The Ultimate Guide to the Ruger Mark IV Target .22 LR Pistol (CA Compliant Model 40183)

Are you searching for a highly accurate, reliable, and user-friendly rimfire pistol, especially one that meets California's stringent compliance requirements? Look no further than the Ruger Mark IV Target .22 LR (Model 40183). This exceptional handgun is a standout choice for a diverse range of enthusiasts, from seasoned target shooters and plinking aficionados to first-time firearm owners seeking a dependable training platform. The Mark IV series has built upon a legendary foundation, evolving to address common user pain points while maintaining the precision and durability Ruger is renowned for.

This comprehensive guide delves deep into the features, benefits, and practical applications of the Ruger Mark IV Target, addressing key questions and scenarios that potential owners frequently consider. Whether you're curious about its groundbreaking ease of maintenance, its precision shooting capabilities, or its legal status in California, we've got you covered.

Why Choose the Ruger Mark IV Target .22 LR Pistol?

The Ruger Mark IV Target is more than just a firearm; it's a meticulously engineered tool designed to enhance your shooting experience. It stands out in the crowded rimfire pistol market for several compelling reasons:

Effortless Maintenance and Field-Stripping

One of the most significant innovations of the Mark IV series, and a primary concern for many firearm owners, is its revolutionary one-button takedown system. For years, earlier Mark series pistols, while beloved for their accuracy, were notorious for their complex disassembly process. Ruger listened to its community. The Mark IV completely transforms this experience, allowing for quick, easy, and proper chamber-to-muzzle cleaning in mere seconds. This simplified field-stripping process saves valuable time and frustration, ensuring your pistol remains in peak operating condition with minimal effort. Imagine spending less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your passion at the range!

Precision Performance for Target Shooting

For shooters where accuracy is paramount, the Mark IV Target (Model 40183) excels. Its 5.50-inch blued bull barrel is not merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a performance-enhancing feature. Bull barrels, known for their thicker profile, minimize barrel whip and dissipate heat more effectively, contributing to superior accuracy and shot-to-shot consistency, even during extended shooting sessions. Coupled with a cold hammer-forged barrel, which results in ultra-precise rifling (specifically a 1:16" right-hand twist), this pistol delivers exceptional ballistic performance, making it an ideal companion for competitive shooting or simply honing your marksmanship skills.

Robust and Durable Construction

Built to last, the Ruger Mark IV Target features a precision CNC-machined aluminum grip frame paired with a blued steel slide and a blued metal finish. This combination not only provides a classic, aesthetically pleasing appearance but also ensures exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. The robust construction means this pistol can withstand rigorous use, making it a reliable investment for years of enjoyable shooting.

Designed with Ergonomics and Control in Mind

Comfort and control are crucial for a positive shooting experience. The Mark IV Target comes equipped with a smooth, contoured black checkered polymer grip. This material choice and design provide a secure and comfortable hold, even during prolonged shooting sessions, reducing hand fatigue and enhancing overall control. The checkered texture ensures a firm, non-slip grip, regardless of environmental conditions or hand moisture.

Optics-Ready Sighting System

The sighting system on the Mark IV Target is thoughtfully designed for versatility. It features a fixed front sight and an adjustable rear sight, allowing shooters to fine-tune their point of aim. Beyond traditional iron sights, the receiver is conveniently drilled and tapped. This critical feature enables the easy mounting of Weaver or Picatinny rails, opening up a world of possibilities for optics. Whether you prefer a red dot sight for rapid target acquisition, a magnified pistol scope for precision work, or other aiming solutions, this pistol is ready to be customized to your specific needs.

California Compliant: A Solution for CA Residents

A significant advantage of the Ruger Mark IV Target CA Compliant (Model 40183) is its adherence to California's strict firearm regulations. For residents in the Golden State, finding a high-quality, legally obtainable rimfire pistol can be a challenge. This model specifically addresses that need, allowing Californians to enjoy the legendary Mark IV platform without legal hurdles. Its "CA Compliant" designation is a strong signal to users in this specific demographic that this product is a viable and recommended option for them.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The versatility of the Ruger Mark IV Target makes it suitable for numerous scenarios:

• Dedicated Target Practice: Its inherent accuracy, excellent trigger (SAO - Single Action Only), and stable bull barrel make it a favorite for paper punching and perfecting your shot groups.
• Plinking and Recreational Shooting: Enjoy hours of affordable fun at the range, sending countless rounds downrange thanks to the economical .22 LR caliber.
• Beginner and Training Pistol: The low recoil and high accuracy of the .22 LR, combined with the Mark IV's user-friendly design, make it an ideal firearm for introducing new shooters to handgun fundamentals, promoting good habits without the intimidation of heavier calibers.
• Competitive Rimfire Shooting: With its precision engineering and optics-ready platform, this pistol is a strong contender for various rimfire competitions.
• Small Game Hunting: In areas where legal, the .22 LR is effective for dispatching small game with precision and minimal recoil.

Deep Dive into Performance and Features

The Shooting Experience: Accuracy, Control, and Enjoyment

When you take the Ruger Mark IV Target to the range, you immediately appreciate its thoughtful design. The 35.60 oz weight provides a stable shooting platform, absorbing what little recoil the .22 LR caliber produces, leading to quick follow-up shots and extended, comfortable shooting sessions. The single-action only (SAO) trigger ensures a crisp, clean break, contributing significantly to accuracy. The ambidextrous safety is a valuable feature, providing convenient and intuitive operation for both right- and left-handed shooters, enhancing overall safety and usability.

Magazine Capacity and Convenience

The Ruger Mark IV Target (Model 40183) comes with two 10-round magazines, adhering to common capacity restrictions while providing ample ammunition for recreational shooting or training. The conveniently located push-button magazine release on the left side of the frame allows for quick and efficient reloads, a practical advantage whether you're at the firing line or engaged in a timed drill.

Accessories and Customization Potential

One of the often-overlooked benefits of a drilled and tapped receiver is the vast ecosystem of aftermarket accessories it unlocks. Users can easily attach:

• Red Dot Sights: For faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially at closer ranges.
• Pistol Scopes: For maximum precision at extended distances, turning the Mark IV into a highly capable bench rest pistol.
• Lasers: For quick aiming and training purposes.

Furthermore, the robust aluminum frame and steel components allow for various grip upgrades, different sight configurations, and other enhancements, enabling owners to truly personalize their firearm to their preferences and needs.

Maintaining Your Ruger Mark IV Target: Simplified Care

The Mark IV's one-button takedown cannot be overstated in terms of its impact on maintenance. To field strip the pistol:

1. Ensure the firearm is unloaded.
2. Press the button on the back of the frame.
3. Tilt the barrel assembly up and off the grip frame.
4. Remove the bolt.

That’s it! This simplicity means you can quickly clean the bore, bolt, and action after every shooting session, preventing carbon buildup and ensuring consistent reliability. This ease of cleaning also contributes to the longevity of the firearm, protecting your investment.

The Ruger Legacy: A Name You Can Trust

Ruger has been a pillar in the American firearms industry for decades, known for producing high-quality, reliable, and innovative firearms. The Mark series pistols, first introduced in 1949, have cemented their place as one of the most popular and enduring .22 LR handguns in history. The Mark IV builds on this storied legacy, incorporating modern advancements while retaining the core principles of accuracy and durability that define the brand. When you choose a Ruger, you are investing in a product backed by a reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction. The Ruger Mark IV Target (Model 40183) exemplifies this commitment to quality, offering a firearm that performs reliably, shot after shot.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ruger Mark IV Target (Model 40183)

Is the Ruger Mark IV easy to clean?

Absolutely! The Ruger Mark IV series revolutionized the .22 LR pistol market with its one-button takedown system. Unlike previous generations, you can field strip this pistol for cleaning by simply pressing a button on the back of the frame, making it incredibly quick and easy to properly clean the bore from the chamber to the muzzle and maintain the internal components. This feature is consistently highlighted by users as a major improvement and selling point.

Is this Ruger Mark IV model suitable for competition?

Yes, the Ruger Mark IV Target (Model 40183) is highly suitable for various rimfire competitions. Its 5.50" bull barrel provides excellent accuracy, and the drilled and tapped receiver allows for the easy mounting of optics like red dot sights or pistol scopes, which are often preferred in competitive shooting. Its robust construction and consistent performance make it a favorite among both casual and serious competitors.

What kind of optics can I mount on the Ruger Mark IV Target?

Thanks to its drilled and tapped receiver, you can easily mount a standard Weaver or Picatinny rail. This rail then allows you to attach a wide variety of optics, including:

• Red Dot Sights: Ideal for fast target acquisition and improving accuracy.
• Pistol Scopes: For precision shooting at longer distances or for shooters who prefer magnification.
• Laser Sights: For training or specific aiming needs.

How many magazines are included with the Ruger Mark IV Target (Model 40183)?

This model includes two 10-round magazines. This capacity adheres to California compliance standards while providing a sufficient number of rounds for plinking, target practice, and training sessions without constant reloading.

Why is the .22 LR a good caliber for training and new shooters?

The .22 LR caliber is widely recommended for training and new shooters due to several factors:

• Minimal Recoil: It produces very little recoil, making it comfortable to shoot and helping new shooters avoid developing a flinch.
• Affordable Ammunition: .22 LR ammunition is significantly less expensive than centerfire calibers, allowing for more practice without breaking the bank.
• Focus on Fundamentals: The low recoil and cost allow shooters to focus on developing proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control without distraction.
• Accessibility: .22 LR pistols are generally lighter and easier to handle for individuals of varying strengths and sizes.

What does "CA Compliant" mean for this pistol?

"CA Compliant" signifies that this specific Ruger Mark IV Target pistol (Model 40183) meets the strict legal requirements and safety standards set forth by the state of California for firearms that can be legally sold and possessed by its residents. This typically includes features like a 10-round magazine capacity and sometimes specific safety mechanisms or materials. For California residents, purchasing a CA Compliant firearm like this model ensures legal ownership.

The Ruger Mark IV Target .22 LR pistol, specifically the Model 40183, represents a pinnacle of rimfire handgun design. Its blend of historical reliability, modern innovation, ease of maintenance, and compliance with specific state regulations makes it an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a high-performance, enjoyable, and enduring firearm. Whether you're an avid shooter, a competitive sportsman, or a newcomer to the world of firearms, this pistol offers a rewarding experience that stands the test of time.

Ruger Mark IV Target (Model 40183) Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Ruger
Series	Target CA Compliant
Model	Mark IV
Caliber	22 LR
Barrel Length	5.50"
Capacity	10+1
Action	SAO (Single Action Only)
Frame Finish	Blued
Frame Material	Aluminum
Slide Finish	Blued
Barrel Finish	Blued
Barrel Type	Bull Barrel
Twist Rate	1:16" RH (Right-Hand)
Grips	Black Checkered Polymer
Sights	Fixed Front / Adjustable Rear
Optics Mount	Drilled/Tapped (Weaver/Picatinny Ready)
Overall Length	9.75"
Weight	35.60 oz
Safety	Ambidextrous
Includes	2 Magazines
UPC	736676401833
MPN (SKU)	40183 (157177)