Ruger Mark IV Safety Recall

by
posted on June 8, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ruger_recall.png

Ruger recently discovered that all Mark IV pistols (including 22/45 models) manufactured prior to June 1, 2017 have the potential to discharge unintentionally if the safety is not utilized correctly. In particular, if the trigger is pulled while the safety lever is midway between the "safe" and "fire" positions (that is, the safety is not fully engaged or fully disengaged), then the pistol may not fire when the trigger is pulled. However, if the trigger is released and the safety lever is then moved from the mid position to the "fire" position, the pistol may fire at that time.

No injuries have been reported and Ruger states only a small percentage of pistols are actually affected, however the company would like to retrofit all potentially affected pistols with an updated safety mechanism. Ruger urges consumers not to use their Mark IV pistol until it has been retrofitted or verified as being not subject to the recall.

Ruger only needs the non-serialized grip frame assembly to do the retrofit, which consists of an updated sear and safety. The grip frame does not need to go through an FFL, and Ruger will arrange to have the grip frame assembly shipped from your home.

Owners should go to Ruger.com/MarkIVRecall and follow the detailed instructions there. This recall will cost owners nothing. Ruger will send the Mark IV owner a box with prepaid postage for the grip frame assembly, and when it is returned Ruger will provide each Mark IV owner with a free magazine as a thank you. 

For Mark IV recall verification and further instructions for affected pistols, visit
Ruger.com.

Latest

hunter with rifle
hunter with rifle

Reloading The Stalwart .308 Winchester

For more than 70 years, the .308 Win. has been one of the world’s most tested and versatile cartridges—and it’s still far from obsolete.

The Rifleman Report: Tried-And-True Attributes

In this August 2025 issue, we explored how several entirely different kinds of firearms, and a classic cartridge, possess the tried-and-true attributes that make them effective for self-protection or hunting—even though none is as popular as the modern sporting rifles, semi-automatic pistols and specialty chamberings that account for much of today’s gun coverage.

C&H Precision And Grounds & Rounds HQ Grand Opening

Cavalier Attitude Global Holdings, parent company of eight industry brands, will officially host their grand opening celebration in September with raffles, concerts and the unveiling of Grounds & Rounds, a combination coffee bar and gun range.

“Mine Beat Them All”: Great Britain’s “Baker” Infantry Rifle

Famous in both fact and legend, Great Britain’s Pattern 1800/1805 "Baker" Infantry Rifle has become one of the Napoleonic Wars’ most enduring firearm designs.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 25, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Studying Ammunition Developments Of The Early 20th Century

In the mid-1920s, the U.S. Ordnance Dept. faced a problem: How do you measure improvements in ammunition design if everyone is shooting at different distances and recording different results?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.