Gun Review:  Ruger Mark IV Pistols

Ruger Mark IV. I’ve always enjoyed Salty’s gun reviews, but I seem to have a taste for different firearms, so I’ve decided to do this one, and if it is well received, maybe I’ll do a couple more.

A few years ago, before the Mark IV pistols were introduced, I was looking for a .22 pistol to be used for target shooting and post-apocalyptic training.  😊  I concluded that I wanted a Ruger Mark III Target or Hunter.  At the time the Mark IV had not been introduced.

Unfortunately, the Target and Hunter models seemed to be unavailable, though less expensive models in the series were readily available.

After waiting awhile, my LGS had a sale on the Mark III 22/45 Lite model.  The pricing was really nice, so I quit waiting and bought a 22/45 Lite.  Then I bought a second one on the “one is none” philosophy.

Recently I was able to try out a friend’s Mark IV Hunter, so I can now discuss the Mark III vs. the Mark IV series as well as the Lite vs. the more expensive Mark Series models.

Philosophy of Use

All of the Mark series are meant for target shooting, plinking, and training for use of higher caliber pistols.  The 22/45 is specifically a trainer for 1911 style pistols.  The Hunter model my friend has is heavy, with a long barrel and intended for bullseye target shooting.  If you are a good pistol shot you could probably take a squirrel or two with it.

Design

The design of the Mark Series pistols dates back to 1949, with changes being spread over the decades in between.  The pistols through Mark III, have been notorious for being difficult to assemble and disassemble.

I don’t know all the firearms in circulation, but my Mark III 22/45 LITE is the only firearm I own where the manual suggests tapping it with a hammer during disassembly, or one of the necessary tools is a paper clip.  ☹

The process reminds me of a Rubik’s cube.  There are people who take their pistols to the gunsmith for cleaning, or just don’t clean them.  The Mark III is often thought of as the absolute worst widely sold pistol for disassembly and reassembly.

Fortunately, the Mark IV seems to have been a direct response to this shortcoming of the Mark III.  Hit one button on the rear of the barrel and the barrel tilts forward and then comes off the frame.  The contrast is amazing.

In one generation the Mark Series goes from being a bad joke in the disassembly process, to setting a new standard for ease.  It only took Ruger close to 60 years to figure this out.

Build Quality

Ruger is generally a good “value for price” brand.  Their products are not the cheapest, but they are reasonably priced, decent quality, and to get a higher quality product, you’ll generally need to spend considerably more.

This is generally the case with their entire product line.  The LITE model is quite inexpensive.  The Hunter and a few other high end stainless steel models are more expensive, but are still no worse than competitive products.

Ruger’s customer service has a positive reputation, though I’ve never had occasion to test them.

Modifications and Accessories

My friend had put some really nice sculpted grips on the Hunter which made it a bit fat for my hands but seemed to fit him perfectly.  I had put some night sights on the LITE, which my friend has on order for his Hunter, so he was pleased to get a chance to try them out.  We both enjoyed both guns.

Shooting

My friend and I spent some time at the local range using both pistols.  We used a variety of ammo including both standard velocity and high velocity.  Both pistols cycled flawlessly on all of the ammo we had on hand.  The Hunter has a 6.88” barrel vs. the 5” and change LITE.  Not surprisingly the Hunter was a bit more accurate, but not as much as you might expect.  Afterward my friend bought a Mark IV LITE.

Verdict

Both guns worked and were fun to shoot, so which one would be best as a prepper trainer?

Prepper firearms need to be affordable, as you will need a bunch of them, I am going to say a Mark IV 22/45 LITE would be the best “prepper” trainer based on my experience.  The Mark III can still be found, but the assembly process is simply not worth the headache.  The Hunter is the more accurate firearm, but at double the price, when money counts, I’ll take the LITE.

If you are going to be doing competitive shooting, you’ll want something like the Hunter, but the LITE is more than adequate to teach your non-shooting MAG members how to shoot.  However, while the accuracy of the Hunter is marginally better, it is only marginally better, and not enough better to offset the higher price.  Maybe someone who is a better shot than I will appreciate the difference more.

Overall, the Mark IV series solves the field stripping and cleaning problem, with the Hunter and Target models appealing to competition shooters, and the LITE appealing to trainers, plinkers, and preppers.

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