Target shooters have trusted the Ruger Mark series for generations, and the Mark IV Target continues the line. It is a .22 LR pistol with a 10" bull barrel, a 10-round magazine, and a stainless steel finish. Pistol grip rimfires also make good first handguns, and the long barrel forgives a beginner more than a short one does. Keep the bore clean and the action oiled, and it should shoot well for a long time.

A long bull barrel gives a long sight radius and extra weight forward, which steadies the aim. That makes it a fine pistol for learning marksmanship, shooting steel, or enjoying a quiet afternoon at the range. Recoil is almost nonexistent, which keeps the focus on fundamentals.

Stainless steel resists rust and wipes clean, which matters when humidity is high. The Mark IV design lets you take the pistol apart without tools for cleaning, a change that many owners find helpful, since older Rugers could be fussy to reassemble.

A .22 pistol is also a low-cost way to build skill for larger handguns. Plenty of North Carolina shooters keep one around for just that reason.

Listed new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup and the background check.