RUGER MARK IV TARGET
Posted May 26, 2023
Introduction
It’s no secret that Ruger revolvers have been a popular staple in the firearms industry since 1949. This is due to the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality materials for the guns they produce. This dedication is perhaps most evident in their Mark IV Target revolver, a handgun designed for precision accuracy and maximum control. Built on the popular Mark III platform, this handgun is an excellent choice for a precision target shooter, plinker, or hobbyist. In this review, I’ll go over the design, features, and performance of the Ruger Mark IV Target, and why it’s an ideal revolver choice for any shooter.
Design
The Ruger Mark IV Target is a single action, semi-automatic revolver made from high quality steel and aluminum. The grip angle is slightly angled to promote a natural pointing posture, and the open top design reduces felt recoil while helping to keep the shooter’s line of sight unobstructed. The frame is sized to fit most hand sizes comfortably, with interchangeable backstraps for those with larger or smaller hands. The revolver is 8.75” long and weighs in at around 2.45 pounds.
The barrel is 4.2” long and has six grooves in the rifling for improved accuracy. The sights are adjustable for elevation and windage, and the rear sight is fully adjustable to fit any shooting configuration. The sights are machined from aircraft grade aluminum which is extremely durable and will stand up to plenty of use and abuse. The Mark IV comes in various finishes, including polished stainless steel, black matte steel, and nitride-coated stainless steel to protect the steel from corrosion.
Features
The Ruger Mark IV Target comes packed with a number of features to ensure a comfortable and accurate shooting experience. An adjustable trigger stop is included to help keep the trigger pull light and consistent, and the external hammer allows for easier cocking and more accurate shooting. The gun is equipped with a transfer bar safety system to ensure that the gun cannot fire unless the trigger is pulled, and the internal safety allows the user to lock the gun when not in use. The gun also features a last round hold-open to let the user know the cylinder is empty. The ejector rod is externally accessible for easier cleaning and maintenance.
Performance
The Ruger Mark IV Target is an accurate and reliable shooter that will easily hit targets at reasonable distances. The barrel length and adjustable sights make it easy to dial in the sights for accuracy which can be further improved with aftermarket products such as muzzle brakes and choke tubes. The gun is also capable of rapid-fire shooting without compromising accuracy, so it is suitable for both target practice and competition shooting. The Ruger is considered to be one of the best .22lr revolvers available on the market today and has even been adopted by the United States Navy SEALs.
Conclusion
The Ruger Mark IV Target is an excellent choice for any shooter looking for a reliable, accurate, and comfortable shooting experience. The adjustable sights and external hammer make it easy to customize the revolver to fit any shooting configuration. The gun is highly durable and can stand up to plenty of use and abuse. Whether you’re a competition shooter, beginner, or just looking for a reliable plinker, the Ruger Mark IV Target is sure to meet all your needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Very accurate: The Ruger Mark IV Target has been praised as having exceptional accuracy among expert firearms enthusiasts and reviewers.
-Easy to use: The Ruger Mark IV Target is very user friendly, which makes it easy for beginners to learn to shoot with it.
-Variety of barrel lengths and calibers: The Ruger Mark IV Target is available in a variety of barrel lengths and calibers, making it a great option for different types of shooting.
Cons:
-Expensive: The Ruger Mark IV Target is a high-end firearm and isexpensive.
-Limited customization options: Many of the Ruger Mark IV Target's components are not easily replaceable or customizable, so customization choices are limited.
-Heavy: The Ruger Mark IV Target is a hammer-fired design, so it is heavier than some other pistols.
Who Should Buy
Anyone of age should be able to buy a Ruger Mark IV Target, as long as local laws and regulations allow. However, those with no firearm safety training, knowledge, or experience should not buy this gun. Those who do not understand the safety and storage requirements of a firearm or who intend to use it for anything other than target practice should not buy this gun.
Comparisons
| Product | Barrel length | Finish | Mag. Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruer MARK IV TARGET | 5.5" | Blued | 10 | $529 |
| Heritage Rough Rider | 6.5" | Blued | 6 | $159 |
| Browning Buck Mark | 5.5" | Blued | 10 | $524 |
| CZ 75 Compact | 4.6" | Nitride | 14 | $491 |
| S&W SW1911 | 5" | Stainless | 8 | $681 |
Features / Specs
• Characteristic: Semi-Automatic Pistol
• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds
• Barrel Length: 5.5"
• Grip Frame: Aluminum alloy
• Grip Panels: Checkered synthetic
• Front Sight: Fiber Optic
• Rear Sight: Adjustable Target-style
• Action: Single-action
• Finish: Blued Alloy Steel
• Overall Length: 9.75"
• Width: 1.1"
• Height: 5.5"
• Weight: 33.3 oz
Popular Accessories
22 LR?
- Extra Magazines
- ERGO Grips
- Laser Sights
- 4X Scope
- Gun Slings
- Silencers
- Red Dots
- Flashlights
- Bipods
- Magazine Loaders
Accuracy
The RUGER MARK IV TARGET is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and accurate handgun. It is known to be very accurate for many shooters; producing groups that are only a few inches in size at twenty-five yards. It is also powerful enough to take down medium-sized game. The rigid stainless steel barrel and adjustable sights make this gun a great choice for those who want to take long-range shooting seriously. Many users have reported that the gun is extremely easy to shoot, with no malfunctions noted.
