What's the Problem?
This action affects Ruger Mark IV pistols (including 22/45™ models) manufactured prior to June 1, 2017, according to the Recall Notice [1]. All Mark IV pistols with serial numbers beginning with "401" (2017 models) or "WBR" (2016 models) are subject to recall.
Ruger issued the recall after discovering that if the trigger on affected pistols 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), they 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.
If you purchased a Mark IV pistol that is affected by this recall, you should contact Ruger to schedule a free retrofit with an updated safety mechanism. Ruger will retrofit Mark IV pistols on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Why is the Ruger Mark IV Illegal in California?
California has a roster of allowed guns that have been “safety tested” to meet specific standards. Anytime a new model is produced, or an existing model is updated, it has to be retested to meet any new current standards to stay on the list.
One such new standard is micro-stamping a firearm's serial number on a spent shell.
This is exceedingly difficult to do, but extremely easy to bypass - just use a file to erase the imprinting area. No manufacturer will go through the effort to micro-stamp their guns for just the California marketplace. No other state or country requires it, either.
So when Ruger first put out the Mark IV, it didn’t have micro-stamping (no current firearm does), so isn’t allowed to be sold in California.
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Do I Have a Ruger Mark IV Recall Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Ruger Mark IV Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by a recalled firearm, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
