Howdy Again
Funny thing. Since this thread started I have picked up my second Mark IV.
Let's recap.
I bought this Mark II many years ago, so long ago that I don't remember when. Like all Ruger Mark pistols, the factory trigger pull was quite stiff. So I put a Volquartsen trigger kit inside which brought the trigger pull down to around 2 pounds or so. But anybody who has one of the old Standard or Mark I, Mark II, or Mark III pistols knows, take down for cleaning was a royal pain. I always had to have the manual open when field stripping this guy for cleaning. I suppose if I did it more often I would not need the manual, but I always needed the manual in front of me. Trust me, the Mark I, II, or III was a royal pain to field strip for cleaning. Yes, it has an adjustable rear sight, but the fact is that once I had it zeroed in I never moved the rear sight again.
About a year ago I picked up this Stainless Mark IV Competition model. The Ruger website says it weighs 45.8 ounces with the Stainless frame and heavy, slab sided barrel.
This is the reason you buy a Mark IV. So simple to take down and clean. Stupidly over priced? I paid $849 for it (suggested list price is $969.00). The Mark IV was completely redesigned from the earlier models, that is why they are expensive. The factory trigger pull was pretty stiff, so I had a Volquartsen trigger kit installed, and the trigger pull is down around two pounds.
I just picked up this blued Mark IV with its six inch barrel a few weeks ago. $499.95 out the door (suggested list price is $569.00). This one has an aluminum frame, so it is much lighter than my Stainless Mark IV. I gave it to a guy to install a Volquartsen trigger kit in it, and I am going to pick it up tomorrow. The Ruger website says it is currently unavailable, so I guess I lucked out. The four inch version is still available. The website says this one weighs weighs 30.1 ounces.
Again, this is why you buy a Mark IV. No manual needed to field strip it.
I have no problem with the fixed rear sight, it will be no problem to drift it left or right if the need arises.
The 75th anniversary model is nice, with its adjustable rear sight, but it is hard to find. The Ruger website says the frame is aluminum, and it weighs 32.8 ounces.