The Definitive Guide to the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Pistol: Precision, Performance, and Unmatched Ease of Use

For anyone seeking a reliable, accurate, and incredibly user-friendly .22 LR rimfire pistol, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 (SKU: 40107, UPC: 736676401079) stands out as a premier choice. This isn't just another plinking gun; it's a meticulously engineered firearm designed to excel in everything from fundamental training and high-volume recreational shooting to competitive target practice. Whether you're a first-time shooter looking for a gentle introduction to firearms, an experienced enthusiast seeking an affordable practice platform that mirrors the feel of a full-size 1911, or a dedicated competitor, the Mark IV 22/45 offers a compelling blend of features and performance.

What makes the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 so highly regarded, and what problems does it solve for shooters across various skill levels? Let's delve into its core attributes and discover why it consistently earns recommendations.

Revolutionary One-Button Takedown: Simplifying Firearm Maintenance

One of the most significant advancements of the Mark IV series, and a primary reason for its immense popularity, is its groundbreaking one-button takedown system. This innovative design addresses one of the most common frustrations associated with older Mark series pistols: complex field-stripping for cleaning.

How does the one-button takedown work, and what are its benefits?

The process is remarkably simple:

1. Ensure Safety: Always confirm the firearm is unloaded.
2. Press the Button: Located at the rear of the frame, a conveniently placed push-button allows the barrel-receiver assembly to tilt up and off the grip frame.
3. No Tools Required: This entire operation requires no special tools, unlike many other firearms.

Why is this feature a game-changer for shooters?

• Unmatched Ease of Cleaning: A clean firearm is a reliable firearm. The Mark IV's simple takedown encourages more frequent and thorough cleaning, preventing carbon buildup and ensuring consistent performance. For new shooters, this removes a significant barrier to proper firearm ownership and maintenance.
• Time-Saving: Instead of wrestling with pins, levers, and aligning multiple components, you can field strip the Mark IV in seconds. More time shooting, less time struggling with disassembly.
• Enhanced Reliability: Regular, easy cleaning directly translates to fewer malfunctions caused by fouling, especially important for the often-dirty .22 LR ammunition.
• Increased Longevity: Proper maintenance extends the life of your firearm, protecting your investment.

This streamlined maintenance process is a prime example of how the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 solves the problem of tedious and complicated firearm upkeep, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Precision Engineering: The 5.50" Bull Barrel Advantage

The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 (Model 40107) features a robust 5.50" bull barrel constructed from blued steel. This specific barrel configuration is a critical element contributing to the pistol's exceptional accuracy and consistent performance.

What are the advantages of a bull barrel on a .22 LR pistol?

• Enhanced Accuracy: The increased weight and thickness of a bull barrel provide greater rigidity, which minimizes barrel harmonics and vibrations during firing. This results in superior inherent accuracy, making it easier to achieve tight groups on target.
• Improved Stability: The added weight forward helps to balance the pistol and reduce muzzle flip, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and more stable aiming, especially beneficial during rapid firing or competitive scenarios.
• Heat Dissipation: A thicker barrel dissipates heat more effectively during extended shooting sessions, preventing accuracy degradation that can occur as barrels warm up. This is particularly useful for high-volume plinking or training courses.
• Durability: The robust steel construction ensures long-term durability and resistance to wear, even with thousands of rounds fired.

Coupled with a contoured ejection port for reliable spent casing expulsion, the 5.50" bull barrel of the Mark IV 22/45 makes it a top contender for precision shooting tasks.

Optics-Ready Design: Tailoring Your Sighting System for Optimal Performance

For shooters who demand ultimate precision or simply prefer the benefits of modern aiming devices, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 is an ideal platform. Its sighting system features a drilled and tapped receiver, ready to accept popular optics mounts.

Can you put a red dot sight or scope on a Ruger Mark IV 22/45?

Absolutely. The drilled and tapped receiver is specifically designed for easy mounting of Weaver or Picatinny style rails. This allows users to attach a wide array of optical enhancements, including:

• Red Dot Sights: Popular for faster target acquisition, improved accuracy at various ranges, and reduced eye strain. Ideal for plinking, target shooting, and many rimfire competitions.
• Pistol Scopes: For maximum precision at longer distances, often favored in specialized target shooting disciplines.

Out of the box, the Mark IV 22/45 comes with a highly functional sight configuration: a fixed front sight paired with an adjustable rear sight. This traditional setup provides excellent accuracy for iron sight shooting and can be precisely tuned to your preferred ammunition. The contrast sight style further aids in quick and clear sight picture acquisition.

Ergonomics and Control: The Familiar 1911-Style Experience

The "22/45" in the model name signifies a critical ergonomic feature: its grip angle and feel are designed to closely mimic that of a classic 1911 pistol. This thoughtful design choice makes the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 an outstanding training tool and a comfortable firearm for a wide range of shooters.

What are the benefits of the 1911-style grip on the Ruger Mark IV 22/45?

• Seamless Transition for 1911 Owners: For those who regularly shoot centerfire 1911s (e.g., in .45 ACP or 9mm), the identical grip angle and comfortable checkered 1911-style panel grips provide a natural and familiar feel. This allows for affordable, high-volume practice of drawing, aiming, and trigger control fundamentals without the cost or recoil of larger calibers.
• Comfortable and Secure Hold: The checkered grips ensure a secure and comfortable hold, even during extended shooting sessions. This enhanced control contributes to better accuracy and reduced shooter fatigue.
• Optimal Hand Positioning: The grip angle promotes a natural point of aim for many shooters, reducing the learning curve for new handgun users.
• Polymer Frame: The blued polymer frame contributes to the pistol's manageable weight (34.40 oz / 2.15 lbs) while maintaining excellent durability and balance. Its 9.75" overall length provides a substantial feel without being cumbersome.

The conveniently located push-button magazine release on the left side of the frame further enhances the intuitive feel, mirroring the controls found on many popular semi-automatic pistols.

Safety and Usability: Designed for Confidence and Convenience

Safety and ease of operation are paramount in any firearm, and the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 incorporates features that enhance both.

• Ambidextrous Manual Safety: The pistol comes standard with an ambidextrous manual safety, allowing both left- and right-handed shooters to easily engage or disengage the safety lever. For those who prefer a left-side-only safety, an included washer allows for this conversion, providing user-configurable control.
• Single Action Only (SAO) Action: The SAO action provides a crisp, consistent trigger pull, contributing to greater accuracy potential. This makes it an excellent choice for target shooting and training where precise trigger control is emphasized.
• Two Magazines Included: The Mark IV 22/45 ships with two 10-round magazines, ensuring you have ample ammunition capacity for extended plinking sessions or competitive stages without constant reloading.

These design choices underscore Ruger's commitment to building firearms that are not only high-performing but also user-friendly and safe for a broad spectrum of shooters.

The Versatility of the .22 LR Caliber: Why It's the Perfect Match

The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) caliber is arguably the most popular rimfire cartridge in the world, and for good reason. When paired with a high-quality pistol like the Ruger Mark IV 22/45, its benefits are amplified.

What are the primary advantages of shooting .22 LR with the Mark IV 22/45?

• Exceptional Affordability: .22 LR ammunition is significantly less expensive than centerfire ammunition, allowing shooters to practice more frequently and for longer periods without breaking the bank. This makes the Mark IV 22/45 an excellent tool for high-volume practice.
• Minimal Recoil: The .22 LR produces very little recoil, making it ideal for new shooters who are still developing their fundamentals and building confidence. It also allows experienced shooters to focus purely on trigger control and sight alignment without anticipating heavy recoil.
• Low Noise Signature: While still requiring hearing protection, .22 LR is generally quieter than larger calibers, making it more pleasant for indoor range sessions or shooting in areas where noise is a concern.
• Training Proficiency: For experienced shooters, the Mark IV 22/45 serves as an unparalleled training aid. Its 1911-style grip allows for cost-effective practice of drawing, target transitions, and advanced shooting drills that directly translate to proficiency with larger handguns.
• Variety of Uses: Beyond plinking and training, the Mark IV 22/45 is well-suited for rimfire competitions, small game hunting, and pest control due to its accuracy and reliability.

Who is the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Ideal For? Real-World Applications

The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 (UPC: 736676401079) is a pistol that genuinely serves a diverse audience.

• New Shooters & Beginners: If you're asking, "What is the best .22 LR pistol for beginners?", the Mark IV 22/45 is a leading answer. Its low recoil, easy maintenance, and intuitive controls make learning the fundamentals of pistol shooting enjoyable and less intimidating.
• Experienced Handgun Enthusiasts: For those wondering, "How can I practice more affordably with my 1911?", the 22/45 offers a perfect solution. It mirrors the ergonomics and controls of a 1911, allowing for high-volume, low-cost training that transfers directly to your centerfire pistol skills.
• Target & Competitive Shooters: If your goal is precision, or if you're looking for a reliable pistol for rimfire leagues or competitions, the Mark IV 22/45's bull barrel, optics-ready receiver, and crisp SAO trigger make it an excellent choice. It’s frequently recommended for users searching for "best .22 LR target pistol."
• Recreational Plinkers: For sheer fun and high-volume shooting, the Mark IV 22/45 delivers. Its low ammo cost and ease of use mean more smiles per session. It's often included in searches like "fun plinking gun" or "reliable rimfire for backyard range."
• Small Game Hunters: Its accuracy makes it a viable option for ethical small game hunting or pest control, provided local regulations allow.
• Firearm Instructors & Training Facilities: The durability, ease of maintenance, and user-friendly nature make it a top choice for teaching new students or as a rental gun.

Maintaining Your Ruger Mark IV 22/45: Tips for Longevity

Thanks to its innovative takedown, maintaining your Mark IV 22/45 is straightforward, ensuring its reliability and longevity.

• Regular Cleaning: After each shooting session, especially with .22 LR ammunition which can be "dirty," utilize the one-button takedown to easily access the barrel and bolt. Use appropriate cleaning solvents and brushes to remove carbon and lead fouling.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of quality firearm lubricant to moving parts as recommended by Ruger's manual.
• Magazine Care: Periodically clean your magazines to ensure smooth feeding of ammunition.

By following simple maintenance routines, your Ruger Mark IV 22/45 (SKU: 40107) will provide years of dependable service.

The Ruger Legacy: A Name You Can Trust

Ruger has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, reliable, and innovative firearms. The Mark IV series is a testament to this legacy, building upon decades of success with the Mark I, II, and III models, while introducing revolutionary improvements like the one-button takedown. When you choose a Ruger, you're investing in a firearm backed by a company known for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Where to Find Your Ruger Mark IV 22/45

The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 (UPC: 736676401079, MPN: 40107) is a highly sought-after rimfire pistol. You can find this model and other quality firearms at reputable retailers like DEGuns.com, where you can explore its features and make it yours.

In summary, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 with its 5.50" bull barrel, 1911-style grip, and game-changing one-button takedown, represents the pinnacle of .22 LR pistol design. It’s a firearm that grows with you, from your first shots to advanced competition, delivering accuracy, reliability, and unparalleled ease of use every step of the way.

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 (SKU: 40107) Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Ruger
Model	Mark IV 22/45
Caliber	.22 LR
Capacity	10+1 Rounds
Barrel Length	5.50 inches
Barrel Description	Bull Barrel
Barrel Material	Steel
Frame Finish	Blued Steel
Frame Material	Polymer
Slide Finish	Blued Steel
Grips	Checkered 1911-Style Panel
Action	Single Action Only (SAO)
Overall Length (OAL)	9.75 inches
Weight	34.40 ounces
Sights	Fixed Front / Adjustable Rear
Safety	Ambidextrous Manual (Convertible)
Includes	2 Magazines
SKU / MPN	40107
UPC	736676401079