Guns: Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite review - The Ozempic Rimfire

Introduction

Ruger's Mark IV pistols are some of the best choices out there for a .22 handgun, but many are awfully heavy (the Mark IV Target I reviewed a few years back weighs in at over 2-1/2 pounds (!)). Today's review looks at a lighter option for backpackers, hunters, and others - the "22/45 Lite" version of the Mark IV.

Sights, Trigger, and Features

Instead of the bull barrel and stainless steel frame of my old Target, the Ruger 22/45 Lite opts for a polymer frame, an aluminum receiver, and a tensioned, thinner barrel.  This knocks the overall weight down to 25 ounces, making the gun much easier to pack on the trail.

My pistol is an older model with a smooth cylindrical receiver (the latest MK IV 22/45 Lites have additional serrations for easier manipulation).  Sights include an adjustable set of irons plus a big section of rail for mounting a red dot or a scope. As is almost mandatory for 21st century rimfire handguns, the barrel is 1/2"-28 threaded for a suppressor. Note that the gun is NOT ported - the cutouts are just for looks.

The "45" in 22/45 means that it has a grip angle designed to mimic the 1911, which may be a plus or minus in your eyes (22/45 magazines are not interchangeable with the standard Mark IV magazines). Takedown works the same way as in other Mark IV guns - push a button and the receiver separates from the frame. It's still the fastest and easiest handgun disassembly in the industry, and a big plus for anyone who wants to clean their gun.

Range Report

Do you sacrifice anything for lighter weight? Well, a little.  I found the Ruger 22/45 Lite to be a little less accurate and a little less reliable than the full-size guns.  Generally speaking, my 15-yard offhand groups with the 22/45 Lite were about the same as my 25-yard groups with the Mk IV Target. If you're just plinking, it's not a huge difference, but it will reduce your effective range when hunting small game or shooting pests.  The gun also experienced occasional extraction and ejection issues.  The malfunctions were rare, but this is not something I'd want to use for self-defense if I could help it.

Winchester M-22 at 15 yards:

CCI Mini Mag at 15 yards:

Federal AutoMatch at 15 yards:

Federal Champion 36 gr. at 15 yards:

CCI Stinger at 15 yards:

Winchester 22 bulk pack at 15 yards:

Conclusion

A .22 is nice to have in the backcountry, and the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a good option.  There are smaller and lighter .22s out there (Ruger's own LCP II, for instance), but few combine decent accuracy, decent reliability, and low cost (street price is around $600 new) like this gun.