Ruger Mark IV Hunter

The live version of the Ruger Mark IV Hunter is a distinctive piece of kit, and when I first saw the air pistol version of the same name, made by the masters of the replica gun industry, I just knew I had to get hold of one for test. Let’s face it, Umarex knows their stuff, and yes, I know I’ve mentioned it before, but seeing everything up close on a personal visit to their factory in Germany, just confirmed the company’s dedication to quality control, finish, performance, and attention to detail.

It’s no wonder then, that many of the biggest names in the gun industry are prepared to allow Umarex to copy the exterior visuals and borrow their name to produce an array of high-quality replicas, that shoot as airguns.

Compact & clever

When viewed up close, some guns barely stand up to scrutiny, but this Ruger MK IV is a real beauty. Nobody is denying that copious amounts of synthetics and plastic are utilized, but the quality and refinement overall, coupled with that stunning silver finish, just set it apart.

The trigger, safety, articulated linkage, barrel, and the top/rear section of the action are all metal. The barrel shroud, grips, and lower section of the main frame are all synthetic. What this means, of course, is that the stress-bearing components are rightly metal, and anything that isn’t stress-bearing - er- isn’t! Less metal means a lower weight overall, yet tipping the scales at 1.4 lbs means this Ruger still feels significant and satisfying in the aim.

If you hadn’t realized already, then it’s time to confirm that this intriguing little beauty is actually a break-barrel, spring-piston-powered pistol! Now, bear in mind the ultra-compact configuration on show here, and that is no mean feat from Umarex on a technical level. In fact, the only real giveaway is that incredibly neat articulated metal linkage positioned just under the rear of the barrel.

Operation

As we expect from Umarex, there’s plenty of faithfully reproduced detail factored in here, and the Ruger includes a dummy slide release catch and magazine release. There is even a moulded magazine detail on the base of the grip. So, let’s take a look a look at what actually works. The black safety catch high on the left side of the grip, is automatic. The front sight features a fibre optic element, and whilst the assembly can be removed, the element is protected by a hood. This is just as well, as when cocking the barrel, an operation which is fairly easy to complete, the lead hand is pressing around the sight. With the breech open, just push a pellet home flush into the well-machined breech, and close the barrel back up closed.

Beware!

Now at this juncture, it is time for a word of warning. This pistol is wonderfully neat and compact, but as a result, during the cocking action, if you’re too blasé and don’t think about the process, the now loaded pistol can end up pointing into the palm of the hand, just as you lock up the barrel. Not acceptable under any circumstances! However, the solution is simple. Just get into the routine of once the pellet is chambered, keeping the left hand underneath the barrel and clear of the muzzle, as the breech is closed. Of course, there’s the automatic safety catch, but I would never rely on small metal components - ever.

Firing cycle

So, what about those open sights? Well, as mentioned, the front sight gets a bright red fibre optic element, plus it’s hooded. However, the notch of the rear sight is all black, and would really benefit from having fibre dots to guide the eye and help keep everything centralized. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation, although both are activated by tiny screws. On test, no increments could be felt on the elevation screw, rendering it vague and irritating, yet I did manage to finally zero it. It just takes patience.

Umarex specifies the Ruger’s trigger as single action, and it’s non-adjustable. That said, and despite being a spring-piston-powered action, which normally forces the trigger to work hard, the scaled-down power plant and relatively low energy generated, means there is a correspondingly low loading on the sears etc. The wide, ribbed trigger blade helps too. Gently pull back, there’s a small amount of movement, then the final release, which is perfectly acceptable. Simple but effective.

Results

The power output on test was fairly consistent with Air Arms Diabolo Express pellets and Air Arms Diabolo Field, producing an average of 1.9 ft/lbs and 1.8 ft/lbs respectively. The consistency over 10 shots was reasonable with the Express pellets but was improved dramatically to just 7fps by switching to the Fields. Superb!

So, what sort of accuracy is on the cards? Well, there are no scope rails or provision for any add-on sights here, but given the ultra-compact configuration, they would surely take away from the feel and simple freedom that the Ruger offers. So, using the open sights, and shooting over 10 yards, I recorded groups around 1.25” c-t-c. Not too shabby, and couple that with quite the most muted, subtle firing cycle (just a small jolt in terms of noticeable recoil), and it’s best described as a very civilized shooting experience.

Neat classic

The Ruger Mark IV Hunter is also available with a black finish, but for me, that super-slick silver wins every time, making it an easy choice to make. Umarex’s renowned quality, ultra-compact design, and reasonable performance make this model a desirable piece for sure, and with a current RRP of sub £90, it’s difficult to fault.

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this pistol.