Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The Ruger Mark IV Target 22 Long Rifle 10in Blued Pistol is a purpose-built, single-action rimfire pistol designed for precision. Its 10-inch bull barrel and classic blued finish set it apart as a dedicated target and training platform. Available now for $557.99, down from $619.99.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Frt 15. 12+ years building and modifying Glock platforms, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Who Is This Ruger Mark IV Target Pistol For?
After countless range days teaching families, I see firearms fall into two camps: tools for a job and heirlooms for a hobby. This Ruger Mark IV Target is firmly in the second camp, and it’s built for a specific shooter.
The Bullseye Shooter: You live for tight groups and the satisfying ping of a steel plate at 50 yards. The 10-inch barrel and target sights are your tools of the trade.
The Patient Teacher: You’re introducing a young shooter or a new enthusiast to fundamentals. The mild .22 LR recoil, simple single-action operation, and inherent accuracy make it an ideal coaching pistol. It’s the firearm I reach for when teaching trigger control.
The Collector of Classics: You appreciate the lineage of the Ruger Mark series. This model, with its long, blued barrel, is a direct nod to that heritage—a functional piece of shooting history.
What Makes This Ruger Mark IV Target Stand Out: 5 Key Features
- The 10-Inch Bull Barrel: This isn’t just for looks. That long, heavy barrel does two critical things. First, it provides a long sight radius, making precise aiming more intuitive—think of it like using a ruler instead of guessing. Second, the weight out front dramatically reduces muzzle flip and steadies your hold. On the bench, it feels planted.
- Blued Steel Finish: In a world of polymer and coatings, the deep, classic bluing on this Ruger Mark IV Target is a statement. It’s a traditional, durable finish that requires a bit more care than modern treatments, but it develops a character all its own. It tells a story of use and care.
- The Mark IV Takedown System: If you’ve ever struggled with reassembling an older Mark II or III, this is the game-saver. One button press, and the upper receiver lifts straight off the frame. Cleaning becomes a 30-second start instead of a 30-minute puzzle. For a family gun that will see high round counts, this feature is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
- Target-Grade Sights: It comes equipped with a fully adjustable rear sight. This means you can dial it in for specific ammunition or distances. It’s a feature usually found on competition guns, not plinkers. You can truly zero this pistol to you and your preferred load.
- Single-Action Trigger: The trigger on this model is crisp and consistent. It’s a straightforward, no-frills pull that reinforces good shooting habits. For training new shooters, a clean single-action break teaches proper trigger press without the complexity of a double-action first shot.
How It Stacks Up: Ruger Mark IV Target vs. The Competition
| Feature | Ruger Mark IV Target (10″ Blued) | Browning Buck Mark Contour (5.5″ Barrel) | Taurus TX22 Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Alloy receiver, steel barrel, blued finish. Traditional, robust construction. | Aluminum receiver, stainless steel barrel. Lighter, more modern feel. | Polymer frame, steel slide. Striker-fired, tactical design. |
| Quality & Feel | Hefty, solid, purpose-built for the bench. A dedicated target pistol. | Excellent fit and finish, more of a hybrid target/field pistol. | Reliable and fun, but feels like a trainer for a centerfire pistol. |
| Compatibility & Use | Pure target/plinking. Aftermarket for grips, optics rails is huge. | Versatile for target and casual field use. Good sight options. | Takes standard pistol optics, mimics a duty pistol manual of arms. |
| Shipping & FFL | Same-day from Houston, TX. Ships to your local FFL. | Varies by retailer. Standard FFL procedure. | Varies by retailer. Standard FFL procedure. |
| Lifespan & Durability | Proven Ruger longevity. Simple design, easy to maintain for decades. | Very durable, but takedown is more involved than the Ruger. | Good for high round counts, but polymer will show wear faster. |
| Price Point | $557.99 (Sale Price) – Premium for a dedicated target platform. | ~$500-$600 – Competitively priced for its class. | ~$400-$450 – Budget-friendly “competition-style” option. |
The Takeaway: The Browning is a fantastic all-around .22 pistol. The Taurus is a great trainer if you carry a Glock or similar. But if your goal is precision on paper or steel, the Ruger Mark IV Target’s long barrel and stable platform give it a distinct edge. You’re paying for that specific capability.
Ruger Mark IV Target 22 Long Rifle 10in Blued Pistol Specifications
| Product Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Receiver, Steel Barrel |
| Manufacturing | Ruger, USA |
| Finish | Blued |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Ruger Standard |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Single-Action, Manual Safety |
| Weight | Approx. 45 oz. (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | 10″ Barrel, Overall Length ~14.5″ |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | Model 40105 |
Pros and Cons: My Honest Take
What I like:
- ✅ Unmatched Stability: The 10-inch bull barrel makes this one of the steadiest-holding .22 pistols off the bench. It’s a laser beam with good ammo.
- ✅ Brilliant Takedown: The Mark IV system is the best in the business. Cleaning is no longer a chore.
- ✅ Superb Training Tool: The single-action trigger and minimal recoil are perfect for teaching marksmanship fundamentals.
- ✅ Timeless Aesthetics: The blued steel and classic lines have a look that synthetic guns can’t match.
- ✅ Proven Ruger Reliability: It’s a simple, over-built design that will last for generations with basic care.
What you should consider:
- ❌ Not a Carry Gun: It’s big, heavy, and single-action. This is a range bag or case gun, period. If you want a .22 for field use, look at our compact .22 pistols.
- ❌ Requires Maintenance: The blued finish, while beautiful, needs to be kept oiled to prevent rust, especially in humid Houston. A stainless model might be better for high-use.
- ❌ Price for Purpose: You’re investing in a specialized tool. If you just want a cheap plinker, there are more economical .22 options.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Pistol
Buy the Ruger Mark IV Target 10″ if:
- You are a serious recreational target shooter.
- You are a firearms instructor or parent teaching precision shooting.
- You value classic American firearm craftsmanship and design.
- You want a .22 pistol that will reward practice with exceptional accuracy.
Skip the Ruger Mark IV Target 10″ if:
- You need a lightweight, packable pistol for hiking or field use. (See: Compact .22 LR Pistols)
- You primarily want a tactical trainer that mimics your EDC. (See: Striker-Fired .22 Trainers)
- Your budget is strictly under $400 and you just want fun plinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ruger Mark IV Target a good pistol for a beginner?
Yes, but with guidance. Its accuracy and light recoil are excellent for learning. However, its size and weight can be cumbersome for very young or small-framed shooters. Always start with supervised, fundamental safety training.
Can I mount a red dot optic on this model?
The base model shown has a grooved receiver for tip-off style mounts, which can work but aren’t as solid as a dedicated rail. Ruger sells an optics-ready “Tactical” version with a Picatinny rail. For this model, you’d need an aftermarket mount that clamps into the groove.
What kind of ammunition does it use?
It is chambered for standard .22 Long Rifle (22 LR) ammunition. It will cycle best with high-velocity rounds (around 1200 fps or more). For ultimate accuracy, try different brands of standard velocity target ammo to see what your specific barrel prefers.
How difficult is it to clean and maintain?
Thanks to the Mark IV one-button takedown, it’s one of the easiest pistols to clean. Field stripping takes seconds, giving you direct access to the bolt and barrel. Maintaining the blued finish simply requires a light coat of gun oil after handling or cleaning to prevent fingerprints from causing rust.
Is the 10-inch barrel too long for practical use?
“Practical” depends on the task. For holster carry or woods walking, yes, it’s too long. For target shooting, slow-fire plinking, or varmint control from a fixed position, the barrel length is a major benefit for accuracy and stability.
Where can I buy a Ruger Mark IV Target online?
You can purchase this Ruger Mark IV Target 22 Long Rifle 10in Blued Pistol right here at Frt 15 (frt-15.com). We are an authorized retailer, and it ships from our Houston, TX warehouse.
What is the magazine capacity?
This pistol comes with one 10-round magazine. Ruger Mark IV magazines are widely available, and I recommend picking up a few extras for range days. They are reliable and easy to load.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the Ruger Mark IV platform, its common use in training scenarios, and direct comparison with other .22 LR pistols in its class. My perspective is that of an armorer and instructor focused on functionality, safety, and long-term value for the shooter.
Last updated: March 2026
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