REVIEW: New Ruger Mark IV Hunter

[AKVAT]

I just purchased the Ruger Mark IV Hunter to replace the Ruger Mark IV Target that I sold to my business (so my clients can use my personal awesome competition gun to qualify, if they don't have their own gun). The Hunters' weight is in between the Target and the Competition.  I felt I liked the balance of the Hunter better than the front heavy Competition so I went with the Hunter for my new competition gun.

Here are my initial findings.

Very pleased overall.  It came with 2 mags, slab grips, TruGlo fiber optic front sight, V rear sight.

As new, it felt very tight and a little gritty, so I cleaned and lubed thoroughly before shooting it the first time.  It felt a lot better after that!

In two short range sessions, I tested 5 types of .22lr ammo, at least 2 magazines of each.  I used both the two new magazines and several older magazines I used for competition with my Mark IV Target.  I did not mix ammo in individual magazines.

All ammo and magazines tested ran flawlessly!  Remington Thunderbolt, Aguila Supermaximum Hyper Velocity, Winchester Wildcat, CCI Stinger, American Eagle 38 grain.  I realize these are some hot loads, they were what I had around the house.  I have more more brands to try at my next range session, a little less hot.

The front sight came loose near the end, and I did not have a proper wrench with me so I ended the session.  This seems to be common with these particular front sights on the new guns from the factory.  They need to be checked and tightened.

I am not sure about the V rear sight. I need more range time with it. I felt like I was shooting better with my Target square rear sight, so I might have to switch them if I don't start taking to the V sight soon.

I hope you enjoyed my review!  I am in the process of building out my website blog to include more reviews and information like this in the near future.  https://akvat.com

[hipower]

Sweet pistol. I've owned several of the Mark II, III, IV over the years and found them to be an excellent pistol. Never had the Hunter version though. 

Thanks for the commentary.

[AKVAT]

I just took it to the range yesterday with a change of grips and tried new brands of ammo.  Will be posting pictures and updates in the next few days.

[billt]

The Mark IV's are really nice guns. I purchased both the Hunter, as well as the Bill Ruger Limited Edition Competition Model that came with the matching knife.

[hipower]

1 hour ago, billt said:

The Mark IV's are really nice guns. I purchased both the Hunter, as well as the Bill Ruger Limited Edition Competition Model that came with the matching knife.

A nicer pair! Love the slabside!!

[Quavodus]

A friend at work bought a Mark IV and loves it. Great gun he says.