Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has expanded the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite family of rimfire pistols with a new model that features a mounting position for a standard Shield RMS footprint reflex optic in place of the Picatinny rail. It also features a raised front fiber optic sight and an adjustable rear sight that co-witness with most micro red dot optics. The new model has an attractive ventilated rib on top of a clear anodized receiver.  

Like most Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite pistols, the new model combines a lightweight, precision-molded, polymer grip frame with a ported, anodized aluminum receiver for a custom pistol look without the custom price. Chambered for the popular .22 LR cartridge, this pistol is fun to shoot, accurate and reliable. Weighing only 22.5 oz., the 22/45 Lite is the ideal lightweight rimfire pistol.

The CNC-machined aluminum receiver houses a 4.4-inch stainless steel barrel, held in place by a tension nut to ensure accuracy and a factory-threaded 1/2″-28 muzzle to accept popular muzzle accessories. The comfortable, precision-molded polymer grip frame incorporates replaceable checkered 1911-style grip panels that allow shooters to customize the look of the pistol. The Mark IV 22/45 Lite is the perfect outdoor companion and can be used for target shooting, plinking, small game hunting or competitive shooting. With one-button takedown, two 10-round magazines, and a 1911-style grip angle, it’s the perfect .22 caliber training pistol.

For more information on the Mark IV family or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com, Facebook.com/Ruger or Instagram.com/RugersOfficial. To find accessories for the Mark IV and other Ruger firearms, visit ShopRuger.com or your local independent retailer of Ruger firearms.

Specifications

Capacity: 10+1
Receiver Material: Aluminum
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Barrel Length: 4.40″
Grip Frame: Polymer
Grips: Checkered 1911-Style
Finish: Clear Anodized
Width: 1.22″
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Barrel Style: Threaded
Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28
Weight: 22.5 oz.
Overall Length: 8.40″
Height: 5.64″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
Suggested Retail: $719.00

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23 COMMENTS

    • Don’t forget to add in another $350 minimum for a decent micro red dot and it’s over a grand.
      My wife caught on long ago that ” .22s are nice for cheap training ” was a big fat lie.

      • I picked up a Sig Romeo micro red dot for under $150. Nearly 500 rounds through a P365 without any problems.

      • When ammo couldn’t be found I bought a couple of air guns to keep in practice.

        Never had trouble finding ammo I rarely shoot my .22s anymore. Mostly I’m saving them for when the grandkids get old enough to have their own.

  2. I don’t do business with Ruger. Maybe PSA will come out with something better and make a nice improved copy at a better price.

    • Phew !! … for a second there, we thought you were talking about the pistol. It would be easier for us to agree with your statement if you included your photo.

  4. Since when was the 22/45 not optics ready? My MkIII was optics ready right out of the box. But honestly, after having experienced the 3, the 4 just seems a bit silly if not pointless. Although the pic rail on this one makes it look even more like a space gun.

    • I have had a red dot on my MkII stainless slabside since shortly after purchasing. Two of my three sons have an optic of some sort on their identical pistols (they each got one when they turned 12 and say that their kids will end up inheriting them)….all four were acquired long ago for under $1500 total.

    • The point of the MkIV is ease of assembly, even by mere mortals.

      One day at the range I challenged a buddy with a MkIII to a race: field strip and reassemble.
      He is entirely competent with the earlier versions’ process, but still he was was slack-jawed with amazement at how much more quickly I was done.

  6. Thats bada$$, i dont know why all the Debbie Downers about it. My mk iv looks pretty goofy with its red dot riding on it. This would be sweet. Little pricey but

  7. Pass. Since there’s no reciprocating slide, the MKs run very well with a pic rail and just about any optic, from scopes of various magnification to a cheap TRS-25 red dot, to expensive Aimpoint, or holosight. .22 suppressors pretty much match the bull barrel profile, so the standard sights work fine. I don’t need cowitnessed sights on a gun that’s not for critical use.

  8. I’ve owned Ruger .22 LR semi-auto pistols all of my adult life. Bought a MK 1 5 1/2″ bull barrel shortly after Airborne School. Along with a Mini-14. It was a LGS in Savannah. I hope they’re still in business. Anyway, I have several now. Nothing more recent than a MK II. Damn sure wouldn’t have a plastic one.

  10. Its not the most attractive thing in the world, kinda halfway between almost downright butt ugly and ‘she looks better in low light after a few drinks’.

    But I want one anyway.

  11. WHAT CAN I SAY GOT TWO OF THEM , FIRST ONE BROTHER N LAW SOLD TO HIM .
    LAST BUT NOT LEASE , MINE .. REAR TARGET SIGHTS A MUST . PRICE $560 ~ 590 .
    WAY GO RUGER ON BUTTON TAKE DOWN , WISH S&W VICTORY WAS LIKE THAT .

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