Updated Ruger 22/45 Lite Arrives with Fresh Grip and Barrel Setup
Ruger has expanded its Mark IV 22/45 Lite lineup with a new model featuring oversized gray-and-black G10 grip panels and a non-threaded, cold hammer-forged barrel. Yes, in the images, it certainly looks like there’s a thread protector at the muzzle, but it’s fake. The update gives shooters another lightweight rimfire option while retaining the familiar ergonomics and user-friendly characteristics the series is known for.
The new variant uses the same one-button takedown system that defines the Mark IV family. A single press at the rear of the frame allows the upper assembly to be removed without tools, simplifying cleaning and routine maintenance. The 4.4-inch tensioned stainless steel barrel sits inside a ventilated aerospace-grade aluminum receiver, keeping overall weight down while maintaining rigidity.
Ruger Mark IV has a cylindrical bolt system rather than a moving slide, preserving fixed alignment between the sights and barrel. The cold hammer-forged bore is said to offer precise rifling and long service life. An adjustable rear sight and a factory-installed Picatinny rail provide flexibility for those planning to run optics on their rimfire pistol.
Controls mirror the standard 22/45 layout with a left-side push-button magazine release and ambidextrous manual safety (convertible to left-only using the included washer). The bolt ears are designed for easy manipulation, and the magazine disconnect prevents the pistol from firing with the magazine removed. Two 10-round magazines ship with the pistol.
The new Mark IV 22/45 Lite variant joins the existing lineup as a lightweight plinker, trainer, or rimfire competition platform, now distinguished by its G10 grip panels and non-threaded barrel configuration. Suggested retail lands at $819, and you can check here for the fine details: https://www.ruger.com/products/markIV2245Lite/specSheets/43959.html
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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What is the point of the fake threaded barrel? It finally looked like I might buy one of these, without “gold” or other bizarre accent colors, or weird “black camo” finishes. Can’t they just make the thing in black like a proper gun? Not in “pink”, “red”, green” and oh so ever rich and classy “gold trigger and barrel”? Somebody at Ruger has a really bad taste and keeps screwing things up. Mechanically great, but color scheme not.
I do not plan to buy. Thanks for the valuable advice.