The closest to the original Ruger Standard design, the Ruger Mark IV Standard improves upon the previous generations while maintaining the classic feel of the original Standard Ruger. The 4.75-inch cold hammer-forged tapered barrel allows for ultra-precise rifling which provides exceptional accuracy and longevity, while the internal cylindrical bolt construction ensures permanent sight-to-barrel alignment and higher accuracy potential. The Ruger Mk 4 has a one-piece CNC-machined grip frame, an aerospace-grade aluminum receiver, and checkered grips to provide a build that’s lightweight and easy to handle. Additional features include a contoured ejection port, a push-button magazine release, a drop-free mag system, easy-to-grasp bolt ears, and an ambidextrous safety. This Mark IV Standard model comes with fixed sights but is drilled and tapped, making it easy to add a rail and mount your favorite optics.

The Mark IV 22/45 model is very similar to the standard Mark IV in many ways. However, there are some differences worth noting. The 5.5-inch barrel on the Ruger 22/45 is a bull-style barrel rather than a tapered barrel, which produces a different look and adds some extra weight. The grip is different as well, featuring a polymer grip frame that’s designed in the style of 1911 grips. These two changes make it a perfect pistol for someone who enjoys the weight and feel of a 1911 and is looking for a .22LR pistol. It also has a fixed front sight, an adjustable rear sight, and features a drilled and tapped receiver like the standard model.

As you can tell from seeing the gun, many differences presented by the Mark IV 22/45 Lite are on the outside. The main differences are the addition of the ventilated aluminum receiver, a factory-installed Picatinny rail on top, and a threaded 4.4-inch barrel. These differences allow for the 22/45 Lite to take on more of a tactical feel than the models we’ve looked at previously. Available in many different colors and finishes, the 22/45 Lite allows you to have a pistol with a more customized feel. You can browse our full selection here.

The Mark IV Tactical and 22/45 Tactical continue the trend of the 22/45 Lite, featuring a design of the Mark IV that allows for greater customization. The Mk IV Tactical model features top and bottom Picatinny rails as well as a threaded 4.4-inch barrel, meaning you can mount multiple accessories on the Tactical all at once. As you can see, this model is also available as the 22/45 Tactical with the 1911-style grip and can be viewed here.

Looking at the Mark IV Target, there are several differences that are visually identifiable. These models all feature an all-metal construction, with the stainless models featuring a CNC-machined stainless steel grip frame and the black models featuring a CNC-machined aluminum grip frame like the standard model. The added weight in these models contributes to increased stability and accuracy when firing rapidly, lending them to high performance in target shooting scenarios. There are a variety of models with and without threaded barrels and with a variety of barrel lengths. Our full selection of the Mk IV Target pistols can be seen here.

The Mark IV Hunter features a construction very similar to the Target model in many respects. However, the differences that it presents may be favorable to some, as they can assist with the handling and accuracy when carrying or hunting small game and varmints. The Mk IV Hunter models still possess a CNC-machined grip frame and a steel barrel. However, the barrel on these models is fluted, allowing them to slightly reduce the weight and prevent overheating. The sights on this gun are different as well, with an adjustable rear sight and a front fiber optic sight. The last difference is that all the grip panels on the Hunter models are made of laminated wood for a refined look and feel. All of our Mark IV Hunter models can be viewed here.

The Mark IV Competition is the Mark IV design that Ruger has built specifically for competitive shooting. The Mk IV Competition features a single-piece barrel and receiver made of stainless steel, as well as a single-piece CNC-machined stainless steel grip frame like some of the Target and Hunter models. However, this model has a longer slab-sided 6.88-inch barrel as well as checkered wooden grips with a thumb rest for stable shooting. It also has a fixed front and adjustable rear sight and features a drilled and tapped receiver for optional rail and optics installation. With its weight of 45.8 oz, it provides the stability and accuracy needed for any competitive setting.