RUGER 22/45

Posted Jun 15, 2023

Lite

The Ruger 22/45 Lite is a competition-grade rimfire pistol with a wide range of features to make it an ideal choice for competitive shooting, hunting, or general target practice. This firearm has a variety of significant advantages, including its portability, light weight, and high-end ergonomics. I recently got my hands on one of these pistols and I am very pleased with its performance so far. In this review, I will focus on the features, strengths, and weaknesses of the Ruger 22/45 Lite.

The most obvious advantage of the Ruger 22/45 Lite is its portability. Weighing in at just less than 27 ounces, the 22/45 Lite is smaller and lighter than most of its competition. Even with the standard 4.4-inch barrel length, this pistol fits in a small bag or holster without any noticeable bulk. I have found its size and weight to be ideal for plinking or general target practice without being weighed down like a heavy service pistol. It also makes an excellent concealed carry option due to its size and weight.

When it comes to ergonomics, the Ruger 22/45 Lite really shines. The design is based on the classic 1911 platform, with a Picatinny rail along the top of the frame. This allows for easy mounting of optics or other accessories. The grip has a light texture to it that aids in keeping the pistol firmly in your hands. The frame has a more aggressive grip, which makes control of the pistol during rapid fire easier. The standard magazine release is easy to access and the safety is ambidextrous, making it accessible to both right and left-handed shooters.

The Ruger 22/45 Lite features a series of adjustable features to help customize it to your shooting style. Its bolt and chamber are both adjustable for the most precise performance. The trigger system is a Match Trigger, adjustable from 3 to 6 lb. pull weight. On the end of the pistol, the muzzle is threaded, allowing the use of suppressors or other muzzle devices. The sights are Ruger’s adjustable target sights, allowing fine tuning of the sights.

The Ruger 22/45 Lite utilizes a single-action, short recoil operating system that combines the energy from the recoil and the slide to chamber the next round. This operating system makes the 22/45 Lite reliable and accurate. The pistol has reportedly been able to fire thousands of rounds without any malfunctions or problems, which is impressive considering its light weight and slim size. The trigger is light and crisp, allowing for precise and accurate shot placement.

In terms of accuracy, the Ruger 22/45 Lite is especially impressive. I was able to achieve groupings of around 1.5 inches at 50 yards, which is impressive for a pistol of this size and price range. I had no difficulty hitting targets at 100 yards with a little practice, although the smaller size of the 22/45 Lite made it slightly more difficult to hold steady. The adjustable sights also proved to be helpful, allowing me to quickly and easily make adjustments to the sights for different distances. The combination of the light trigger, adjustable features, and excellent accuracy make the Rifle 22/45 Lite an excellent choice for competition shooting, target shooting, or small game hunting.

After shooting the Ruger 22/45 Lite, I have been thoroughly impressed. The gun is accurate, reliable, and very well built, all of which I think are great qualities in a firearm. It has a light and slim profile, making it very easy to carry and store. The adjustable features, such as the adjustable sights, the bolt and chamber, and the match trigger allow for some customizability, making the 22/45 Lite perfect for competition or target shooting. Lastly, its price point makes it an excellent value for those looking to get into shooting or upgrade from an existing firearm.

In conclusion, the Ruger 22/45 Lite is an exceptional rimfire pistol. It is light, portable, and highly accurate. Its stylish and slim design makes it a great choice for concealed carry or general target shooting. Its adjustable features make it versatile and perfect for competition shooting. Its price point makes it an affordable option for those on a budget. The Ruger 22/45 Lite is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy to use, reliable, and accurate rimfire pistol.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to handle

Accurate at long distances

Comfortable ergonomics

High magazine capacity

Features adjustable sights

Affordable for target shooting and plinking

Cons:

Limited customization options

Lower power than centerfire

Low velocity

Limited selection of bullets

Magazines can be difficult to insert and remove

Who Should Buy

Anyone 18 years or older who is legally allowed to purchase a firearm in their jurisdiction should buy the RUGER 22/45. It is a great firearm for those who are just starting out in shooting sports or need to have a more reliable, and accurate pistol. Children under the age of 18 should not purchase the RUGER 22/45, as it was designed for adult use and will most likely be too powerful for them.

Comparisons

Feature	RUGER 22/45	Smith & Wesson PC1911	Wilson Combat CQB	Heckler & Koch HK 416
Height	5.5 in	8.7 in	8.7 in	8.0 in
Weight	31 oz	41 oz	43.4 oz	7.7 lbs
Barrel Len	4.4 in	5.0 in	5.0 in	14.5 in
Caliber	.22LR	.45 ACP	.45 ACP	5.56 NATO

Features / Specs

• .22LR caliber

• Single-action/Double-action trigger

• Fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight

• Blued barrel and frame

• 4.5”Bull Barrel

• Zytel alloy frame

• Checkered synthetic grips

• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds

Popular Accessories

LITE?

Scope Mounts

Laser Sight

Extended Magazine

Grips

Magazine Extensions

Competition Trigger

Muzzle Brakes

Suppressor Adapters

Picatinny Rails

Sling Swivels

Accuracy

The Ruger 22/45 is one of the most accurate rimfire handguns on the market today. The gun is built on an ultra-rigid, precision machined, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy receiver and barrel assembly that ensure accuracy, quality and longevity. The gun sports a 4.5” hammer-forged barrel topped with adjustable sights, giving it accuracy and the capability to adapt to different shooting scenarios. The 22/45 is considered by many to be the benchmark for .22LR and .22 magnum accuracy, with some testing showing impressive 5-shot groupings of one-inch or less at 25 yards. It is a favorite among competition shooters for just that reason.