Ruger Mark IV | Evolution of an Icon

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Grew up with Ruger Mark pistol. Love 'em. Thanks for the memories.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Absolutely! Thank you for watching!

[@jeffreylocke8808]

The evolution of the Ruger Mark pistol to the Mark IV refined design is so satisfying to see happen.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There is quite the difference. I can't wait to get the II and III someday. Thanks for watching!

[@PassivePortfolios]

I had a Mark 2 stainless with a 5.5" heavy barrel but reassembly and cleaning it was tedious so I sold it. Some people remove the grip panels and spray it down without disassembly. But with the new model's ease of disassembly and cleaning, I might be tempted to buy a new one.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

The Mark 4 is a BREEZE!

[@PassivePortfolios]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview it's genius engineering. Just wish Ruger would have made it sooner.

[@russmichael1165]

I got the Mark lV 22/45 last year, great pistol and i like the fact that rear site is adjustable for windage and elevation.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I like the adjustable rear sight on my Mark I, but the only "target" model they had at the store I went to, was the 22/45. I want to get all four of the Ruger Marks, but I want to keep them all the same style. Thanks for watching!

[@bluescatreimer]

Good video Richard, nice case that came with your MKlV. I got a white cardboard box with my MKlV Target models., but that was a few years ago too. I also love how easy and quick they are to take down and clean. Have a great weekend!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I have the original box for my Mark I, or I should say, I have several pieces of cardboard that my Mark I came in! The MkIV takedown is a breeze! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching too!

[@bluescatreimer]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview Your welcome!

[@jeremiahbeck3292]

Like to see you make a holster for this pistol Richard

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Maybe for the Mark IV Hunter, whenever I get one! I'm thinking a chest rig so I can carry it while I'm out on the tractor or when I'm mowing!

[@edias3393]

You're right about that. I have a mark iii and my local gunsmith told me to just clean it as best I can without taking it down.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Now I really need to pick one up! I have to see what all the fuss is about! Thanks for watching!

[@JimE6243]

Good to see ya not busy with "the farm" and doing 2A vids. I have the tactical model of the Mark IV and it is easy to takedown. The surprising thing is, it is similar to the way my Smith Wesson Model 22A with target grips takes down. The difference is, the push button is smaller and located in front of the trigger housing. My Smith Wesson Model 41 also come apart easily. Just pull down on the trigger guard and presto. I do have some that are not quite as easy. My Browning Buck Marks come to mind. They even advise not to do it. Just purchase a new Buck Mark Americana because I like the looks of it, but, man does it shoot well also. I don't know how you can see those center black dots on the targets that well. I have to put 1/2" orange stickies in the center for contrast to the sights. Keep the 2A stuff coming. Like it! Always done well. Enjoy the farm. Life is short. JimE

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I guess I sort of have "Mood Swings"! I'm in the mood for guns, in the mood for leather or in the mood for farming. Since the weather is getting colder, it will be either indoor stuff or just brief outdoor stuff for a while. (More guns and holsters!) There are soooo many more of these type pistols I need to check out. Thanks for watching Jim!

[@Squib1911]

If you get the other models of Ruger target pistols at some point I'd like to see the comparison.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That's the plan and it is Gun Show Season!

[@bossman1974]

Isn't it an aluminum alloy frame ?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Yes, except for the 22/45s, theirs are polymer. Thanks for watching!

[@Colorado_Native]

Could you do a video on the 75th anniversary edition? I'm fairly sure it only has a few markings celebrating 75 years and no mechanical defferences from the Mk IV. Thanks.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Probably not, They're pretty expensive and I don't get them for free! I sure wish I did though!! Thanks for watching!

[@duanemiles1558]

I have a Mk ll standard, stainless. What a kit gun.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I still don't have a Mk II or III...yet! Thanks for watching!

[@A5JDZK]

I believe Ruger uses MIM (Metal Injection Molding) to make their firearms. Hence the no seams.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

MIM is a very cool process, I wish I was able to do it at home. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@johnkellmer5133]

The Mk IV 75th Anniversary model is the one you want. Beautiful pistol.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There's a few of them I want. Thanks for watching!

[@georgeaura]

Is that Norma good for older semi auto like a s&w model 41 22lr?

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I don't see why not. The S&W model 41 is a modern firearm and should handle any .22LR available today. I'd check with the owners manual or maybe email S&W and see what they say. To tell you the truth though, I sort of like the Browning Pro22 a little better. Thanks for watching!

[@traceycook8826]

How do you take down the mark 3 target pistol

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I don't know yet, I haven't purchased a Mark III.....yet! Hopefully I'll find one soon. Thanks for watching!

[@blainecolbry3192]

Nice review.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks!

[@Prepare2Survive]

I like the 6" Hunter model too, but it's 46% heavier than the 6" standard model so that's why I bought the standard model instead.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That 46% increase in weight will eat up a little more of the recoil! It will make it just a little more difficult to carry though. (not that .22lr has a lot of recoil) That hunter model is pretty sweet looking! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching too!

[@Prepare2Survive]

@@SmallCaliberArmsReview When it comes to dedicated hunting pistol the hunter model would make more sense for that added weight and stainless finish doing better when exposed to adverse weather, but as a "kit gun" or "backpacking / survival / bug out gun" the lighter weight and more stealthy black finish of the standard model would make more sense.

[@homesteadohio]

@@Prepare2Survive I agree!

[@adamthomson2873]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks for watching!

[@DrDan-qx4oh]

I got the 75th Anniversary model, it came in a cheesy thin cardboard box! I also bought a Mark II in 1975, still have it in original heavy cardboard box.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That 75th anniversary model should have come in a nice velvet lined wooden box! Thanks for watching!

[@markallen4001]

Love the 75th version! Tapered barrel and target sights. Beautiful pistol.

[@TKevinBlanc]

Among the three billion variations is a Mark IV (not 22/45) target model with a black bull barrel. There's one of those with fancy wood grips. That one is mine soon.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

You can't say there aren't any options! Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@mcb2757]

I like the target model because of the sights and the heavier barrel. They are all great weapons though.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I agree, thanks for watching!

[@marcdewey1242]

I have a Ruger mk2 that I purchased back in 83

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I really need to pick one up soon. Thanks for watching!

[@georgeaura]

I'm trying to get the hunter in stainless.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That's a good looking pistol! I want one myself. Thanks for watching!

[@everettwalker9048]

WOW! TEN! YARDS!!!!!!!! KZbin and the rest of the 'net is FULL of MkIV videos and reviews. There is an array of after-market kits and gizmos and magazinne modificaition tutorials designed to 1. Make the things function, and 2 Provide them with a user-friendly trigger. It sees to be a wonderful Kit! for the dedicated home gunsmith who doesn't care whether it can be fixed or not.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

Thanks for watching!

[@markallen4001]

Indoor range? Cool.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

It's more of a Hybrid, indoor/outdoor range. Thanks for watching!

[@Brandi6666]

Had my mark 4 for about 4 months. Sweetist pistol out of all my 22’s🤘. I put a 22$ red dot on a picatiny rail. Honestly, those 100$ and 200$ red dots is a waste. I have the 22/45 bull barrel. Mine has a adjustable rear sight

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

They must be pretty good, they've been in production since 1949! I'm not a fan of red dots, but I do like adjustable sights. Thanks for watching!

[@deucedeuce1572]

I love the MKIV... but I still prefer the MK III. The MKIV has an easier field strip... but they sacrificed the assembly and disassembly of the firearm in the process. With so many people buying these and upgrading/modifying them, it really makes a difference. I think the MK III is a better design all around (minus the loaded chamber indicator and the magazine safety). I think the standard is best in the MK II configuration and the 22/45 is best in the MK III configuration (with the replaceable grips frame). I like the MKIII 22/45 grip frame with the MK II upper and the magazine safety deleted. I think that's the best OEM set up. I never had a problem field stripping the MK III like some people though, but some people do before they learn how to do it right. I really think that they could have easily made the gun both easier to field strip and easier to disassembly. For some reason though they just didn't take the time to get it right in my opinion. I hope the MKV will end up being what the MKIV should have been.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

There's always room for improvement. I hope they don't do a MkV yet, I still need to get a MkII and III.

[@douglasmaccullagh7865]

I'd like to know how you stripped your MKIII down easily. Mine required a rubber mallet to disassemble or reassemble.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I don't have a MkIII yet. I Have stripped the MkI and MkIV pretty quickly though.@@douglasmaccullagh7865

[@squiblift2019]

One-handed. Yes!

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I need more practice!

[@markej4801]

I got one of the 75th anniv. editions. LOVE it! The only downside--it comes in a chincy cardboard box. 🤑

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

That is a bummer, especially for an Anniversary Edition! Thanks for watching!

[@markmcqueen1882]

You might think this is a great innovation in design from Ruger....unless you are familiar with the Japanese Type 14 Nambu pistol which pre-dates it by about 25 years. Not to say the Ruger isn't a great .22 auto pistol.

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

The Japanese Nambu is where Bill Ruger came up with the design for the Ruger Standard. Everything has room for improvement. Thanks for watching!

[@rick-kx7gy]

Be interested to know what made the Mark 111 the " worst " . Have had my 6.88 inch fluted barrel Mark 111 Hunter for some 10 years now . Probably have 20 + K rounds through it . . I will admit I do a full disassemble for cleaning after 1 K rounds . Fully strip the bolt and the lower grip frame , clean , & reassemble in roughly an hour . The only part ever needing replaced ( besides eliminating the mag disconnect and installing a loaded chamber indicator blank ) was the bolt stop rounded over . And wasn't always holding the bolt open last shot . Put in a new one from Ruger and been completely trouble free since .. Luv my Mark 111 .

[@SmallCaliberArmsReview]

I have no idea. I was at a gun show today, talking to a gentleman about a MkII. I told him I needed to pick up a II and III. He said "No, stay away from the MkIII, they are the worst!" I can't wait to find out first hand. Thanks for watching!