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The Ruger Mark IV, the modern evolution of the original circa-1949 Ruger Standard (Mark I) pistol, was introduced in 2016. This updated model features a more user-friendly design, highlighted by a tool-free, one-button takedown mechanism that makes fieldstripping and cleaning significantly easier for users.

Following the release of the Mark IV, Ruger introduced the Mark IV 22/45 variant. The name “22/45” refers to the grip angle and surface controls, which closely emulate those of the famed M1911 Government pistol. Despite this design innovation, the initial 22/45 variant did not include a threaded muzzle or a top Picatinny rail. These features were reserved for the more expensive Mark IV 22/45 Tactical model, which carried a suggested retail price of $669.

Ruger has since released a bull-barreled version of the Mark IV 22/45 equipped with both a Picatinny rail and a threaded muzzle– as featured in this review. This model is offered at a suggested price of $449, with even lower prices often available through retailers. Additional aesthetic improvements include color-matched details; the trigger and Picatinny rail both feature a stainless finish, resulting in a distinct two-toned appearance.

Thus:

The Mark IV 22/45 in this format is close to being perfect when it comes to an all-around rimfire semi-auto pistol. It feels and looks good, is dependable and accurate, and just about every component has a dozen aftermarket upgrades available.

We ran it with a few different cans and several different ammo loads and found it to run almost 100 percent of the time. The worst thing we can say is that it gets seriously dirty, something no 22 is immune to, and you must stay on top of that every few hundred rounds to keep it running.

Compared to the rest of the market, this Mark IV 22/45, as reviewed, is priced right, especially for the big Pic rail on top, the threaded bull barrel, and American manufacture. Sure, guns like the SIG P322 have a significantly larger magazine capacity for about the same price, but its optics interface isn’t as luxurious, you get a pencil barrel, and the aftermarket support doesn’t come close to what is available for the Ruger. The closest Buckmark in features would be the Micro Bull SR, which runs significantly more than the Mark IV.

The only problem we foresee in having one of these neat little Rugers is how often you need to buy ammo.

Full review in my column at Guns.com.