| For decades, the Ruger Mark pistol series has stood as a hallmark of precision and reliability in rimfire pistols. Beginning with the original Mark I in the 1950s, through the Mark II and Mark III, and most recently the Mk IV, Ruger built a reputation for crisp triggers, robust construction, and ease of maintenance. The Mk IV in particular was celebrated for its one-button takedown and shooter-friendly ergonomics, making it a favorite among plinkers, competitive shooters, and especially suppressor enthusiasts who value a dependable .22LR host. Yet while competitors have pushed forward with modern features — ergonomic grip frames, easier takedown, and Optics — the Mk IV has increasingly felt like a design caught in time. Other .22LR pistols now offer double-stack capabilities, improved ergonomics, and accessories that appeal to today’s market. Despite this, the Mk IV remains one of the best silencer hosts on the market, with a well-tuned action and natural affinity for subsonic ammunition. It just needs a few key updates to stay competitive. That’s where Ruger’s new double-stack .22LR magazine patent comes into play. The technology shown in the attached images suggests a path toward significantly higher capacity without sacrificing feed reliability. We predict that this magazine will be followed by an updated grip module designed to accommodate it — and if Ruger doesn’t act quickly, the aftermarket almost certainly will fill that gap. For fans of the platform, that’s an exciting evolution to watch. – Joshua Barnhart |
