Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV Review

First Impressions of Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV is a simple yet potentially crucial upgrade for any Ruger MK IV owner who prioritizes positive safety engagement. Designed to increase the force required to switch from “fire” to “safe,” this little spring addresses a common concern: accidental safety activation during firing. I’ve seen this happen to new shooters and even experienced ones in the heat of competition. This is an inexpensive fix that could prevent a potentially dangerous or at least frustrating situation.

I was drawn to the Volquartsen spring because I’ve been modifying my Ruger MK IV for Steel Challenge competitions. I found myself inadvertently bumping the safety to the “on” position during rapid strings of fire. This would cost precious seconds and throw off my rhythm. I needed a solution that wouldn’t require extensive gunsmithing or a complete safety overhaul.

Upon receiving the Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV, I was immediately impressed by its simplicity. It’s a small, unassuming spring, but the build quality appeared solid. Comparing it to the stock spring (which I promptly removed), the Volquartsen spring was noticeably thicker and felt like it would provide more resistance. It’s a far cry from the aftermarket triggers or barrels, but its impact is significant.

I considered other options, such as a complete ambidextrous safety replacement. However, those options were significantly more expensive and involved more complicated installation. I opted for the Volquartsen spring because of its simplicity, affordability, and the Volquartsen name. Volquartsen Firearms has a reputation for producing high-quality Ruger MK series parts.

My initial impression was optimistic. The spring felt robust. Given its incredibly low price point, I was more than willing to give the Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV a try. I was excited to see if it would solve my accidental safety engagement issue and improve my performance in Steel Challenge.


Real-World Testing: Putting Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV came during a local Steel Challenge match. I installed it the night before and headed to the range with my modified Ruger MK IV. The difference in safety engagement was immediately apparent.

Switching from “fire” to “safe” required a deliberate push, but wasn’t overly stiff. During my first few runs, I focused on my grip and trigger pull, actively trying to replicate the conditions that previously caused the accidental safety engagement. Thankfully, the problem was gone. I completed each stage without any unwanted safety activations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear or weakening of the spring. The safety continues to engage and disengage with the same positive and deliberate feel.

Maintenance is nonexistent, as the spring requires no special cleaning or lubrication. Compared to my previous frustrating experiences with the stock safety, the Volquartsen spring is a significant improvement. It has boosted my confidence and allowed me to focus on my shooting without worrying about accidental safety engagements. This simple upgrade has proven its worth time and time again.

Breaking Down the Features of Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV

Specifications

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV is a simple drop-in replacement spring designed to increase the force required to engage the safety on Ruger MK IV pistols.

  • Manufacturer: Volquartsen Firearms.
  • Gun Model: Ruger Mark IV, Ruger Mark IV 22/45, and Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite.
  • Country of Origin: USA.
  • Function: Increases safety engagement force.

These specifications are crucial because they directly address the issue of accidental safety activation. The increased spring force provides a more positive and deliberate safety engagement. The Volquartsen spring ensures that the safety isn’t inadvertently switched on during firing. The fact that it’s made in the USA from quality materials ensures reliability and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV excels at its intended job. It provides a noticeable increase in safety engagement force without making it excessively difficult to operate. The spring provides just the right amount of resistance.

The primary strength of this product is its simplicity and effectiveness. There are no complicated adjustments or modifications required. The primary weakness is that it doesn’t solve a more complex safety issue like an ambidextrous safety, or one that is easier to manipulate for users with weaker hands. It is meant only for users who may have inadvertently engaged the safety during firing due to it being too loose.

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV meets and exceeds expectations. It effectively eliminates the problem of accidental safety engagement.

Design & Ergonomics

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV is a simple coil spring. The spring’s build quality appears excellent, with no visible imperfections. The spring is sturdy enough for its intended purpose.

The spring is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills to install. There is virtually no learning curve, as it functions identically to the stock spring but with increased resistance. It is meant to be a drop-in replacement.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that this is a simple spring, it should last for many years under normal use. I anticipate no issues with its longevity. The spring requires virtually no maintenance, other than perhaps a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth during routine gun cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available for the spring itself. The spring is compatible with all Ruger MK IV, MK IV 22/45, and MK IV 22/45 Lite models.

Pros and Cons of Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV

Pros

  • Simple drop-in installation.
  • Noticeably increases safety engagement force.
  • Effectively eliminates accidental safety engagement.
  • Affordable upgrade.
  • Increases confidence and improves shooting performance.

Cons

  • Does not address other safety-related issues (e.g., ambidextrous safety, grip safety).
  • May be too stiff for users with limited hand strength.


Who Should Buy Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV?

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV is perfect for Ruger MK IV owners who:

  • Participate in competitive shooting sports such as Steel Challenge or IDPA.
  • Experience accidental safety engagement during firing.
  • Prefer a more positive and deliberate safety feel.

Someone should skip this product if they:

  • Have limited hand strength.
  • Require an ambidextrous safety.
  • Do not experience any issues with the stock safety.

A must-have accessory is a simple punch to remove the old spring and install this one.

Conclusion on Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV

The Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV is a small but mighty upgrade that solves a specific and frustrating problem. The spring effectively increases safety engagement force and eliminates accidental safety activations. At a price of just $5.99, it’s an absolute steal and well worth the investment for any Ruger MK IV owner experiencing this issue.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Volquartsen Firearms Safety Pistol Power Spring Ruger MK IV to anyone seeking a simple, affordable, and effective solution to accidental safety engagement on their Ruger MK IV. It’s a small price to pay for increased confidence and improved performance. If you’re tired of fumbling with your safety during a match, don’t hesitate – buy this spring. You won’t regret it.

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