TINCANBANDIT's Gunsmithing : Featured Gun: Ruger MkIV 22/45 LITE

There is no point in telling you the whole story of the Ruger pistol, I have already done that as have others.

Instead, I will just tell you how this gun is different from the previous generations and why you might want to consider buying one.

The 22/45 came along during the Mark II series, being introduced in 1992.

The new pistol featured a polymer grip frame that mimicked the grip of the M1911 pistol (thus the "45" in the name). The other major change was the moving the magazine release from the heal to the side of the grip frame.

A graphic from American Rifleman showing the differences in grip angles and sizes of the trigger guards.

In 2004 the MkIII series replaced the MkII and the 22/45 got another revision.

Then in 2012 Ruger introduced the 22/45 LITE edition, still in the MkIII series. The new LITE series came with an aluminum upper with a steel barrel and parts imbedded into the receiver. They also came with a threaded barrel for suppressor or muzzle break use.

The barrels had grills to reduce weight and came in a few different colors.

This new version also had replaceable, rubber grip panels that looked to be interchangeable with those of the 1911 pistol.

In 2016 Ruger introduced the Mark IV series. Gone were the stamped steel grip frames, replaced by cast stainless, cast aluminum or the polymer used in the 22/45.

The new Mark series had a much easier, push button take down procedure along with better slide release and an ambidextrous safety.

The new models come with various barrel cuts and sight options as well as a host of different colors.

These pistols with the 4.4" barrel weigh in at just 25 ounces, which beats previous 22/45 models that were 31-33 ounces. Compared to the Ruger Mk II bull barrel that weighs 46 ounces, you can see why they call this the "LITE".

I purchased my 22/45 LITE last year, it came with adjustable rear sight and a picatinny rail for mounting optics.