Ruger Mark IV Hunter

About the Ruger Mark IV Hunter

The Ruger Mark IV Hunter is the field-oriented variant of the Mark IV platform, designed for small game hunting and extended outdoor use. Introduced in 2016, it features a 6.88-inch fluted stainless steel bull barrel that combines the accuracy benefits of a long, heavy barrel with weight reduction from the fluting. The entire pistol is constructed from satin-finished stainless steel with a one-piece CNC-machined grip frame, providing excellent corrosion resistance for outdoor use in adverse weather. At 44 ounces (1,247 grams) unloaded, it is slightly lighter than the Competition model thanks to the fluted barrel removing material. A high-visibility fiber optic front sight enables fast target acquisition in low-light field conditions, paired with an adjustable rear sight for precise zero adjustments. Checkered laminate grips provide a secure hold in wet or cold conditions. The receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting a Weaver- or Picatinny-style optic rail, accommodating red dot sights or small pistol scopes popular among handgun hunters.

The Hunter model continues a long tradition of Ruger rimfire pistols being used for small game hunting, particularly squirrel and rabbit hunting in the American South and Midwest where handgun hunting with .22 LR is a cherished tradition. The stainless steel construction reflects the practical needs of hunters who carry their pistols in holsters through brush, rain, and snow where blued steel finishes would quickly deteriorate. The fluted barrel has become the visual signature of the Hunter variant, immediately distinguishable from the Competition's slab-sided profile.

Ruger Mark IV Hunter specifications

The Hunter model's fluted barrel profile reduces weight compared to an equivalent-diameter unfluted bull barrel while maintaining barrel rigidity and increasing surface area for faster cooling between shots. The fluting also provides a distinctive visual appearance that differentiates the Hunter from the slab-sided Competition model. The fiber optic front sight is a key differentiator from the Competition variant, which uses a fixed blade front sight -- the fiber optic element gathers ambient light for improved visibility in dawn, dusk, and shaded hunting conditions. The stainless steel construction throughout (frame, receiver, barrel) provides superior corrosion resistance compared to the blued steel or aluminum variants. The trigger is single-action only with a factory pull weight of approximately 5 pounds (22.2 N). The 1:16-inch right-hand twist with 6 grooves stabilizes standard- and high-velocity .22 LR loads. Two 10-round magazines are included. MSRP is $1,019. Not available in California or Massachusetts.