Ruger MK IV; target or competition model for accuracy?

[Sacramento Johnson]

Hi all,
Which would be more accurate, theoretically? (Both in SS; target with bull 5 1/2 inch barrel, competition with flat sided bull 6.8 inch)
Thanks!

 

[hittman]

I don't nerd out on ballistics, nor do I experiment with a number of different brands of ammo.
My GUESS would be the longer barrel.
I know my MKII Competition Target was the absolute most accurate gun for ME, regardless of which bulk pack ammo I used.

 

[Cholo]

Theoretically the same. I shoot my MKll Competition far better than my 5.5" MKll for some reason, and I don't think it's the 1 7/8" barrel difference.

 

[rugerguy]

thats all it is....I knew a guy who shot a 288 out of 300 in competition with a standard auto RST-4............oh well...most of the times its is just the shooter.....

 

[contender]

As noted above,, no real difference. I own a few different ones,, and the big difference is in how they fit the shooter & how the shooter feels with one in their hands.
Get the one that fits YOU!

 

[Mobuck]

Is there really any difference between a common run of the mill MK barrel and the so called 'competition/target' models (other than weight or outer profile)?
I have a 4" (non-tapered) 22/45 Mk3 that when upgraded with a VQ trigger kit, required a 4X optic and sandbags to even come close to showing it's accuracy capabilities. One would have to be a very highly skilled shooter to see or challenge that accuracy potential.

 

[Pál_K]

I chose a Mk IV Target with a 10" bull barrel; stainless because it weighs more than the blued version(*). I haven't used it in competition yet, but that's why I bought it.

For 35 years I've used my Mk II Government model with 6-7/8" bull barrel in IHMSA competition. The best I got was 30 out of 40, which sounds mediocre, but the .22 targets are difficult and I don't have a spotter to tell me where my missed shots are going.

I think all the Ruger .22 semiautos are wonderful, Mk I to Mk IV.





(*) blued 10": 46.3 oz; stainless 10": 53.5 oz, 7.2 oz heavier.

 

[Dave Schwaab]

Mine are all Mark IIs, but I shoot my Competition model better than my Target or 22/45. It's the longer sight radius of the 6 7/8" Competition over the other two with their 5 1/2" barrels. It's really no contest how much of a difference it makes.

 

[Dan in MI]

Mine are all Mark IIs, but I shoot my Competition model better than my Target or 22/45. It's the longer sight radius of the 6 7/8" Competition over the other two with their 5 1/2" barrels. It's really no contest how much of a difference it makes.

This is your answer. ^

Iron sights, longer barrel helps. Dot or scope, no difference. I have over a dozen Mk's in various lengths. They all shoot lights out. IHMSA was mentioned above. I shot standing INT class with a 5.5". Bought a comp govt 6-7/8" to see if I could squeak out a couple more targets. No change.

 

[RC44Mag]

Longer barrel as mentioned but don't forget a smoother trigger pull makes a big difference. Based on just the model name seems logical the competition model should be more accurate given the same shooter

 

[Kevin]

Doesn't the stainless target model have an aluminum grip frame? And the other "competition" model have a steel grip frame? Would that make a difference in how it balances in the hand?

Mine are all Mark IIs, but I shoot my Competition model better than my Target or 22/45.

I agree. I don't believe the 22/45 is as accurate as the other models.

 

[Pál_K]

Doesn't the stainless target model have an aluminum grip frame? And the other "competition" model have a steel grip frame? Would that make a difference in how it balances in the hand?

According to Ruger's site specs, the blued Target model has an aluminum frame; the SS model is all steel. For your question and the OP's:

Blued Target (#4101), 5-1/2" bull: 35.6 oz
SS Target (#40103), 5-1/2" bull: 42.8 oz

SS Competition (#40112), flat sided 6.8" bull: 45.8 oz