NEW Ruger 22/45 Lite

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deadduck357

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Ruger sent me their new 22/45 Lite pistol for T&E review. It is an autoloading pistol chambered for the .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge.
Ruger22-45L2.jpg


First things noticed were the gold finish and the muzzle cap. The finish is a gold anodize because this 22/45 model has stainless steel barrel sleeved into an aircraft-grade aluminum receiver for light-weight. The barrel is threaded to receive muzzle devices.
Ruger22-45L5.jpg


Pistol specs:
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: 22/45 Lite
Caliber: .22 LR
Capacity: 10 + 1 rounds
Weight: 22.7 oz. (w/mag.)
Length: 8 13/32 in.
Height: 5 9/16 in.
Width: 1.15 in.
Barrel: 4 13/32 in.
Twist: 1:16″ RH (mfr)
Grooves: 6 (mfr)
Trigger pull: 4 lbs. 5.5 oz.

The upper receiver appears to have slides serrations, which would be useless, they’re serrated cuts to further lighten the weight.
Ruger22-45L7.jpg


Ruger22-45L8.jpg


Removal of the protective muzzle cap reveals a wave washer and the 1/2-28 TPI threaded barrel.
Ruger22-45L9.jpg


When I first opened the box and revealed the pistol I was somewhat indecisive about the gold color. The gold anodized finish is not gaudy, just a little flashy and not in a bling sort of way, but more of a customized look.
 
Range report:

Ruger22-45L30.jpg


Velocity results:
Federal .22 LR 36 gr. CPHP………….988 fps.
CCI Mini-Mag 22 LR 36 gr. CPHP…..1041 fps.
CCI Stinger .22 LR 32 gr. CPHP…….1144 fps.

5 round groups were fired supported at 15 yards.
Ruger22-45L34.jpg

Federal CPHP

Ruger22-45L35.jpg

CCI Mini-Mag

Ruger22-45L36.jpg

CCI Stinger

*Note: Targets’ Bullseye – 2″ dia.; outer – 4.5″ dia.

Besides not having a reciprocating slide and the small caliber the 1911 familiarity is there. We did have two stovepipes with the Federal value pack ammo but all CCI ran without a hiccup. The trigger has a small amount of slack before a very clean break. The blacked-out sights made for a sharp sight picture while punching paper or steel and should work well for plinking. It would make an excellent training tool for the novice and youth. Its light weight and accuracy potential has me anticipating the next range visit.

for full review: lead-slinger.com
 
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Threaded barrel :D
Side indentations :rolleyes:
Color :barf:
Was there really a desperate need to make the 22/45 lighter? It's a target pistol, you aren't going to be humping it through the boonies with an extra 80 lbs of gear or anything.
I'm surprised they haven't added a rail under the barrel yet.
 
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I think the look is interesting. I don't know if I like it or not, but it's certainly a very interesting look.
 
Not 100% sure if I like the color, but I do like the overall look. I guess I could live with the color...
 
Mmm, well, looks like just the gun for a guy looking for a suppressor on a .22 pistol. I've been thinkin' it's just a matter of time before someone intros an after market threaded barrel for the SR22, easy to swap, just one bolt. This one comes already threaded.....hmmmm....:D Looks like it's accurate, too.

I might like me a "hush puppy" in the future. 200 bucks for a class 3 on the suppressor, but it sure would be neat to shoot without hearing protection.
 
2wheels said:
Not 100% sure if I like the color, but I do like the overall look. I guess I could live with the color...
Click to expand...

Thats what I thought when I first pulled it out of the box, but then I thought it didn't look to bad and how many ss and blued guns do I already have. It's different and not as bad a the initial shock.
 
MCgunner said:
Mmm, well, looks like just the gun for a guy looking for a suppressor on a .22 pistol. I've been thinkin' it's just a matter of time before someone intros an after market threaded barrel for the SR22, easy to swap, just one bolt. This one comes already threaded.....hmmmm....:D Looks like it's accurate, too.

I might like me a "hush puppy" in the future. 200 bucks for a class 3 on the suppressor, but it sure would be neat to shoot without hearing protection.
Click to expand...

Yes it would. and more accurate than me
 
What's wrong with a loaded chamber indicator? I have one firearm with it and I kinda like it. It's on my Radom P64, just have to feel over the hammer with the thumb to see that it has a round loaded. It's innocuous otherwise. I mean, it's got positives and I don't see a negative.
 
Wow is that bad boy ugly. I can see the allure though, the MK3 is heavy as sin. I can only imagine how light that thing feels in comparison.
 
The gold is very subdued. The one here actually looks more silverish than gold.
Denis
 
Nice. Ruger has finally noticed all the aluminum uppers getting sold for MK II/III's and figured out that people like a reasonably priced, light .22 to toss in a backpack for a camping trip in the lower 48.
 
Yeah, the Mk2 is heavy, but it's very easy to shoot. I've noticed I have to concentrate a bit more with my 17 ounce SR22 vs my 24 ounce Rossi 511 revolver. Both guns are equally accurate iron sighted guns with similar sight radii, but the Rossi is easier to shoot well due to it is a bit heavier and is steadier.

I also have an old Ramline Exactor, plastic with a steel lined barrel. It's pretty accurate, though all my magazines have gone to crap for that thing and they're not available anymore at any price. It's kinda a POS anyway. All the zines praised it when it came out and I bought the hype. :rolleyes: Anyway, it's not particularly easy to hold steady, either, even though it's a full sized gun because it's so light.

Light is not always good, but I did buy the SR22 for that "toss in the backpack" idea, more properly, toss in a pocket. :D It's a nice little gun and quite accurate if you concentrate and do your part. I can see where the larger gun and slightly heavier would have appeal if pocket size isn't necessary.
 
MCgunner said:
Yeah, the Mk2 is heavy, but it's very easy to shoot. I've noticed I have to concentrate a bit more with my 17 ounce SR22 vs my 24 ounce Rossi 511 revolver. Both guns are equally accurate iron sighted guns with similar sight radii, but the Rossi is easier to shoot well due to it is a bit heavier and is steadier.

I also have an old Ramline Exactor, plastic with a steel lined barrel. It's pretty accurate, though all my magazines have gone to crap for that thing and they're not available anymore at any price. It's kinda a POS anyway. All the zines praised it when it came out and I bought the hype. :rolleyes: Anyway, it's not particularly easy to hold steady, either, even though it's a full sized gun because it's so light.

Light is not always good, but I did buy the SR22 for that "toss in the backpack" idea, more properly, toss in a pocket. :D It's a nice little gun and quite accurate if you concentrate and do your part. I can see where the larger gun and slightly heavier would have appeal if pocket size isn't necessary.
Click to expand...
Hey I know somebody with a Ramline. He calls it the "Jam-Line". He said it worked really well when he first bought it new but now he can't get a single mag through it without issues.

It does have an interesting look and is extremely light though.
 
Anyone know why they milled that goofy-looking flat into the bottom of the barrel? Can't they laser-engrave/rollmark on rounded aluminum? The round steel barrels have the safety billboard there... :confused:
 
I don't buy it... they could have fluted the receiver or simply reduced the diameter. How much weight do you think they actually saved there? If weight were the issue they could have milled flats on the sides rather than leave material for the goofy non-functional "slide serrations."
 
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