Ruger Mark IV 22/45

About the Ruger Mark IV 22/45

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.

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.

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 specifications

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.