Ruger Mark IV Target 22 LR 5 5 Bull Barrel Blued

About this product

The Ruger Mark IV Target is a .22 LR rimfire pistol built for accuracy and easy maintenance, featuring a 5.5-inch bull barrel and Ruger's one-button takedown system that solved one of the most common complaints shooters had with earlier Mark-series pistols: how difficult they were to disassemble for cleaning.

What is the one-button takedown, and why does it matter?

Earlier Ruger Mark I, II, and III pistols were notorious among owners for a fussy, multi-step disassembly process that could intimidate new shooters. The Mark IV redesigned this entirely: a single button allows the barrel-receiver assembly to tilt up and off the grip frame without tools, dramatically simplifying cleaning. For a rimfire pistol, where reliable function often depends on keeping the action reasonably clean of the extra fouling .22 LR ammunition leaves behind, this is a meaningful practical improvement over the older Mark-series design.

What is the Target model built for?

The bull barrel design adds weight and a heavier profile to the front of the pistol compared to Ruger's lighter, tapered-barrel Mark IV models, which helps steady the sight picture and manage the pistol's already-mild .22 LR recoil for more precise shooting. The blued alloy steel finish and fixed front sight paired with an adjustable rear sight round out a package intended for target shooting, plinking, and general recreational range use rather than concealed carry or duty use.

Weighing in around 35.6 ounces for the blued alloy steel version, the Target model has enough heft to feel stable during offhand shooting while remaining light enough for extended range sessions without fatigue.

Is the Mark IV Target a good choice for a first .22 LR pistol?

Mild recoil, low ammunition cost, and Ruger's simplified takedown system make the Mark IV Target a strong choice for new shooters learning trigger control and sight alignment, as well as for experienced shooters who want an affordable, accurate rimfire pistol for regular practice. The cold hammer-forged barrel is built for long-term accuracy and durability, matching Ruger's general reputation for rimfire reliability across the Mark series.

Optics mounting is straightforward on the Target model thanks to an integral scope base machined into the receiver, letting owners add a red dot for faster target acquisition without needing a separate rail adapter. Because .22 LR ammunition varies more in reliability across brands than centerfire ammunition, most owners find a specific bulk-pack load that runs cleanly through their pistol and stick with it for regular practice.

Decades of continuous Mark-series production mean holsters, cases, and aftermarket parts are widely available, and Ruger's own parts and service support for the Mark IV line remains strong, which matters for a pistol many owners plan to keep and shoot for years.

The fixed front sight paired with an adjustable rear sight lets shooters fine-tune windage without needing an aftermarket sight upgrade, which keeps the out-of-box cost reasonable for a pistol this accurate. Owners who eventually want a dedicated red dot setup can add one without giving up the Mark IV's core simplicity or reliability.

As a firearm, this pistol ships to a licensed FFL dealer for the required transfer and background check, not to your home address. California requires new handgun models to be listed on the state's approved roster before they can be sold by a licensed dealer here. Roster status changes over time, so confirm with your FFL that this exact model and configuration is currently approved before you place an order.