Ruger Mark IV Tactical: The Ultimate .22LR Pistol Or A Jamming Nightmare?

Published on May 22, 2018
Duration: 11:38

This guide, from an experienced firearms instructor, details troubleshooting light strikes on the Ruger Mark IV, often caused by aftermarket trigger modifications like Volquartsen's. It emphasizes thorough cleaning and the potential need for an upgraded firing pin, such as the Volquartsen SureStrike Titanium Firing Pin, to reliably ignite primers with lighter hammer springs. The process involves careful inspection and testing to ensure optimal performance.

Quick Summary

Troubleshooting light strikes on a Ruger Mark IV, particularly with aftermarket triggers like Volquartsen's, often involves addressing the firing pin's ability to ignite primers. A common solution is upgrading to a Volquartsen SureStrike Titanium Firing Pin, especially if a lightened hammer spring is used, after ensuring the firearm's firing pin channel is clean and free of carbon buildup.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Initial Shooting Experience & Malfunctions
  2. 00:19Pistol Introduction & Volquartsen Trigger
  3. 00:41Ammunition & Prior Experience
  4. 00:57Troubleshooting Hypotheses
  5. 01:11Prep for Current Test
  6. 01:28Second Shooting Session
  7. 01:38Improved Reliability (First Mag)
  8. 01:58Future Upgrade Plans
  9. 02:08Third Shooting Session
  10. 02:13Continued Reliability Improvement
  11. 02:27Fourth Shooting Session
  12. 02:50Fifth Shooting Session
  13. 03:07Sixth Shooting Session
  14. 03:23Light Strike Trends & Next Steps
  15. 03:50Post-Range Plan
  16. 03:59Introduction to Channel & Pistol
  17. 04:11Channel Thank You & Future Content
  18. 04:45Personal History with Ruger Mark Series
  19. 05:08Mark IV Features & Current Mods
  20. 05:44Close-up Features of Mark IV Target
  21. 06:18Volquartsen Trigger & Testing
  22. 06:46Magazine Disconnect & Dry Fire
  23. 07:26Teaser for Future Mods
  24. 07:33Firing Pin Solution
  25. 07:48Suppressed Shooting (New Part)
  26. 08:09No Volquartsen Bolt Needed
  27. 08:16Magazine Details & Future Discussion
  28. 08:35Light Strike Cause & Resolution
  29. 09:44Post-Fix Performance & Grip Angle
  30. 10:08Recoil & Flinching
  31. 10:39Ammo Cost & Trigger Fine-tuning
  32. 10:52Upcoming Mods & Social Media
  33. 11:18Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes light strikes on a Ruger Mark IV with an aftermarket trigger?

Light strikes on a Ruger Mark IV, especially with aftermarket triggers like Volquartsen's that feature a lightened hammer spring, are often caused by the stock firing pin not having enough mass or velocity to reliably ignite the primer. Carbon buildup in the firing pin channel can exacerbate this issue.

How can light strikes be fixed on a Ruger Mark IV?

To fix light strikes on a Ruger Mark IV, first ensure thorough cleaning of the bolt and firing pin channel. If the issue persists, upgrading to a stronger firing pin, such as the Volquartsen SureStrike Titanium Firing Pin, is often the solution, especially when using aftermarket triggers with reduced hammer spring weight.

Is it safe to dry fire a Ruger Mark IV?

According to Ruger, it is generally safe to dry fire their .22LR firearms, including the Mark IV series. This is often stated by the manufacturer to be acceptable and not cause damage to the firearm.

What is the trigger pull weight of a Volquartsen trigger for the Ruger Mark IV?

A Volquartsen trigger group installed on a Ruger Mark IV can achieve a very light trigger pull weight, typically measuring around 1.5 to 2 pounds when tested with a trigger pull scale. This significantly reduces the force needed to fire the pistol.

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