I saw this photo on the Home Page, then discovered a fun little thread flowed from it a couple years ago, which I reread--anytime there is an attached thread the forum will take you right to it with a single click.

I had simply wanted to comment that however ugly some of us found that blue Ruger pistol to be two-plus years ago, it is simply one of MANY that exist today in a range of bright colors, many with threaded barrels due to the unGodly loud report of the .22LR.  No fear, Ruger has us covered with a million ways to buy a .22 MkIV, including the plastic (22/45) version of the MKIV if your tastes run that way, or a compact (SR22) if you want a "trainer," or now a sub-compact (LCP II). Ruger no doubt wants to be the .22 rimfire supplier to the everyman and everywoman.

But really, it's the colorful Mk IV series that really sets Ruger apart....