Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Review: Why This .22 Pistol So Much Fun?

Quick Answer

The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 brings pure fun back to shooting with its simple design and easy maintenance. The one-button takedown fixes the biggest headache from older models. With its 1911-style grip, this .22 LR pistol serves as both a training tool and a pleasure to shoot. Many users report reliable performance with basic maintenance, but .22 LR reliability varies by ammo and cleanliness, so expect occasional hiccups with some bulk loads.

Key Takeaways

• One-button takedown transforms cleaning from frustration to simplicity
• 1911-style grip angle creates familiar handling for many shooters
• Many models support optics (via a factory rail or a drilled/tapped receiver), and threaded-barrel variants accept suppressors (typically 1/2"-28). 
• Most models run various ammo types with few hiccups
• Affordable shooting with .22 LR keeps the fun going longer

A .22 pistol can feel like hitting a reset button. No booming blast. No heavy recoil. Just a steady rhythm of loading magazines and chasing tiny groups. That's the lane the Mark IV 22/45 lives in, and it's why so many range days end with "one more mag."

What Makes the Mark IV Different From Previous Versions

The Mark series pistols have long been favorites among rimfire fans, but they carried a frustrating secret - they were notoriously difficult to take apart and put back together. Older Mark pistols were widely known for more complicated takedown and reassembly than the Mark IV. 

The Mark IV finally fixed this decades-old problem with a simple button that allows the pistol to break down into four main components. After unloading and putting the safety on, you depress the take-down button below the rear of the bolt, then tilt and lift the barrel/receiver assembly off the grip frame. Just like that, you're ready to clean. This single improvement has made many shooters give Ruger's rimfire platform another look.

For families and casual shooters, this change means more time shooting and less time fighting with disassembly. The gun gets cleaned more often because it's no longer a chore, and that means better function over time.

The 22/45 Layout: Familiar Territory for Many

The "22/45" in the name tells you something important - this model features grip geometry similar to the classic 1911 pistol. That angled grip feels natural to many shooters and creates a training advantage for those who also shoot centerfire 1911-style pistols.

The controls follow a standard layout with a few Mark-series quirks. The magazine release sits where you'd expect, and The safety is ambidextrous on many models, and Ruger provides a method to remove the right-side safety lever if you prefer a left-side-only setup. This typically becomes a non-issue after a few magazines as you adjust your grip.

Some owners report the bolt stop feels stiff at first and becomes easier with use. After a couple hundred rounds, it becomes easier to depress when loading from a locked-back position. The magazine loading process has a neat feature too - a button that holds the follower down and this makes it easier to load those small .22 LR rounds.

Range Performance That Keeps You Shooting

When you start sending rounds downrange, the Mark IV 22/45 lands in that sweet spot. You get solid accuracy and simple fun. With quality ammo, the Mark IV 22/45 is typically capable of tight plinking and training groups at 10–15 yards, with results depending on ammo and shooter. That’s more than good enough for plinking cans, punching paper, or helping a new shooter learn the basics.

Trigger feel varies by model and sample, but most shooters describe usable take-up with a clean break for casual accuracy work. Most owners describe some take-up followed by a clean break and a bit of overtravel. Not a match-grade trigger out of the box, but very usable and enjoyable.

Feeding from the 10-round magazines stays smooth with most ammo. The Mark IV 22/45 tends to like higher-quality rounds. That’s common for many .22 firearms. CCI Standard Velocity gets mentioned often as a solid performer, with Aguila and Federal options also running well in most guns.

One standout feature is how the gun handles a variety of loads. From standard velocity to high-velocity rounds, the action cycles well. Some subsonic loads might need a break-in period, especially when running suppressed, but overall adaptability ranks high compared to other rimfire pistols.

Customization Options Expand the Fun

The Mark IV platform makes it easy to add mods and extras. You can tweak it little by little. Or you can go all in. Depending on the model, you may get a factory-installed Picatinny rail (common on Tactical-style variants) or a receiver that supports optics mounting. Many people find it helps with accuracy. It also makes range time more fun.

Adding a quality red dot can make aiming feel easier and speed up feedback for new shooters. You get the dot. You put it on target. Then you press the trigger. That quick feedback can help new shooters. It can also help younger shooters build skill faster. It’s like using training wheels that still let you ride fast.

Threaded barrel models accept suppressors with the common 1/2"-28 thread pattern. This lets you shoot with less noise. But even suppressed .22 LR can still be loud enough to need hearing protection in many settings. Also, running suppressed adds more fouling. So you’ll want to clean it more often if you go that route.

The aftermarket support runs deep. Companies like Volquartsen and Tandemkross sell trigger upgrades, barrels, grips, and many other parts. You can keep the pistol stock for years. Or you can slowly turn it into a competition-ready tack driver.

Maintenance: No More Excuses

Let's circle back to that one-button takedown, because it truly changes the ownership experience. .22 LR ammunition runs dirty by nature - the lead bullets, wax coatings, and rimfire priming compound all contribute to fouling that can affect function over time.

With older Mark pistols, this created a dilemma: clean regularly and suffer through difficult disassembly, or clean less often and risk function problems. The Mark IV eliminates this tradeoff. Now you can quickly break down the pistol, wipe carbon from key areas, apply fresh lubricant, and get back to shooting.

For new gun owners, this accessibility reduces the intimidation factor of maintenance. If you already spend a lot of time at the range, this is good news. You get more trigger time. You also spend less time cleaning at the bench. It’s like getting a longer movie with fewer ads.

Most owners clean it every 500-1000 rounds. That interval can get shorter with bulk-pack ammo. It can also drop if you use a suppressor. The nice part is the takedown. It’s so easy that you won’t keep putting it off.

Pricing and Value: What You Get

The Mark IV 22/45 often sits in the $400-500 range, based on the model and features. Threaded barrel versions cost a little extra. They also open the door for suppressor use.

The value comes from how long the platform can last. Take care of it and it can run for decades. It can also chew through tens of thousands of rounds. That makes the price feel lighter over time, like paying once and enjoying it for years.

Then you add .22 LR ammo to the mix. It costs less than centerfire options. So your ammo budget goes further. You can shoot five times as much and still keep your costs under control.

Important Safety Note: The Recall

In 2017, Ruger issued a recall for Mark IV pistols manufactured before June 1, 2017. This safety recall addressed a risk where the pistol could discharge if the safety was not fully engaged and the trigger was pulled when the safety lever was being engaged.

Check the serial number using Ruger’s Mark IV recall lookup and confirm the retrofit was completed before use. Many owners already had the retrofit done. Still, verifying it gives you extra peace.

This recall doesn't reflect on the current production models, which have the updated parts.

Who Should Consider the Mark IV 22/45?

This pistol shines in several roles:

For new people on the range, the low recoil and modest noise help you relax. You learn the basics without a hard flinch. And that matters early. The loading system stays simple. The controls also stay easy to pick up, so you can focus on safe and clean shots.

For families, it gives you a setup that parents and kids can enjoy together. It feels like a friendly first bike with training wheels. Reports from parents who started their children on the Mark IV often point to two things. The red dot option helps with aim. The light recoil helps keep those first sessions fun.

For experienced people, it works as a training tool that feels close to larger handguns. You get practice time without the cost and fatigue of centerfire work. The 1911-style grip angle also helps. It lets your grip and trigger habits carry over to other platforms.

And for anyone who simply enjoys shooting, it delivers the pure pleasure of accurate, affordable trigger time without the intensity of defensive or competition-focused practice.

How To: Field Strip for Basic Cleaning

The Mark IV's simple takedown process makes regular maintenance much easier:

1. Make absolutely sure the pistol is unloaded by removing the magazine and checking the chamber
2. Put the safety on (white dot visible). Depress the take-down button located just below the rear of the bolt.
3. With the button pressed, tilt the barrel/receiver assembly so it clears the bolt stop pin, then lift it straight up off the grip frame.
4. Pull straight back on the bolt ears to remove the bolt from the receiver.
5. Clean all components, paying special attention to the bolt face, extractor, and chamber
6. Apply a light coat of quality gun oil to moving parts
7. Reassemble by placing the bolt back in the barrel assembly, then setting the barrel assembly onto the frame and pressing down until it clicks into place

This process takes under a minute once you've done it a few times – a dramatic improvement over previous generations.

Conclusion

The Mark IV 22/45 earns its popularity because it does not make range time hard.

Maintenance stays simple. That means less bench time. More trigger time. Accuracy also shows up in a nice way. Good technique gets rewarded. Small slip-ups do not feel like a full fail.

Ammo costs also help. You can practice more often. You can shoot longer sessions. Your range day does not end early.

But the main reason is the feeling. This pistol brings back the simple joy of hitting what you aim at. It does not come with the intensity that can follow centerfire shooting. It lets you slow down. It helps you focus on fundamentals. It reminds you why this hobby can feel like a stress reset button.

If you want pure fun in your range bag, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 deserves a serious look.

The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 is one of the most fun and capable rimfire pistols you can own — pairing it with consistent, accurate ammunition only amplifies that. Before your next range session or hunt, see our list of the 5 Best .22 LR Ammo Options for Target Shooting and Hunting to find loads that match your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 good for beginners?

Yes. Low recoil helps you learn without getting jumpy. Minimal noise helps you stay steady. The controls stay simple. The 1911-style grip also feels natural for many hands.

Does the 22/45 grip angle help with 1911 training?

Absolutely. The grip angle and dimensions match 1911-style pistols closely. That helps build muscle memory that transfers between platforms.

Are threaded barrel models compatible with common suppressors?

Yes. Threaded models use the standard 1/2"-28 thread pattern. It fits most .22 suppressors. It also fits many 9mm suppressors.

Do you still need hearing protection with a suppressor?

Yes. A suppressor reduces sound. It does not make it safe for bare ears. Indoor ranges can also boost noise. Use hearing protection every time.

What ammo types run best in the Mark IV?

Many owners report good results with CCI Standard Velocity. Most quality .22 LR ammo also runs well after break-in.

How often should you clean a .22 pistol?

Most owners recommend every 500-1000 rounds. Clean sooner if you notice function issues. Clean sooner too if you run dirty bulk ammo.

How do I check if a Mark IV is part of the recall?

Visit Ruger’s website. Enter the serial number in the recall verification tool. Affected pistols made before June 1, 2017 should receive the free safety retrofit.

About the Author

The ProArmory writing team wrote this article using current research. We reviewed studies and reporting from sources like the *Journal of Military Science*, *Firearms News*, and the *National Shooting Sports Foundation*. We also used official defense publications and guidance from the ATF, NRA, and manufacturer manuals.

Disclaimer: This review is for education only. Laws vary by state and city. Laws can change. Follow safe handling at all times. Read your owner's manual. Verify local rules before you buy or train.