Ruger 22/45 Lite Review

The classic feel and modern design of the Ruger 22/45 Lite gives an overall appeal that is hard to resist.

Ruger's productions are known for their toughness and excellent performance. This model came previously with a golden anodized finish, which has now been replaced by either a cobalt anodized or black anodized finish. The finishing of the 22/45 Lite model is supremely built to match the standards of any other production of Ruger. However, there are few additional features such as an upgraded tensioned barrel, which is incorporated with aluminum sleeve and a stainless steel liner. The 22/45 Ruger Lite offers you two magazines and lock, 1911 style grip panels and thumb actuated magazine release in the package.

Perhaps, the most appealing characteristic of Ruger 22/45 Lite is the feel when you first hold this rimfire pistol. The pistol possesses a 1911 grip style and is not just light but surprisingly light! Its weight is approximately 23 oz., which is almost half of the equivalent Mark III. Undoubtedly, it makes this rimfire pistol a perfect choice to carry in your bag pack throughout the day.

As far as the magazines are concerned, the difference between the 22/45 and Mark III models of Ruger is just in the base plates, whereas the feed angles and magazine bodies remain the same. However, it does not accept the standard Mark magazines. Although it bears similar features as that of the Mark III model, the lower receiver of the 22/45 model makes it more convenient to use.

The barrel construction is similar to the barrel line of Tactical Solutions PacLite. The most appreciated attribute is the lightweight aluminum sleeved barrel of the 22/45 Lite model that comes with a threaded muzzle. This feature assures standard threads of 1/2" x 28, tipped to the muzzle by a knurled thread protector and spring washer. It incorporates a 4" barrel, which is the most optimal design for high velocity. It produces comparatively less noise even without the support of a suppressor. Furthermore, it provides an added advantage of compactness for the ones who wish to carry it all day long.

As compared to the other Ruger 22 pistols which take a couple of thousands rounds to start performing, the 22/45 Lite starts humming along only in the first 500 rounds. This model lives up to the expectations of accuracy by being almost similar to any of the Mark III pistols. The tensioned barrel delivers higher accuracy and the aluminum sleeve aids in heat dissipation, which further enhances the overall accuracy of the pistol. The mechanism by which the tensioned barrel works is that it stretches itself up to a certain extent at each end to increase its strength and harmonics, thereby, enhancing accuracy.

At such a low cost, this 22/45 Ruger Lite rimfire pistol exceeds your expectations, especially with its 1911 grip style, lightweight threaded barrel and classic feel in a modern design.

Model: 22/45 Lite

Action: SAO

Caliber: 22

Overall Length: 8.50"

Overall Height: 5.50"

Overall Width: 1.00"

Barrel Length: 4.40"

Sights: 3-Dot

Capacity: 10 + 1

Weight: 23.00 oz.