Ruger Mark IV Target vs S&W M&P .22 Compact

[Homerboy]

I have an itch for a .22 pistol. I already have a .22 revolver. I have several M&P pistols and know the .22 Compact gets pretty good reviews. But I also know the Mark IV is a quality pistol and I believe more of an accurate piece. A local shop near me has a used .22 Compact for $250.

So other than making noise, which is the better quality piece? Is an extra $150 for the Mark IV worth it?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The Ruger is absolutely worth the extra $$.

 

[1KPerDay]

By the way you should be able to find MKIIIs around $300-350

 

[armedwalleye]

Apples and oranges. Different guns with different purposes. If you’re looking for a comparison to the smith, look at the Sr-22.
If you’re looking for a comparison to the MkIV, you need to look for a MkII.....

 

[Homerboy]

By the way you should be able to find MKIIIs around $300-350

I know. But I took a Mark 2 apart once thanks to YouTube videos and lots of cursing. It’s gotta be a Mark IV.

 

[<*(((><]

Just my opinion but do not get a MKI-III. Skip them and get the MKIV, there is no reason now that it’s 2019 to have a pistol that is that difficult to take down and put back together. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had the previous version, but sold mine to put towards my MKIV, worlds better takedown, with same results in other areas. And yes I know how to take them apart and put them back together, that’s not the point.

I’m sure I’ll catch some heat on this one but don’t care, the world I live in is reality. And the reality is they are the same gun minus the frustration and extra time in takedown and reassembly.

Just bought a second upper to switch back and forth on my MKIV. So one upper has a reflex sight that replaced the rear sight and the other upper has the stock irons. Switching uppers is literally faster than swapping AR uppers by a long shot. Only downside is that Ruger in their infinite wisdom serialized the upper.

 

[1KPerDay]

I don't find them frustrating at all. They're very straightforward. Different strokes for different folks I guess. I don't see myself getting a MKIV as the right side safety is in my way and I don't need the EZ button.

 

[bannockburn]

Homerboy

Never had a problem with numerous Mk.Is and Mk.IIs over the years. If you think the whole take-down procedure of the older Rugers might be too troublesome then get a new Mk.IV.

And yes, the MK.IV Target model is definitely a quality .22.

My favorite Ruger Mk.II:

 

[Obturation]

I had a mk3 22/45 that i shot 1500 + per month for over a year, then sold it for $20 less than i paid for it. Great gun, should have kept it. Then bought a mk 3 competion target that ive had for several years now, love it too. They make a part you put in so you dont have to do the verticle shake wiggle trigger pull thing, just havent gotten one yet. Seriously thought about a mk4 but the takedown is the only benefit and i already put some $ into the mk3 and she shoots like a dream. The comparable smith would be a model 41, but theyre big bucks. I would say get the ruger and if you find a mk3 cheap ( i think people are selling them cheap to get mk4s) dont be shy about it, its really not THAT bad.

 

[Spats McGee]

I have an itch for a .22 pistol. I already have a .22 revolver. I have several M&P pistols and know the .22 Compact gets pretty good reviews. But I also know the Mark IV is a quality pistol and I believe more of an accurate piece. A local shop near me has a used .22 Compact for $250.

So other than making noise, which is the better quality piece? Is an extra $150 for the Mark IV worth it?

I'm a big fan of the Ruger pistols, but it might depend on the purpose. If you have an M&P and want to use .22 for training, go with the M&P Compact. Otherwise, go with the Ruger. I had a Ruger Standard for a long time and it was a great pistol. Mrs. McGee and I have a Mk IV 22/45 Lite and a Mk IV 22/45 Target. They're both great pistols.

 

[Great Scot]

I have both and you won’t go wrong with either. That said, they’re definitely different guns. I consider the Ruger a target gun and the Smith a .22 trainer for my compact centerfire guns. The Smith is also a favorite of my kids because it looks more “tactical”. Good news, you’ll be happy with either gun!

 

[SwampWolf]

You won't go wrong with the Ruger-a pistol that's been around for almost seventy years. My favorite variant is the MKII but the MKIV is certainly much easier to field-strip for a thorough cleaning.

 

[Ben86]

Depends what you want. Classic target pistol or a defensive trainer. Ruger for target, and S&W for trainer.

 

[Snowdog]

Of the two you mention, I would opt for the MkIV simply due to aesthetics. It's a sharp looking firearm.

I had a similar choice to make not too long ago. A Browning Buckmark or the Taurus TX22. Yeah... so I bought both.