Ruger Mark IV
The Ruger Mark IV is the current generation of Ruger’s iconic .22 LR pistol line—a design with roots going back to 1949 that has been refined into one of the best-made rimfire pistols available. The Mark IV’s headline feature is one-button takedown: press a button at the back of the frame and the pistol opens completely for cleaning without tools or frustration. It’s available in Standard, Target, Tactical, and Competition configurations to match a wide range of rimfire applications.
Read our full Ruger Mark IV Buying Guide ↓
One-Button Takedown
The Mark IV’s defining improvement over earlier Mark generations is its disassembly system. Earlier Mark pistols were notorious for difficult reassembly—a genuine frustration for a .22 that gets cleaned frequently. The Mark IV eliminates this with a single button at the back of the frame that releases the upper assembly. Open, clean, close, done. This alone makes the Mark IV meaningfully more practical than its predecessors for anyone who shoots regularly and values easy maintenance.
Standard vs. Target
The Standard configuration offers a tapered barrel in 4.75 or 6-inch length with fixed sights—a straightforward, affordable .22 pistol that handles well and shoots accurately. The Target model adds an adjustable rear sight, a heavier bull barrel in 5.5 or 10-inch configurations, and a refined trigger. The Target is the right choice for precision rimfire and competition shooting. The Standard is the better value for casual use. Most serious shooters eventually end up with the Target if they spend any time at the bench.
Tactical and Competition Models
The Mark IV Tactical adds a Picatinny rail, threaded barrel for suppressor use, and adjustable sights in a modern package—popular with suppressor owners and shooters who want to run a red dot without an adapter. The Competition model adds a fiber optic front sight, flared magwell, drilled and tapped receiver, and a tuned trigger built for rimfire competition. Both share the same one-button takedown and the same core platform as all other Mark IV variants.
Accuracy and Performance
The Mark IV is a notably accurate .22 pistol. The fixed-barrel design—the barrel stays stationary during cycling, unlike a tilting-barrel pistol—contributes to consistent shot-to-shot accuracy. The bull-barrel Target models will shoot tighter groups than most shooters can hold, making trigger technique and ammunition selection the limiting factors rather than the pistol itself. It’s regularly used in rimfire silhouette, bullseye, and precision pistol competition with competitive results at all levels.
Optics and Accessories
Most Mark IV models accept optic mounts via the Weaver-style rail on the receiver or with aftermarket scope bases. Target and Competition models come drilled and tapped for direct scope mounting. A wide ecosystem of aftermarket parts exists—triggers, grips, extended magazines, and suppressor-height sights are all readily available. The 10-round magazines are standard; aftermarket options extend capacity. The Mark IV accepts all standard Ruger Mark magazine variants.
Related Pages
Browse the full Ruger brand page for the complete Ruger lineup, or visit our .22 Rifles page to compare .22 pistol and rifle options. See our handguns page for a broader look at rimfire and centerfire pistol options.