Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Got My New Ruger MK-IV Hunter Today - WOW!

I head to my local gunshop this morning and what were they unloading from the big brown truck but a supply of Ruger MK-IV pistols in two models.
I opted to unpack the Ruger MK-IV Hunter Model from its box and looked it over and then dis-assembled and re-assembled it.
My first impression of the Ruger MK-IV was even more positive than expected.
I mean the machining, fit and finish on this pistol was not just great - it was PERFECT!
The fiber optic front sight was VERY visible and easily defined to my 69 year old eyes.
I only tried the trigger once there at the shop because I did not have my 22 LR snap cap along with me.
The trigger was at least good in my opinion.
The barrel and receiver do not pivot on a "through pin" like I thought from the pictures and videos I have seen this past week - it is fitted in a (again perfectly machined!) "latch" type fitting between the barrel/receiver and the frame.
I bought it on the spot.
Now to decide if and which red dot sight to get for it.
More, once I get it set-up and range tested.
If I were you (and I realize I am not!) I would make an effort to see one of these pistols in person.
I had planned on travelling all around Montana this weekend (Great Falls, Butte, Bozeman, Ennis and Missoula) in hopes of finding one of these pistols in the flesh - must have been my lucky day today finding one right here in my tiny town.
GREAT job Ruger!
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VarmintGuy

great to hear VarmintGuy and congrats on the score. in the past Ruger has always stated that all of their firearms, both centerfire and rimfire were safe to dry fire. i wonder if that holds true for this newest one.

JimHnSTL: I am just operating under "old" rumors/notions/contentions that harm may come to rimfire guns if they are dry fired - something about harming the chamber.
I don't know?
I will say this I have one Ruger 10/22 Deluxe Rifle that I have fired at least 100,000 times in the last 25+ years!
Every tenth time I pulled the trigger I discovered that the Ruger rotary magazine was empty and I had "dropped the hammer" on an empty rimfire chamber.
So at least 10,000 times I have "fired" (pulled the trigger) on that 22 L.R. with an empty chamber.
To date I have had no noticeable troubles by doing so - so your contention can be proven by me.
I have no other brand rimfire gun that has had this history so my knowledge of other brands is about nil.
Thanks for the info from and about the Rugers (of which I was not aware) and I am anxious to shoot my new pistola.
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VarmintGuy

Yes, gun in hand, I had the same reaction.

Always better to be safe than sorry. Most rimfires will damage if dry fired, especially older models. On any new model though I always read the manual before trying myself. Ruger though does state it being safe in the owners manual and on the web site in their frequently asked questions.

You'd think after 10,000 times, you would learn to count to 10.......

That's another small ding against the Victory. I keep a snap cap or screw anchor in mine to prevent whoopsies. The plastic snap caps usually feed okay from the magazine.

VarmintGuy, I'd suggest a red dot with manual brightness control, at least as an option. My old auto-bright Fastfire gets too bright a lot when used outdoors. Indoors, it's perfect. Gonna replace it eventually. The fiber-optic front sights on both my new Smith .22s are also perfect; plenty bright, but with a clear square black top edge for bullseyes. Congrats on the snag.

Pappy348: I have all manner of older and newer 22 L.R. semi-automatic pistols - including Colt Woodsmans, Huntsmans, a Colt "22", numerous Ruger MK-I's, MK-II's and MK-III's, several Browning Buckmarks and a Browning Nomad and all kinds of High Standards but I have as yet to buy/try a Smith & Wesson "Victory"!
Let me know how you like it.
I plan on giving my children and grandchildren each a 22 semi-auto when the time comes.
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VarmintGuy

I've only put a couple hundred through my so far, but it works like a champ. I already like it better than the MkIII .22/45 I had. For $350, it's hard to beat. I have a good selection of ammo to test in it when I get done messing with this year's deer rifle lineup.

Pappy348: Thanks for the heads up review on the Victory I will keep my eye out for one - I like the looks of them.
I am thinking of selling two of my Ruger 22/45's to help defray costs of the MK-IV's.
Thanks again.
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VarmintGuy

New take down feature sure looks nice and handy.

TandemKross will probably have new aftermarket parts and accessories available inside of a month.

What was the street price and model Varmitguy, if you don't mind sharing it with me? Cabela's says a couple months before they have them. They need to deplete inventory of MKiii first he says.

Thanks

Net shows em just under $500 delivered.

Ring3: I paid $575.00 (no sales tax) for the stainless steel 6.88" barreled "Hunters" model.
The other model my shop got in was the shorter barreled stainless non-fiber optic sight model ("Target" 5" barrel) and it was priced at $512.00 and I believe it got put on layaway today.
I was off to Bozeman and Ennis today and the shops I stopped at there and enroute had NO Ruger MK-IV's.
One of my friends went down today and asked to have another of the "Hunter" models like mine ordered for himself.
I did not get by a Cabellas today but again no other shops I spoke with have seen them.
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VarmintGuy

700LH: I have a couple more friends looking for the stainless fancy sight 6.88" fluted barrel "Hunter" models - could you direct me/us to the "net" where you saw that price.
Only place I have seen them offered for sale this week was on the Gunbroker site and they were $599.00 not counting the F.F.L. transfer fees, the shipping or the insurance?
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VarmintGuy
P.S.: Pardon my slow reply as I was travelling and gunshopping/pawnshopping today.

VG, all I can find now is the Target MK-IV at $509, shipped.

When I try to find my earlier search, all I get is "sold out", and can't open the page.

You do have my apologies, I should have linked it earlier.

A well designed auto loading firearm will stay open after the last shot.

The 10/22 is a well designed auto but that is one feature it is missing. I don't see me stop shooting mine anytime soon even with that flaw. :-)

Do you think the new Mk. 4 will affect the value of the older Mk. 3s? I have a Mk. 3, plan to keep it, but would be nice to be able to take it apart easier like the Mk. 4.

I had a Mk. 2 that I regret selling.

You can get a kit for about $50 that will allow you to do almost that. Might be more than one, actually.

You can give some guys the world with a fence around it, and they'll bitch because there ain't a gate.

The Mk III and Mk IV both have gates. No need to count. No surprise. Shooter can focus on the task at hand. I would not have it any other way. I dont need no 10/22.

700LH: Received.
That $509.00 price "shipped" is just $3.00 better than what my local gun shop sold their Target model for.
I wonder if there is sales tax, insurance and F.F.L. fees on the pistol you reference to also?
Anyway I did several more gunshops and chain sporting goods stores yesterday and NONE of those stores/shops had seen hide nor hair of the new Ruger MK-IV's in any model.
Also in my travels was a complete lack of American made 22 L.R. hollow-point ammunition.
I did find one chain store with a sale on 17 HMR 17 grain Hornady V-Max ammo - it was $9.99 a box - no limit no sales tax no discount per carton (Three Bears Alaska in Butte, Montana).
That price was $3.00 per box off of their normal price of $12.99.
Thanks for your info.
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VarmintGuy
P.S.: I did see one Ruger MK-III stainless Hunter at a Bob Wards store and they wanted $579.00 (no tax) for that MK-III!

Today I was looking through the included accessories that came with my new Ruger MK-IV Hunter.
Among other things they included two additional fiber optic inserts for the front sight - one is green and the other is white - i'll have to try that one.
And they included a "spacer" to replace the right side safety lever (ejection port side).
They include simple instructions for this optional task.
So if someone was worried there are to many safety levers on the new MK-IV's they can remove the right side one.
I guess you CAN'T remove the left side one?
Nice of them to do that but I will leave mine as is for now.
Just love the machining on this pistol.
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VarmintGuy

VarmintGuy: Yesterday I discovered that there is ONE thing the new Ruger MK-IV's DO NOT come with and that is a scope base!
The MK-III's and II's (IIRC!) came with a Weaver style scope base.
Apparently that policy with Ruger has changed.
Anyway I (my local gun shop actually) now have one on order.
Small set back but if anyone is planning on buying a MK-IV then as long as you are at the store/shop make sure you have a scope base if you plan on scoping it.
Oh well.
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VarmintGuy

I've bought several Mk.IIs brand new in the box (years ago, naturally) and none of them included any scope bases.

RiverRider: Were they the heavy barrel models?
Thats all I have bought in the last several years.
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VarmintGuy

My MkII Government Target Model didn't come with a mount. Wouldn't be much good if it did, the receiver isn't D&T for it.

I really like the new Mark IVs . Haven't shot one. I still have my old school 22/45, which isn't nearly as nice to look at, but does shoot well and never has given me any trouble.......

Tmitch: Maybe "I" am mistaken but I thought the MK-II and MK-III heavy barrel models came with a scope mounting base?
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VarmintGuy

Mk II was not drilled and tapped and did not have a base.

The MK III models were d&t from the factory and did include a one piece Weaver style base, maybe even Weaver brand, I'd have to look.

I suppose Ruger got calls and letters asking if they'd start including this or that specific (expensive) base instead of the one they did - folks tend to figure the factories are happy to cater to their individual whims - so they probably figured the heck with it, let folks spend their own money.

Given the nice things they added to the Mk IV I wouldn't give Ruger too much of a bad time about the lack of a base on the Mk IV, last I looked a one piece Ruger base was about 10 to maybe 15 bucks, a lot less than the cost of the second magazine.

I have several Mark II's that are not drilled and tapped and did not come with scope base.

Jim in Idaho: This is a link to the Ruger Picatinny Rail I have ordered.

Link: http://shopruger.com/Mark-IV-Mark-III-22_45-Picatinny-Rail/productinfo/90623/

Its only 15 bucks plus shipping so I am gonna give this type base a try as opposed to the Weaver type bases I have on several other Ruger MK-Something pistols I have red dot sights on.
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VarmintGuy

Yes, they were the Mk.512 version of the Mk.II.

RiverRider: By the way the November 2,016 issue of Guns & Ammo has an EXCELLENT article on the new Ruger MK-IV!
Its titled "Ruger MK-IV" - "The Standard Rimfire We've Always Wanted".
The article is 8 (eight) pages long.
There were numerous things I learned about the MK-IV and the MK-I's, MK-II's and MK-III's.
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VarmintGuy

The slab side competition model MK II came drilled and tapped. With base and rings included. No others were drilled and tapped that I know of.

Swifty52: Thank you for that informed update.
I am "patiently" waiting for my Ruger rail/base for my MK-IV to get here.
In my travels I am seeing a few MK-IV's in shops and chain stores this past week.
Prices vary a bit (from store to store on similar models) on the three MK-IV models I am aware of and have seen.
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VarmintGuy

Some were. I have a Ruger Competition Mark II and it came from the factory drilled and tapped, and came with a base that accommodated Ruger Rings, which also came with the pistol.

Thanks, that's interesting to know, apparently there was an exception to the general line.

Sent off a money order for a IV Target SS yesterday. Should be here the end of next week. I am a sucker for all good .22's handguns. If price matters, paid $504 shipped. Have no reason to wait and see if the price drops. If I really like it might buy a Hunter model as well. Cheers

Snowwolfe: I just came from my local pawn/sport shop and they have the Ruger MK-IV "Target" like you ordered on the shelf - and in just 30 minutes I have forgotten what their price is!
I will check later today once the Culligan man comes and goes.
I really like the Target model as well.
Still haven't shot mine but fondle it often.
I have the red dot sight for it now and all I need is the base.
I also am a sucker for "good quality" American made rimfire revolvers.
On top of enjoying shooting them and Hunting with them I enjoy collecting them - I have some rimfire pistols that have tripled+ in value over what I paid for them.
Example: I bought a beautiful S&W Model 48 revolver (22 Magnum) 8 3/8" barrel, 3-T's new in the box for $225.00 back in the 1980's. It is still new and unfired.
I recently saw one just like it sell over 3 times that amount!
Money, carefully invested, in top quality guns, SELDOM diminishes.
I do worry a bit about the "future" of firearms ownership nowadays.
That could present some obstacles.
I hope you enjoy your MK-IV Target to the max.
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VarmintGuy

Snowwolfe: The price in the show case for the local Ruger MK-IV Stainless Steel Target is $512.00 (no sales tax no F.F.L. fees etc).
Sometimes "cash" earns a better price in this shop by the way.
Cheers to you as well.
And again I hope you enjoy your MK-IV Target.
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VarmintGuy

Red dots are the old pistol shooters' friend for certain. I sighted in my Victory yesterday with a gen1 Fastfire I had laying around. Had to cover up part of the sensor for the auto-brightness "feature" to tone down the dot a bit. This one's due for an upgrade. Can't imagine why Ruger decided to not pack a rail with their high-end .22. Bad decision.

We expect some nice pics of your new toy lying on top of some impressive targets, and soon.

I have a Burris Fast Fire on my Mark III hunter. You are correct, they sure do help us old guys. Plan on putting one on the Mark IV in time.

I have a SS mark 2 Gov model that is drilled and taped. My earlier made blue model is not. Hasbeen

Got mine about a week ago. Hands down an improvement over my MKII and III. Can't wait to teach my youngest how to pop cans with it. These should be every beginners learner pistol, just puts a smile on your face.

Pappy348: I just got down from our 7 day high country Elk camp/Hunt and my assbottom is still aching from the horse ride!
Still have not shot the MK-IV and the "base" from Ruger is still not here as I checked this afternoon.
I am hoping I can provide some "impressive" targets myself!
Will keep advised.
Two of my friends have purchased the MK-IV's but its so hectic around here with the Deer and Elk seasons going on I have not heard if they have shot theirs either.
Auto brightness feature I may have to look into that.
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VarmintGuy

Rigs76: Yes I agree the MK-IV appears to be finished finer than the previous MK's of all models were!
I remember years ago some pop company had canned soda water for dirt cheap by the case of 24 - my kids got great glee from "popping" those full cans and watching the water fly! They were shooting with my heavy barrel MK-II.
They shot all of them and we picked up all the remnants.
That was a fun day.
Youngsters today need a bit more visual stimulation at times than just shooting paper targets while getting to know the basics - I think.
I hope your youngest enjoys that upcoming day at the range as much as my kids did.
Enjoy.
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VarmintGuy

All: The Ruger mini-Picatinny rail showed up Saturday and I have my Red Dot sight mounted up and ready to go - waiting for better shooting conditions.
The Ruger rail is heavy and well made and finished.
It is shorter than previous Ruger supplied rails and it is heavy BUT not made of magnetic steel?
Cost $15.00 and I am happy with it.
Hoping for better weather.
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VarmintGuy

Got to shoot my new MK-IV at the range and it shot VERY well.
Functioned perfectly with 3 kinds of American made hollow-point ammunition.
Only disappointment was a now noticeable (small amount) of creep to the trigger.
I can live with that for now.
The MK-IV preferred the 40 grain 1,280 F.P.S. Winchester Power-Points (not the 1,400 F.P.S kind - I have decided NOT to shoot them in this pistol for my uses).
Tied for second best were the 37 grain Winchesters hollow-points and the 36 grain Federal bulk pack hollow-points.
My shooting session was brief and fired at short range due to intermittent winds.
Anyone else shot one of these to date?
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VarmintGuy

I finialy saw one in person yesterday at a small gun shop near where I work. It was the blue 5" barrel model and while it did not follow me home I really was impressed with design. They wanted 429.00 for that one but if they get a SS Hunter model in the price will be near 200 more. I will hold off for a SS model some time down the road. Gots to have one now.

JimHnSTL: I nearly pulled the trigger last week on another Ruger MK-IV (which was the Target Model in stainless steel).
Sadly a friend of mine bought it out from under me as I was putting together the money for it.
I was wanting the gun mostly because it looked so good to me but also it had a really cool serial number on it (ending in 3 zero's)!
Oh well I am now saving that money for an upcoming gunshow.
I have shown (under my bright workbench lights and a magnifying lamp) my Ruger MK-IV to at least ten gun-nut friends each of them was very impressed with the internal and external machining and innovations on the MK-IV.
I am certain you will be happy with the MK-IV.
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VarmintGuy