Ruger MK IV 22/45 Metal Grip Frame?

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Ejke

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Hey Yall

I was browsing some old threads trying to make a decision on which MK4 to buy. I found references to Voltquartsen making alloy 22/45 grip frames. After limited research, it seems that this only exists for the Mk2&3. Is this upgrade possible for the Mk4 22/45? I am 90% sure that is the gun I will buy but that 10% is nagging me about metal v polymer.

Thanks,
EJ
 
Have you handled or shot a polymer 22/45? With the 1911 grips you feel like you’re shooting a steel or aluminum pistol. Other than the weight. But the bull barrel uppers are heavy.

sorry I don’t know the answer to your specific question. I was unaware that VQ made metal 22/45 lowers.
 
1KPerDay said:
Have you handled or shot a polymer 22/45? With the 1911 grips you feel like you’re shooting a steel or aluminum pistol. Other than the weight. But the bull barrel uppers are heavy.

sorry I don’t know the answer to your specific question. I was unaware that VQ made metal 22/45 lowers.
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I haven't but will probably try and do so before making a decision thanks.

I have shot the Browning Buckmark and really liked it but I'm sold on the one button takedown.
 
I'd have bought a Ruber 22/45 years ago if they came with an aluminum frame. I've shot a couple with the polymer lower, I just don't care for the balance. Instead I bought a Buckmark.

I wouldn't worry too much about the takedown, the Browning isn't hard and I've only done it once in probably 12,000 rounds, and that was only to do a trigger job. Spraying the action with brake parts cleaner (or your solvent of choice) over a trash can every couple thousand rounds and wiping what I can with a brush and q-tips has always kept mine running smoothly
 
Suppressed shooting and one will appreciate greatly the one button takedown.
 
Ejke said:
Hey Yall

I was browsing some old threads trying to make a decision on which MK4 to buy. I found references to Voltquartsen making alloy 22/45 grip frames. After limited research, it seems that this only exists for the Mk2&3. Is this upgrade possible for the Mk4 22/45? I am 90% sure that is the gun I will buy but that 10% is nagging me about metal v polymer.

Thanks,
EJ
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Welcome to THR, EJ! I'm curious as to what your concern is about the polymer. Is it a weight/balance issue? Or are you worried about wearing out the polymer?

In any event, Mrs. McGee and I own 2 Mk IV 22/45s. She has the Target model and I have a Lite. I think you should go handle one (or several) before you worry too much about the polymer frame. I actually prefer the balance of Mrs. McGee's Target model over my own Lite, but sticking a suppressor on the end of mine makes its balance much more like the Target, maybe just a smidgen front-heavy.
 
I purchased a Volquartsen 22/45 lower to use on my Gemtech Oasis suppressed upper. I liked it so much, I wanted one for my Ruger Mk IV, but as you found out they don’t offer one. They do have a complete pistol the Black Mamba, which is built on the Mk IV 22/45 frame. So what I did was order the trigger kit for my Mk IV and now it is every bit as good as the lower I put on the Oasis.
 
rskent said:
Have you tried the 22/45 Light? Way better balance.
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I would really recommend a close look at the Mark IV lightweight model. I have the Mark IV that is silver with the threaded barrel. It is just a lot heavier than I prefer for a 22. I sort of wish I would have just gotten the light weight model.

If Volquartsen does make an LLV frame for the Mark IV, it might be worth getting. Just understand that you will be spending a lot of money for just a little bit of improvement. They already sell Mark IV replacement barrel/receivers and you can get a trigger upgrade to fit your Ruger frame. I think low weight means a lot.
 
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Spats McGee said:
Welcome to THR, EJ! I'm curious as to what your concern is about the polymer. Is it a weight/balance issue? Or are you worried about wearing out the polymer?

In any event, Mrs. McGee and I own 2 Mk IV 22/45s. She has the Target model and I have a Lite. I think you should go handle one (or several) before you worry too much about the polymer frame. I actually prefer the balance of Mrs. McGee's Target model over my own Lite, but sticking a suppressor on the end of mine makes its balance much more like the Target, maybe just a smidgen front-heavy.
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I don't have a ton of experience but when I was searching for a 9mm to buy, I found that I liked metal guns much more.
 
MechAg94 said:
I would really recommend a close look at the Mark IV lightweight model. I have the Mark IV that is silver with the threaded barrel. It is just a lot heavier than I prefer for a 22. I sort of wish I would have just gotten the light weight model.

If Volquartsen does make an LLV frame for the Mark IV, it might be worth getting. Just understand that you will be spending a lot of money for just a little bit of improvement. They already sell Mark IV replacement barrel/receivers and you can get a trigger upgrade to fit your Ruger frame. I think low weight means a lot.
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Thanks
 
I bought a poly 22/45 to hold me over till my custom volquartsen gets done. I really really like it. Yes the balance is weird, but with a red dot on top it makes a perfect introduction to firearms.
 
Ejke said:
I don't have a ton of experience but when I was searching for a 9mm to buy, I found that I liked metal guns much more.
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There's nothing wrong with that. We've got our fair share of members who just plain ol' like steel better than polymer. With that said, I did a little Googling around. This grip frame, according to Volksquartsen, weighs about 7 ounces. I don't have a way to weigh my grip frame, but according to this thread, the 22/45 polymer grip frame comes in at about 6 ounces. So if weight is the concern, you're only talking about an ounce. Is there a range near you where you can rent a Mk IV?
 
Ejke said:
Hey Yall

I was browsing some old threads trying to make a decision on which MK4 to buy. I found references to Voltquartsen making alloy 22/45 grip frames. After limited research, it seems that this only exists for the Mk2&3. Is this upgrade possible for the Mk4 22/45? I am 90% sure that is the gun I will buy but that 10% is nagging me about metal v polymer.

Thanks,
EJ
Click to expand...

Is your decision firm on the 22/45 model, EJ? There are metal framed non-22/45 OEM Ruger MKIV models available...just sayin'.
 
Spats McGee said:
There's nothing wrong with that. We've got our fair share of members who just plain ol' like steel better than polymer. With that said, I did a little Googling around. This grip frame, according to Volksquartsen, weighs about 7 ounces. I don't have a way to weigh my grip frame, but according to this thread, the 22/45 polymer grip frame comes in at about 6 ounces. So if weight is the concern, you're only talking about an ounce. Is there a range near you where you can rent a Mk IV?
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I will check. When I was interested in renting a bunch of 9mm to try out, I found the selection near me to be very limited. Thanks for the info.
 
sparkyv said:
Is your decision firm on the 22/45 model, EJ? There are metal framed non-22/45 OEM Ruger MKIV models available...just sayin'.
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Yea I know. I was kind of set on the 22/45 because I shoot a 1911 but truthfully if I can find another model for a reasonable price I'm down to go that route. I'm really hoping to grab a good black Friday deal.
 
Based on the current VQ dealer sheets they are putting their “upper” on a factory Ruger MKIV “lower.” I have both the Mamba and Scorpion and the push button take down it pretty great.
 
Ejke said:
Yea I know. I was kind of set on the 22/45 because I shoot a 1911 but truthfully if I can find another model for a reasonable price I'm down to go that route. I'm really hoping to grab a good black Friday deal.
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Yup, great idea. Last Black Friday you could get a Browning Buckmark for $300!
 
As Bassjam indicated the Buckmark isn't hard to clean at all and talk about a sweet trigger!
 
I put the Volqs lower on a PacLite upper with two Ruger parts inside, so is that still a MKIII?

The trigger on the Volqs lower is hands-down the best trigger I have ever experienced. OP, I suggest you find the MKIII, it's really not difficult to take apart and reassemble.

withsight.png
 
Mainsail said:
I put the Volqs lower on a PacLite upper with two Ruger parts inside, so is that still a MKIII?

The trigger on the Volqs lower is hands-down the best trigger I have ever experienced. OP, I suggest you find the MKIII, it's really not difficult to take apart and reassemble.

View attachment 872677
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Thanks for the suggestion. I figure if I'm going with "non 1 button" takedown I would maybe go for the buckmark. I have shot one and really liked it for the price.
 
waterhouse said:
Based on the current VQ dealer sheets they are putting their “upper” on a factory Ruger MKIV “lower.” I have both the Mamba and Scorpion and the push button take down it pretty great.
Click to expand...

I should clarify, VQ is using the Ruger factory MK IV lower frame, but using the VQ trigger and other small parts on the frame.
 
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