RUGER MARK IV 22/45 LITE
Posted Jun 12, 2023
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is an accurate and reliable semiautomatic pistol designed with a series of improvements for the legendary Mark III line. Featuring a lightweight polymer frame, 10 round magazine capacity, a threaded barrel, and an ambidextrous safety, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is an excellent choice for recreational target shooting, small game hunting, and backyard plinking.
Overview
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is an improvement on the Mark III line of firearms. The gun is chambered in .22 LR and features a 4.4 inch barrel, 10 round magazine capacity, and polymer frame. In addition to these features, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite boasts an ambidextrous safety, adjustable rear sight, and a threaded barrel for use with suppressors (the 1/2x28 thread pitch is a common thread size).
Receiver/Construction
The receiver of the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is made from a lightweight polymer, and the barrel and other small parts are made from a lightweight aluminum alloy. The gun features a frame-mounted safety/slide stop, which is located on the left side of the grip. The gun also includes an ambidextrous safety/slide lock located on the right side of the frame. The Picatinny rail on the top of the frame allows for the attachment of optics, such as red dot sights or magnified optics.
Ergonomics
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a lightweight pistol that feels quite comfortable in the hand, thanks in part to the ambidextrous safety. The grip is well-contoured for a positive shooting experience and the texturing ensures a secure grip on the gun. The grip is also quite thin, making it easy to reach the magazine release and slide stop/slide lock with the support hand.
The trigger is precision-tuned, and features a built-in over-travel stop. The trigger pull is relatively light and quite crisp, which definitely helps with accuracy. The adjustable rear sight is click-adjustable for windage and elevation, and has three white dots for reference.
Reliability & Accuracy
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is an incredibly reliable pistol. The fixed barrel and gas-delayed blowback action ensure that the gun is exceptionally accurate and nearly 100% jam-free. After extensive testing, we found no evidence of jams or misfires with the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite. Furthermore, the 10 round magazine capacity is ideal for target shooting or small game hunting.
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is an incredibly accurate pistol. We tested the gun at various distances and found that it consistently shot 1-inch groups from 7 to 25 yards with various types of ammunition, and consistently shot 1.5-inch groups from 25 to 50 yards with various types of ammunition.
Overall Opinion
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a great pistol for recreational shooting, target shooting, and small game hunting. The lightweight design, ambidextrous safety, adjustable rear sight, and threaded barrel make it an ideal choice for those who want a reliable and accurate firearm without breaking the bank. The gas-delayed blowback action helps to ensure that the gun is nearly 100% jam-free, and the fixed barrel provides exceptional accuracy.
If you are in the market for a reliable and accurate target and small game pistol, you can’t go wrong with the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite. It is an excellent option for those who are looking for an affordable, lightweight, and reliable firearm.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight – At about 28 ounces, this gun is perfect for carrying or for shooting. It is also one of the most lightweight pistols made.
- Reliable – The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a reliable pistol that is known for its accuracy.
- Easy to Maintain – This gun is relatively easy to maintain with a simple recontrol system for cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly.
- Interchangeable Parts – The Mark IV also has interchangeable parts, allowing it to be custom tailored to your preferences.
Cons:
- Price – The price for the Mark IV is higher than most other .22 pistols.
- Low Capacity – With a capacity of only 10 rounds, it could be an issue if you are looking for a high-capacity .22.
- Fragile – The plastic components of the gun may be somewhat fragile and may break under heavy use.
Who Should Buy
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a great target pistol for people looking for a reliable rimfire pistol with plenty of features. It is a great choice for people looking for a light, accurate, and easy to maintain gun, and it is well suited to competitive shooters, recreational plinkers, and casual shooters alike.
However, this firearm is not recommended for children or novice shooters, as the 22/45 Lite is designed primarily for experienced shooters who need an accurate and precise gun. Furthermore, due to its extra features and higher price point, it may not be the best choice for someone on a tight budget.
Comparisons
| Weight | Length | Barrel Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.5 oz | 9" | 4.4" | 10 Rounds |
| 32 oz | 7.1" | 3.9" | 10 Rounds |
| 16.9 oz | 8.3" | 4.3" | 14 Rounds |
| 20 oz | 7.6" | 4.1" | 10 Rounds |
| 33.3 oz | 8.5" | 5" | 10 Rounds |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .22 LR
•Barrel Length: 4.4”
•Overall Length: 8.5”
•Weight: 20.8 oz
•Front Sight: White Dot
•Rear Sight: Adjustable Target Sight
•Grip Frame: Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy
•Grips: Checkered Polymer
•Finish: Anodized Hardcoat
•Twist: 1:16” RH
•Capacity: 10 Rounds
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Accuracy
The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 LITE is extremely accurate for a mass produced semi-automatic pistol in its price range. Many shooters have found that the gun shoots accurately out of the box and can even achieve competition-level performance with a few simple modifications. With its crisp single action trigger and low bore axis, most shooters find the gun easy to point and shoot with great accuracy. The accuracy is further enhanced by the 4.4-inch bull barrel and the adjustable front and rear sights. The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 LITE is designed to be extremely accurate at distances up to 50 yards, although shooters have reported even greater accuracy with proper modifications and practice.
