Gonna order a new Mark IV tomorrow

[bear007]

I've never shot any of the Ruger Mark pistols but have heard some good things about some older Mark versions. I'm probably going with a Mark IV 22/45 5.5" bull barrel or the Mark IV 22/45 Aluminum LITE 4.4" barrel model. I've not shot either but the 22/45 grip angle just looks more ergonomic to me than the standard Mark IV grip.

Just looking to hear any thoughts or considerations you might have before picking and ordering a new pistol tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[rugerguy]

Nice choice and I agree with you, my favorite years ago was the 22/45 MK II with the stainless 5-1/4 inch upper had the adjustable sight, best of BOTH worlds and a tough gun to try and find another again.......

 

[hittman]

No wrong answers here.
I never cared for the 22/45 but also not a 1911 guy.
My favorite is the MKII series and I never had the need to take one apart.
They just always worked.
Every time.
Without fail.
Before the MKIV came out, I know some folks would gladly pay more for a USED MKII than they would not a NEW MKIII.
Don't know if that holds true today but I doubt it.

 

[bear007]

I know the MK II is the most loved. And I know the MK II shoots everytime ... whether you clean it or not lol. My BIL bought an MK II with about a 7" blued barrel around 1985. He lives on his own little 12 acre piece of mountain property. He has carried and shot that pistol over all these years at all kinds of critters as he puts it and never had it apart. I cleaned it 2 years ago. It was very difficult to get apart and packed full inside. Only little channels existed where the moving parts traveled. MK II is an amazing and durable handgun. I hope the MK IV turns out the same though I do clean my guns lol.

 

[Gator89]

You will enjoy your new MK IV.

 

[bear007]

I guess the only real question is ... do you think the Target model 5.5" bull barrel is significantly more accurate than the stainless 4.4" barrel in the Aluminum LITE model?

 

[Pál_K]

I guess the only real question is ... do you think the Target model 5.5" bull barrel is significantly more accurate than the stainless 4.4" barrel in the Aluminum LITE model?

5.5" model has a 25% increase in sight radius; to me that's significant in aiming. Inherent accuracy if they were shot from a vice? Maybe not. But extra length - especially from short barrels - gives extra velocity that may help if you're hunting.

But I'm biased: my MK II is 6-7/8" and my MK IV is 10".

 

[bear007]

I'll be doing some target shooting but looking to do the steel target shoots at my club. So I think running the course with a 10" bull barrel might be a little much.

I should probably just get the Target 5.5" bull barrel model and quit looking at the Aluminum LITE, but that LITE looks pretty nice with the gold trigger and gold barrel under the shroud.

 

[RUT]

I know I like my Lite!

 

[arcticruger]

Congrats, can't go wrong with a new Mark IV!

Just be careful though, they have a way of multiplying

 

[AzShooter1]

If you are planning on mostly shooting steel go with the 22/45 Lite. It tracks much faster between targets and you are not loosing anything do to the shooter sight radius.

I bought mine when they first came out and it's been a shooter ever since with total reliability after breaking it in. I suggest you shoot CCI Mini Mags for the first few hundred rounds. Once it settles in it will be 100 % reliable.

 

[Gator89]

This model is nice and trim.

 

[bear007]

I know I like my Lite!

@RUT, I'm curious, what muzzle device you have on that LITE? Looks nice.

 

[bear007]

This model is nice and trim.

Optic only! Nice.

 

[Gator89]

Optic only! Nice.

Yep, no other sights to clutter up the gun. No screw holes to worry about from removed sights.

 

[bear007]

I think my flip flopping is over. I will probably order this LITE in a couple of hours. My LGS will probably have it by next Wednesday. Unless I flip or flop again!

I can always get a bull barrel later.

 

[RUT]

>>I'm curious, what muzzle device you have on that LITE? Looks nice<<

Tandemkross Gamechanger Pro

 

[mjh]

I had a 22/45 MK III Target---it was very accurate. Slightly muzzle heavy. Sold it to buy a SP 101 in .22lr when the 8 rd model came out.
Didn't have any problems with the takedown-cleaning-reassembly. Used it on the range and in the field small game hunting.

Last year or so I bought a MK IV Hunter blued with the 5.5inch barrel. So far only range use.

I'm ok with either grip configuration. Neither is perfect for me but both are acceptable.

If I was buying a new 22/45 I might very well go with the lite---I like the one you are thinking about as well.

 

[contender]

I don't see any aftermarket muzzle devices. The factory barrel is threaded and has a cap.

 

[bear007]

I don't see any aftermarket muzzle devices. The factory barrel is threaded and has a cap.

See post #9 above. @RUT posted a picture of his LITE all dressed up and ready to go.