The OK-4/Duke storage ring FEL was commissioned in November 1996 and demonstrated lasing in the near UV and visible ranges (345 - 413 nm). The OK-4 is the first storage ring FEL with the shortest wavelength and highest power for UV FELs operating in the United States. During one month of operation we have performed preliminary measurements of the main parameters of the OK-4 FEL: its gain, lasing power and temporal structure. In addition to lasing, the OK-4/Duke FEL generated a nearly monochromatic (1% FWHM) 12.2 MeV gamma-ray beam. In this paper we describe the design and initial performance of the OK-4/Duke storage ring FEL. We compare our predictions with lasing results. Our attempt to lase in the deep UV range (around 193 nm) is discussed. The OK-4 diagnostic systems and performance of its optical cavity are briefly described. ©2005 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering.