Ruger Mark IV 22/45
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Pistol · In Production · 2016
Also known as: Mark IV 22/45, MK IV 22/45, MKIV 22/45
Overview
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 is a semi-automatic rimfire pistol chambered in .22 LR, introduced in 2016 as the fourth generation of Ruger's iconic Standard Auto lineage that dates back to 1949. The '22/45' designation refers to its Zytel polymer grip frame shaped to replicate the grip angle and manual-of-arms of the M1911, including a 1911-style thumb safety and magazine release. The pistol features an internal bolt blowback action with a cold hammer-forged 5.5-inch bull barrel, adjustable rear sight, fixed ramped front sight, and a 10+1 round capacity. Weighing 975 grams (34.4 oz) unloaded, the Mark IV 22/45 is a target and plinking pistol prized for its inherent accuracy, low recoil, and inexpensive ammunition costs. The receiver is drilled and tapped for Weaver- or Picatinny-style optic rails. The Mark IV's signature innovation over its Mark III predecessor is a one-button takedown system that allows the upper receiver to tilt up and lift off the lower for tool-free field stripping, solving the notoriously difficult disassembly that plagued earlier Mark series pistols for decades.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 975 g (34.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1040 g (36.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 248 mm (9.76") |
| Barrel Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 31 mm (1.22") |
| Sight Radius | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 22.2 N (5.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 159 J (117 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Alloy Steel |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 22 Long Rifle
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Manual Safety, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: One Button Takedown, 1911 Style Grip Angle, Adjustable Rear Sight, Fixed Ramped Front Sight, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Bull Barrel, Checkered Grip Panels, Drilled And Tapped Receiver, Drop Free Magazines
Variants
- Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical — Tactical
- Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite — Lightweight
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Competitive Shooters (NRA Bullseye / Rimfire)
- U.S. Recreational Shooters / Plinkers · adopted 2016
Production
Production years: 2016-present
High-volume production; the Mark series is one of the best-selling .22 LR pistol lines in American history with millions produced across all generations since 1949
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William B. Ruger (original design lineage)
Notes
The Mark IV 22/45 continues one of the longest-running production pistol lineages in American firearms history: Ruger Standard (1949) to Mark I (1951) to Mark II (1982) to Mark III (2004) to Mark IV (2016). The polymer 22/45 grip frame was first introduced on the Mark II in 1992 and has been carried forward through every subsequent generation. The blued alloy steel upper receiver houses the internal bolt that cycles via simple blowback, with no locked breech needed for the low-pressure .22 LR cartridge. The trigger is single-action only with a factory pull weight averaging 5 pounds (22.2 N). The 1:16-inch right-hand twist with 6 grooves stabilizes standard- and high-velocity .22 LR loads. The pistol's ambidextrous manual safety can be converted to left-side only operation. A magazine disconnect safety prevents discharge when the magazine has been removed. Two 10-round magazines are included. MSRP is approximately $409 with street prices around $339. The Mark IV is also available in standard (aluminum grip frame), Target, Hunter, and Competition variants.
Background
The Ruger Standard Auto of 1949 was the first product of Sturm, Ruger & Co. and the pistol that built the company. Its profile was inspired by the Nambu Type 14 and Luger P08, and its affordable, reliable .22 LR design became the benchmark target and plinking pistol for generations of American shooters. The Mark IV's one-button takedown finally solved the single biggest complaint about the platform -- the infamously difficult reassembly that had frustrated owners for nearly 70 years and spawned countless YouTube tutorials and gunsmith house calls.