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Ruger has long since established itself as the market leader in .22 LR chambered plinkers. The venerable 10/22, the Single Six and the Mark series have been flying off the shelves for decades. Today, I’m looking at one of the most modern iterations, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical.
First Look
This isn’t my first time with a Ruger .22 LR handgun, but it’s been so many years that it feels like a fresh start. The 22/45 grip is indeed very 1911 reminiscent, so if that’s your preference you’ll like what they’ve done here.
Regarding ergonomics, the safety selector and slide stop/release are both well placed and easy enough to hit, despite having hands that are nearly as wide as they are short. Cool.
A pair of 10-round magazines are included. While I’m not surprised that 10-rounders are available (due to state restrictions in large markets), but what boggles me a little is taking such a large frame and not making 10+ round mags even an option. It’s 2024, we’re allowed to dream a little bigger.
Threaded barrel…top picatinny rail…got it. Optic and suppressor use heavily suggested, implied and recommended. Also, appreciated!
I have a few more observations but they’re best mentioned in context, so its on to…
Range Time
Most of the ammo I ran through the Mark IV 22/45 Tactical was CCI’s polymer-coated target loads in high velocity and subsonic flavors.
The first 100 rounds were the only ones I ran without a suppressor or optic. Things went well during this phase. I didn’t shoot groups for accuracy, but did a lot of steel transitions at 15 and 25 yards, as well as “IQ” drills through a rubber target from Infinite Defense. All good so far.
I screwed on an old Pilot 2 suppressor from AAC and bolted on a TD-3C red-dot by Hi-lux Optics. I went through another 100 rounds each of CCI’s polymer-coated supersonic and subsonic rounds. I got zeroed and repeated the drills I’d gone through. My 10- and 11-year old kids also took the chance to burn up some of the various .22 LR rounds they have in their own stashes.
Spoiler alert: they love this gun.
With so little reciprocating mass, the Mark IV 22/45 has noticeably less recoil than a Walther P22, which matters little to an adult but was appreciated by the boys. With CCI’s subsonic rounds and a suppressor, this may be one of the quietest firearms I’ve ever shot.
After a quick wipe down and re-lube, I went back out the next day. The first 50 rounds were a total jam fest. Every other round was reliably unreliable, failing to extract. A check of the gun showed it was clean, oiled and properly assembled. After those 50 rounds, the gun went back to running like a silent sewing machine. I ran a nearly 500 rounds through it after that, without another issue. I have no idea what happened short of it being a bad bunch of ammo or the gun didn’t like whatever I wiped it down with. But I never had another problem.
Accuracy
Running the Mark IV 22/45 at 15 and 25 yards on steel targets ranging from 4-inch circles to bowling pin sized poppers was uneventfully predictable. I never missed a shot that I felt like the gun failed me on. The trigger isn’t a match precision type, but works well enough for a mass-produced leadslinger.
Shooting groups however, started out as a maddening experience. From a standing position, I used a rifle tripod as an extremely stable base. Groups were dinner plate sized at 15 yards, too shameful to even grab a ruler. I checked the optic, made sure I wasn’t getting baffle strikes.
I took the suppressor off, and the groups tightened to what I would expect from this gun. I put the suppressor back on, and the groups stayed the same reasonable size. I really don’t feel like I put any appreciable torque on the can, but who knows? Just like with reliability, once the issue cleared up, it stayed cleared up.
I started shooting at a 1/3 scale mini E-type target at 100 yards, and could routinely make contact. Didn’t scratch the paint much… but I was hitting.
Final Thoughts
I’d love to say that all my favorite guns have been perfectly reliable and accurate since the dawn of time. It isn’t true though. The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical coming my way had me excited. The reliability hiccups and accuracy blips were frustrating and troubling, largely because I could never isolate what was causing them and when they went away, they went away for good, leaving me very happy with the gun. Now that those growing pains have passed, this is one of those guns that everyone wants to shoot. Whether it’s my kids or my Ranger buddy who’s come over to shoot the latest and greatest in tactical goodness…this gun catches attention universally well.
I know it’s always worrying to read reviews with accuracy and reliability issues. If it’s worth anything to you, I feel good enough about this gun that I’m going to buy this specific T&E gun from Ruger, out of pocket. Once things got ironed out, this gun transformed into a real joy, and when you factor in ammunition, optics, suppressors, cleaning supplies, whatever; shots can get wonky and it can be hard to pin down what’s causing it.
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical has an MSRP of $669, and a street price of roughly $548 currently. Check it out. This could be a great little gun to add to your collection.
Tech Specs
- Capacity:10+1
- Receiver Material: Alloy Steel
- Front Sight: Fixed
- Barrel Length 4.40 in.
- Grip Frame: Polymer
- Grips: Checkered 1911-Style
- Finish: Blued
- Width: 1.22 in.
- Rear Sight: Adjustable
- Barrel Style: Threaded
- Thread Pattern: 1/2-28
- Weight: 33.3 oz.
- Overall Length: 8.50 in.
- Height: 5.50 in.
- Grooves: 6
- Twist: 1:16 RH
Where To Buy
Check out Ammo To Go, the ammunition retail sponsor of TTAG. Get your bulk and quality ammo for a bargain by visiting theirsite.
I have 4. I love each of them. I’ve done some mods to a couple, TandemKross and Volquartsen, that increased the ergonomics and look. They are an absolute joy to shoot.
I’ve put Volquartzen (sp?) parts kits into a couple of these. The kit’s adjustable trigger has significantly less creep than the factory, but it can fail to reset if you overdo the pre-travel screw (and fail to break if you overdo the over-travel screw). 😉
GOT TWO , TACTICAL AND LITE , TAKE ME A LIFE TIE TO WEAR OUT SURE WILL TRY .
LOVE THE SIIGHTS , AND AS ALWAY CAN CHANGE FRONT SIGHT YOUR SELF .
WISH RUGER WOULD MAKE A FULL SIZE 1911 STYLE TAKE DOWN 22LR AND 22WMR .
RUGER 22 WMR IN MARK IV TATICAL AND LIGHT WOULD BE COOL ALSO .
Really cool looking piece…but I believe I’ll stick with my wife’s Buckmark. We’ve been pluggin’ away with it for 30 years and it hasn’t failed twice let alone 50…
had a mk2 22/45 and traded it off. one of the few guns I traded off. I regret it honestly.
but can you shoot it with your off hand in your back pocket and still look cool?
I probably haven’t put but about 200-300 thru mine but i havent had a failure. I think that must’ve been some wonky ammo or he got a dud gat. Ruger dont turn out to many duds though
I have a MkIII 22/45 stainless target model. It is vey picky with ammo I use and will not feed any HP ammo at all. It was cheap, so NBD, I still have it in a safe somewhere but would rather shoot my Mod 41s and Hi Standard target pistols when I shoot .22s. Suppressors aren’t a big deal for me, so no need for a threaded muzzle.
I have the MKIII. It is very reliable as long as I don’t feed it subsonic ammo. I know to use only high velocity ammo. The only issue that persists is the difficulty to reassemble after cleaning. I understand the MKIV fixed that problem.
Yes, the MKIV separates the takedown lug from the mainspring housing and makes it a pushbutton system instead of the finicky all-in-one lever of the MKIII and previous.
“I have the MKIII. It is very reliable as long as I don’t feed it subsonic ammo.”
Somebody should sell some softer action springs to allow proper cycling.
(If not, spring companies, get your asses in gear and create some!)
They could even get creative and make progressive-compression rate springs that would allow both ammo types to be used…
The Ruger series of semi-auto.22 LR pistols is great one. I bought my first one in 1980 along with a Mini-14. I’d have to count, but I think there’s half a dozen in the safes. I prefer the standard, MK I, and MK II models. My favorite is the 5 1/2″ bull barrel. A lot of small game has fell to those over the years.
A fun gun that’s not anywhere on my priority list, a friend has a similiar target version with what feels like a one ounce, gust of wind trigger pull. Surprising to see the author grips thumbs down simiiar to the way I do however it can be shot with one hand in the pocket like that Olympic iconoclast.
You’re making quite a racket outside my window right now, Hurricane Debby, but tonight I won’t let you in, as nobody likes sleeping on the wet spot, and everything will be wet in here if I let you in, all rainy and blustery… 😉
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?start#contents
They have been making them long enough it would be good to see the price drop. Only 10 round mags is falling behind the market trend.
I have many 22 pistols, the newest one a Sig with a 20 round mag that will squeeze 23 rounds in IF loaded perfectly. For giggles the last time I was at the range I gave one of my sons my MKII with 5 empty mags and a 50 round box of blazer – and I had the Sig with 2 mags and another box of blazer. We both loaded mags at the same time, but my son was shooting well before I was halfway done loading the 2nd finicky Sig mag. His 50 rounds went by without a hitch, I had 2 ftes, plus a ftc with the last 3 round loading of one of the Sig mags.
I have four brands of 22 semis with 10 round mags that are so quick and easy to load that I don’t really consider 20 rounders to be much of an advantage.
Armed Citizen Takes On 5 Car Jackers At Wisconsin Gas Station.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i93alyxHtww
How is this any more tactical than any other Mk 4?
“Tactical” is market-speak for “We put Pic rails on it.”
Nice review! I have a Ruger Mark I. I recently took it to the range. The last time I fired it was just over twenty years ago. I rediscovered the joy of this 22 firearm. I quickly followed up and bought five of the new style ten round mags. My original 2 mags are the 9 round which were OE eat back in 1981.
Two more things – I did two mods to my Ruger Mark I. I installed a hammer strut support which makes it super easy to reassemble after takedown. I also added wood target type grips.
I like the rifle with picatinny rail so much. Because I have a LPVO scope. It performed well when using with AR15. This is my scope. https://www.cvlife.com/products/cvlife-1-6×24-lpvo-scope-with-cantilever-mount
By the way, there is a question confused me for a long time.
Rifle scope or dot sight, which one is more suitable for AR15 to hunt?
I read an article about ar15 scopes. But I am still confused.
https://www.cvlife.com/blogs/news/red-dot-sights-vs-rifle-scope-what-s-the-best-for-ar-16
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical is known for its precision and reliability, similar to the careful planning and execution needed in Stardew Valley. Just as a well-maintained tool can make all the difference on your farm, a well-crafted firearm ensures accuracy and dependability. In Stardew Valley APK, attention to detail and the right equipment can significantly enhance your farming efficiency, much like how the Ruger Mark IV’s features enhance the shooting experience. Both emphasize the importance of having the right tools to achieve the best results, whether in a game or in real-life activities.
“Ruger has long since established itself as the market leader in .22 LR chambered plinkers”
Browning would like a word…
I just recently bought one ofthe all metal 22/45 Bull Barrel Ruger Mark IV pistols. In my home state, we can’t have the Tactical model due to the threaded barrel.
I have owned a Mark III 22/45 Bull Barrel pistol for about 15 years, and I passed it down to my youngest son, so I was replacing it with the newer version.
I really love the new method of takedown compared to the old, and the better, easier to use safety is a real improvement overthe older model.
Still one of the best pistols for plinking in my opinion, but would really like the lighter threaded model, if our state ever gets its head unstuck from the nether regions.
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