Ruger Mark IV Target .22 LR 10″ Bull Barrel

About this product

The Ruger Mark IV Target .22 LR 10″ Bull Barrel is a purpose-built semiautomatic pistol engineered for precision target shooting with its rigid 10-inch cold hammer-forged bull barrel. It represents the fourth generation of John Browning's iconic tilting-barrel .22 pistol, specifically refined for competitive disciplines and serious range training. The one-button takedown system is a complete redesign from previous Mark series pistols, eliminating the notorious disassembly frustration that plagued older models.

What is the Ruger Mark IV Target .22 LR used for?

It is used for formal target shooting, suppressor host duty, and high-round-count marksmanship training. The 10-inch heavy barrel provides a long sight radius of 13.5 inches and superior weight-forward balance, making it ideal for bullseye or steel challenge competitions where rapid, precise follow-up shots are required. The drilled-and-tapped receiver readily accepts a red dot mount, allowing shooters to graduate from iron sights to electronic aiming without gunsmithing, while the .22 LR chambering keeps ammunition costs under 8 cents per round for bulk pack training.

How does the Ruger Mark IV Target compare to the Browning Buck Mark?

The Ruger Mark IV is significantly faster to field strip than the Browning Buck Mark, with disassembly completed in approximately 3 seconds using the single push-button versus the Buck Mark's multi-step process requiring a hex key. I own both; the Ruger's takedown is objectively superior for routine maintenance, especially when running suppressed and dealing with increased carbon fouling. However, many serious competitors argue the Browning Buck Mark's factory trigger has a slightly cleaner break out of the box, often measuring around 2.5 lbs versus the Ruger's typical 4-5 lb pull from the factory.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs 46.3 ounces (just over 2.9 pounds) unloaded and has an overall length of 14.0 inches. The 10-inch barrel has a bull profile measuring 0.875 inches in diameter at the muzzle, which is notably thicker than the 0.625-inch pencil profile on many Stevens 334 rifle barrels. This mass dampens barrel harmonics and provides a very steady hold, though the pistol's balance point sits nearly 7 inches forward of the trigger guard, creating a distinct feel that requires adaptation for shooters accustomed to standard 4-5 inch service pistols.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for concealed carry, plinking in the woods, or someone seeking a lightweight trail gun. The 14-inch overall length makes it holster-unfriendly for anything besides a dedicated range bag, and the 46.3-ounce weight is nearly double that of a polymer-framed 9mm duty pistol. If your primary use involves hiking or backpacking where ounces matter, a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun in 20-gauge might be a more versatile field tool. This is a specialized instrument for the bench or firing line.

What's in the box?

Inside the box are the pistol, two 10-round magazines, a cable lock, an owner's manual, and a fired case envelope required for serialization tracking in some jurisdictions. Ruger consistently packages two magazines with their Mark IV series, which is a practical advantage over some competitors who ship only one. The included magazines feature an extended basepad that provides a solid purchase for stripping them clear during malfunction drills—a small but meaningful detail for training.

Is the Ruger Mark IV Target worth it at $589.99?

At $589.99, it represents solid value for a dedicated target pistol with this barrel length and feature set. The investment is justified by the cold hammer-forged barrel, which provides exceptional bore consistency and longevity exceeding 50,000 rounds with standard-velocity ammunition. When you factor in the lifetime warranty and Ruger's renowned customer service, the price premium over a basic plinking pistol buys tangible mechanical advantages and decades of reliable service, provided you actually need the 10-inch barrel's specific ballistic and balance characteristics.