, blowback action handgun. It features a 4”, cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel and utilizes a standard 10-round magazine. The action is incredibly smooth and has no trouble cycling CCI Mini Mags, Federal Automatch, or any other variety of .22 LR ammunition. This gun has a short 3-pound trigger pull, making it easy to control and fire accurately. In my experience, I found that I could consistently keep my groups tight and accurate with my Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical.
When it comes to reliability and durability, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is top-notch. After firing more than 1,000 rounds through this handgun, I have yet to experience any malfunctions or breakdowns. The stainless steel slide and frame are incredibly tough and the grip is grippy yet comfortable. I also appreciate the overall design of this gun, as the grip shape fits my hands nicely. The integrated sights are quite durable and don’t break after multiple trips to the range.
In terms of craftsmanship and fit and finish, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is a nice looking gun. It doesn’t have any sharp edges, and the stippled finish of the grip is surprisingly rugged. The edges of the slide, barrel, and control levers blend into the frame nicely, giving the gun a sleek look. With proper care, this gun will retain its excellent craftsmanship for many years to come.
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is a great value-for-money gun. It retails at around $450, which is a reasonable price for a handgun of this caliber. This gun’s features and performance make it a great choice for competitive shooting or if you are looking for a reliable, accurate range gun. I think it is well worth the asking price.
In conclusion, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is an exceptional value-for-money handgun. It’s reliable, accurate, and extremely well-made. I couldn’t be happier with my Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great range gun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• The barrel is threaded for suppressors and other attachments
• Includes a Picatinny rail for mounting aftermarket accessories
• 10-shot capacity mags provide enough ammo for most scenarios
• Adjustable rear sights and drilled and tapped for mounting optics
• Ergonomic design and comfortable grip
• An integrated rail allows for the easy addition of a flashlight or laser
Cons:
• Magazine release can be difficult to reach for shooters with small hands
• Can be difficult to disassemble
• No ambidextrous controls
• The Tactical model lacks the cosmetics and features of other more expensive Mark IVs
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for a reliable, easy-to-maintain .22 pistol with an concealable profile should consider the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical. It's a great choice for target shooting and general recreational shooting, or even small-game hunting.
However, those who are looking for a more powerful handgun, or need something for self-defense, should look elsewhere. The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical does not offer the stopping power of a larger caliber handgun.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber/ Gauge | Finish | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUGER MARK IV 22/45 TACTICAL | .22LR | Black | 10+1 | $599.00 |
| Ruger Mark I/Mark II Pistol Grips Walnut | .22 | Walnut | N/A | $27.59 |
| Volquartsen Exact Edge Extractor for Ruger Mark IV | N/A | N/A | N/A | $32.95 |
| Wheeler Engineering Professional Receiver Lapping Tool Kit for Ruger Mark IV | N/A | N/A | N/A | $69.95 |
| Hogue Ruger MK I, II, III & IV Rubber Grip with Finger Grooves | N/A | Black | N/A | $29.67 |
Features / Specs
• Semi-automatic Blowback pistol
• 4.4” Threaded barrel
• Integral scope mount rail and LPA rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation
• Aluminum receiver with matte black anodized finish
• Textured polymer grip frame with ‘positive checkering’
• Manual safety and magazine disconnect
• Reversible magazine release
• Ambidextrous thumb safety
• Includes two 10-round magazines
Popular Accessories
- Graphite Hammer and Sear Set
- Tactical Improvements Trigger Kit
- Tactical Solutions Barrel Shroud
- Hogue Handguard
- Custom Grips
- Magazine Extensions
- Picatinny Rail Optic Mounts
- Extended Mag Release
- Extended Magazine Well
- Laser or Red Dot Sight
Accuracy
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is a solid handgun with incredible accuracy. At distances of 50 yards the pistol is capable of 1-inch groups, allowing even novice shooters to hit a target fairly consistently. The Ruger Mark IV is capable of delivering vast amounts of accuracy for a variety of shooting activities, from casual shooting to competitive sports and even hunting. Additionally, the pistol's trigger pull is light and smooth and the grip on the gun is comfortable, all of which contribute to its high level of accuracy. When it comes to accuracy, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is hard to beat.
