I just bought a Ruger Mark IV and when I saw the title of your video, my first thought was "Well damn. What's wrong with the pistol that I was unaware of." Thankfully, all of your issues were non-issues to me. I knew before I even bought the pistol that I would be replacing the sights with fiber optics, front and rear.
Yes, they look ugly as sin but the only other option is to get a Volquartsen bolt for ~$300, but it also has all their upgraded components and you have a spare bolt.
Hi, since the third screw backs out then it must be loose. When you screw it in, it hits the spring. So the screw has to be somewhere in the middle (loose) so as not to cause any problem. For those not wanting to install a rail, maybe some locktite so the screw does not back out again.
To make up for the narrower MK4 grip area for charging the firearm, I just stock a MK2 bolt in the MK4 which is wider making it easier to charge the pistol.
Heh just got mine this weekend and running the same grips (I have them on my Mk II as well) but I did pick up a set of G10 scales from Volquartsen and while they look and feel great, I'm just more accustomed to the Hogue grip. While I want to run an optic I'm thinking that front sight is my next upgrade.
I live in Ireland,I have a ruger mk4 target too,yes I too upgraded the fore sight but that's all,it's perfect other than the basic sights. I have over 50k rounds put through it with no problems. This gun retails here at1350 euro,yes that's 1350 euro.
Hi Martin, nice to hear from someone in Ireland! If my math is correct, 1,350 Euro = $1,462.67 in American $. Ouch! Here it goes for about $600.00. It's a great pinker, I have since put a Red Dot on it and love it. It is very accurate. Thank you for your comment and keep enjoying that Ruger Mark IV.
I have the stainless steel version of the same pistol and I have different issues. The front sight(it's metal) is not centered, it bends to the right, no wonder I always shoot to the left when I first got the gun. The other issue is the barrel sits loose on the receiver; when I shake the receiver, the barrel rattles on top. I used to own a MK II but no issues. I believe Ruger quality is slipping badly.
The off center front sight is no longer bothering me; thanks to my old eyes, I have installed a rail and put a red dot on top. The cause of the rattling barrel on the receiver has also been resolved by using a 0.01 inch stainless steel shim placed at the front of the receiver right under the barrel, that's the exact location Ruger put a rubber plug to prevent the barrel from rattling. I believe I bought my MK IV in 2018, since then I have been buying European made firearms, not of them come with any issues.@@ATS357
For older folks, fiber optic sights are a boon, unless one goes with red dot sights. The Smith & Wesson Victory 22 has some really decent fiber optic sights front and back. I believe the trigger is a little bit better than the Rugers. While I don't "HATE" the rake of the Ruger Mark series, I do find that the rake of the 22/45 is a bit better than the full metal Mark series.
I got one too from CA. Not the model I wanted but i'll take what I can get in these times. Paid $549.95 from Turner's Outdoorsman. Add $50 for tax and $50 for DROS and background check. Grand total: $650.00 Added a Voltquartsen Competition Bolt with a built in charging handle, Voltquartsen accurizing kit, same hogue grips, holosun 508T on a madmax low rmr base mount, 4 magazines, and 5000 rounds of cci mini mags ordered from target sport usa. Lets see. In total i spent close to $1500 for everything including the gun. Also I dont have the raised thumb issue you have. Perhaps get the Voltquartsen laminated thumb rest grip. It might eliminate your issue.
Just picked up mine this weekend but ordered some G10 grips and a new bolt from Volquartsen (I wanted to get their trigger kit but they were out of stock). Their bolt is amazing and no pinched fingers, as well as their upgraded extractor and firing pin, not to mention super slick coating. Thumb rest and trigger kit are next on the list and eventually one of their barrels if/when I want to run an optic.
Just got one and was disappointed to find a plastic front sight as well. Too much like a toy pellet gun. Otherwise a really nice piece. Ruger, please give us a metal option!
Have you had any issurs with the magazine release sticking? I have Mark IV target and Mark 4 Hunter and boyh have issues with the mag release not releasing the mags.
@ATS357 I can find a few examples of this issue. It seems to happen when the gun gets warm or just slightly dirty. (Less than 100 rounds) I also noticed that the mag catch will hit the tip on the mag when I insert it and I suspect it's out of spec which may be a part of the problem So I took a chance today and took the mag release out and sanded down the edge that catches the mag I only took enough off to help the mag to go in easier. Haven't had it out on the range since so I don't know if it worked.
Its a mister potato head gun, I bought mine, took the grips off replaced em with checkered walnut grips, took out the bolt carrier group and replaced with a volquartzen bolt carrier group, got a custom plate and mounted a holosun 507c red dot on it, negating the iron sights, got a Q erector suppressor for it (my mk Iv is the tactical with the 1/2 x 28 threaded barrel) after all that, i'm considering getting the volquartzen mamba upper to replace the super heavy stock bull barrel on it, so yeah, they are mister potato head guns that most people customize the hell out of them beyond anything it originally was, lol
Hmm...I have a MKII bull barrel target pistol. It has been very accurate and reliable for many years. Agree that cleaning is complicated, but not excessively so IMO. Thought about a MK IV, but am not enamored of an aluminum frame and plastic sights versus steel frame and sights. I will pass for now...
Thomas, thank you for your comment. There was nothing wrong with the accuracy of the first three generations (to my knowledge). I never had one. Most people’s complaint was the takedown and reassembly, especially for those who did not clean it very often. The Mark IV I can vouch for because I do have one. The frame was CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum, which in my opinion is a lot stronger. It actually adds more heft to the gun. (35.6 oz total) The barrel is Cold hammer-forged steel. The 2245 is a molded polymer grip frame which make it a little lighter. (34.4 oz total) I did not like the plastic front sight, but that was quickly and inexpensively remedied. I kind of waste money changing the front sight, since I put on the rail and Red Dot. (which I love) The rest of the gun is extremely solid. I am sure you love your Mark II as I love my Mark IV. Thank you again for your input.
No more than any other IMHO. 22LR is a dirty round to start with. It's never an issue form me, because when I get back from shooting the first thing I do is clean my guns I don't care what caliber it is, that is just one of my convictions. 22 LR guns in general can be very finicky. I do love this gun, it is more accurate that I am. I will sometimes have a malfunction. It may be the ammo, I only use CCI standard velocity. I find it to be the most consistently accurate. IMHO.
Gave my Buck Mark away and bought a Ruger Mark II. I didn't like that the sight base was separate from the barrel. I also needed to barely finger tighten the sight base screws after reassembly or they would basically fuse to the sight base preventing disassembly (mine had conical screw heads with 'twisted tooth' lock washers). I had to send mine back to Browning for repair to get the screws out once. Other than that, it was a very nice pistol. I still get to shoot it once in a while as I gave it to my brother. I liked it too much to permanently get rid of it. I did break a firing pin once in the browning... not sure why.
I just bought a Ruger Mark IV and when I saw the title of your video, my first thought was "Well damn. What's wrong with the pistol that I was unaware of." Thankfully, all of your issues were non-issues to me. I knew before I even bought the pistol that I would be replacing the sights with fiber optics, front and rear.
It is a great little pistol!
Enjoy and thanks for commenting.
@@ATS357 I figured it would be. After all, I also have a Ruger Mark I and my wife has a Ruger Mark II.
I must admit, in my opinion, that charging ring looks absolutely stupid on that gun. I guess it serves a purpose for you. But wow.
It works, and that works for me!
Yes, they look ugly as sin but the only other option is to get a Volquartsen bolt for ~$300, but it also has all their upgraded components and you have a spare bolt.
True makes it goofy asf 🤣.
The Halo actually works much better than OEM and eliminates the finger pinch
Ruger ought to fire the designer who standardized this new bolt with its vicious finger-biting absence of ears. The old style bolt is much better.
Hi, since the third screw backs out then it must be loose. When you screw it in, it hits the spring. So the screw has to be somewhere in the middle (loose) so as not to cause any problem. For those not wanting to install a rail, maybe some locktite so the screw does not back out again.
One of the most beautiful gun ever!
To make up for the narrower MK4 grip area for charging the firearm, I just stock a MK2 bolt in the MK4 which is wider making it easier to charge the pistol.
Heh just got mine this weekend and running the same grips (I have them on my Mk II as well) but I did pick up a set of G10 scales from Volquartsen and while they look and feel great, I'm just more accustomed to the Hogue grip.
While I want to run an optic I'm thinking that front sight is my next upgrade.
I live in Ireland,I have a ruger mk4 target too,yes I too upgraded the fore sight but that's all,it's perfect other than the basic sights.
I have over 50k rounds put through it with no problems. This gun retails here at1350 euro,yes that's 1350 euro.
Hi Martin, nice to hear from someone in Ireland!
If my math is correct, 1,350 Euro = $1,462.67 in American $.
Ouch! Here it goes for about $600.00.
It's a great pinker, I have since put a Red Dot on it and love it. It is very accurate.
Thank you for your comment and keep enjoying that Ruger Mark IV.
Thanks for sharing. I have my eyes on this and a Ruger revolver. Since I can't decide maybe I'll buy both! Lol.
Sounds like a plan!
I really want the stainless steel but I too live in California so I got this as well. Very nice tips on the mod.
Thanks 👍
I have the stainless steel version of the same pistol and I have different issues. The front sight(it's metal) is not centered, it bends to the right, no wonder I always shoot to the left when I first got the gun. The other issue is the barrel sits loose on the receiver; when I shake the receiver, the barrel rattles on top. I used to own a MK II but no issues. I believe Ruger quality is slipping badly.
If it were me, I would be in contact with Ruger. I am sure they will make it right!
The off center front sight is no longer bothering me; thanks to my old eyes, I have installed a rail and put a red dot on top. The cause of the rattling barrel on the receiver has also been resolved by using a 0.01 inch stainless steel shim placed at the front of the receiver right under the barrel, that's the exact location Ruger put a rubber plug to prevent the barrel from rattling.
I believe I bought my MK IV in 2018, since then I have been buying European made firearms, not of them come with any issues.@@ATS357
For older folks, fiber optic sights are a boon, unless one goes with red dot sights. The Smith & Wesson Victory 22 has some really decent fiber optic sights front and back. I believe the trigger is a little bit better than the Rugers.
While I don't "HATE" the rake of the Ruger Mark series, I do find that the rake of the 22/45 is a bit better than the full metal Mark series.
I do like the 22/45 but unfortunately where I live we cannot have it!!!
I wish I lived in a state where I could buy anything I wanted.
I got one too from CA. Not the model I wanted but i'll take what I can get in these times. Paid $549.95 from Turner's Outdoorsman. Add $50 for tax and $50 for DROS and background check. Grand total: $650.00
Added a Voltquartsen Competition Bolt with a built in charging handle, Voltquartsen accurizing kit, same hogue grips, holosun 508T on a madmax low rmr base mount, 4 magazines, and 5000 rounds of cci mini mags ordered from target sport usa. Lets see. In total i spent close to $1500 for everything including the gun.
Also I dont have the raised thumb issue you have. Perhaps get the Voltquartsen laminated thumb rest grip. It might eliminate your issue.
Very Cool!
Thank you for your input.
Just picked up mine this weekend but ordered some G10 grips and a new bolt from Volquartsen (I wanted to get their trigger kit but they were out of stock). Their bolt is amazing and no pinched fingers, as well as their upgraded extractor and firing pin, not to mention super slick coating.
Thumb rest and trigger kit are next on the list and eventually one of their barrels if/when I want to run an optic.
Just got one and was disappointed to find a plastic front sight as well. Too much like a toy pellet gun. Otherwise a really nice piece.
Ruger, please give us a metal option!
I guess they took the lead from Glock. Cheap plastic sights!
Have you had any issurs with the magazine release sticking?
I have Mark IV target and Mark 4 Hunter and boyh have issues with the mag release not releasing the mags.
Actually I have not. It shoots the mags out pretty aggressively and the release does not stick. I was not aware anyone was having an issue with that.
@ATS357 I can find a few examples of this issue.
It seems to happen when the gun gets warm or just slightly dirty. (Less than 100 rounds)
I also noticed that the mag catch will hit the tip on the mag when I insert it and I suspect it's out of spec which may be a part of the problem
So I took a chance today and took the mag release out and sanded down the edge that catches the mag
I only took enough off to help the mag to go in easier.
Haven't had it out on the range since so I don't know if it worked.
Its a mister potato head gun, I bought mine, took the grips off replaced em with checkered walnut grips, took out the bolt carrier group and replaced with a volquartzen bolt carrier group, got a custom plate and mounted a holosun 507c red dot on it, negating the iron sights, got a Q erector suppressor for it (my mk Iv is the tactical with the 1/2 x 28 threaded barrel) after all that, i'm considering getting the volquartzen mamba upper to replace the super heavy stock bull barrel on it, so yeah, they are mister potato head guns that most people customize the hell out of them beyond anything it originally was, lol
NICE!
Hmm...I have a MKII bull barrel target pistol. It has been very accurate and reliable for many years. Agree that cleaning is complicated, but not excessively so IMO. Thought about a MK IV, but am not enamored of an aluminum frame and plastic sights versus steel frame and sights. I will pass for now...
Thomas, thank you for your comment.
There was nothing wrong with the accuracy of the first three generations (to my knowledge).
I never had one.
Most people’s complaint was the takedown and reassembly, especially for those who did not clean it very often.
The Mark IV I can vouch for because I do have one. The frame was CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum, which in my opinion is a lot stronger. It actually adds more heft to the gun. (35.6 oz total)
The barrel is Cold hammer-forged steel.
The 2245 is a molded polymer grip frame which make it a little lighter. (34.4 oz total)
I did not like the plastic front sight, but that was quickly and inexpensively remedied.
I kind of waste money changing the front sight, since I put on the rail and Red Dot. (which I love)
The rest of the gun is extremely solid.
I am sure you love your Mark II as I love my Mark IV.
Thank you again for your input.
Where do I get that rear charging handle at?
Ordered it through Ruger. You can get the same thing through TANDEMKROSS, they just won't have the Ruger logo.
Is it normal for this pistol to get extremely filthy shooting 100 rounds
No more than any other IMHO.
22LR is a dirty round to start with.
It's never an issue form me, because when I get back from shooting the first thing I do is clean my guns I don't care what caliber it is, that is just one of my convictions.
22 LR guns in general can be very finicky.
I do love this gun, it is more accurate that I am. I will sometimes have a malfunction. It may be the ammo, I only use CCI standard velocity. I find it to be the most consistently accurate. IMHO.
@@ATS357 thanks
Well… your first problem is CA.
😁😁🤣
Don’t worry we’re in the same boat ☹️😔😔
You got that right!
I lived in socal for many years from 1965 to 2019 and I bought my mk1 , 2 and three while there. I got my mk4 after I left.
FREE CALIFORNIA
Get a Buckmark and find out why they are better.
Gave my Buck Mark away and bought a Ruger Mark II. I didn't like that the sight base was separate from the barrel. I also needed to barely finger tighten the sight base screws after reassembly or they would basically fuse to the sight base preventing disassembly (mine had conical screw heads with 'twisted tooth' lock washers). I had to send mine back to Browning for repair to get the screws out once. Other than that, it was a very nice pistol. I still get to shoot it once in a while as I gave it to my brother. I liked it too much to permanently get rid of it. I did break a firing pin once in the browning... not sure why.
Buckmark is a good gun, but I don't care for the breakdown method. In my opinion, you can not beat the Ruger Mark IV for take down.