The Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a .22 LR rimfire pistol built on a ventilated aerospace-grade aluminum receiver, with a 4.4-inch tensioned stainless steel barrel (Ruger part no. 43959). Oversized G10 grip panels sit on a polymer grip frame, and the black anodized receiver keeps weight down to 25.9 ounces. It uses the Mark IV one-button takedown, which tips the barrel and receiver up and off the grip frame so the chamber-to-muzzle cleaning does not need tools. For plinking, practice or a first pistol that is easy to maintain, this Ruger pistol is a lightweight way to shoot a lot of rimfire.

Key Specifications

• Chambering is .22 LR, an inexpensive rimfire cartridge that makes high-volume practice affordable.
• The barrel is 4.4 inches long, tensioned stainless steel with cold hammer-forged rifling and a non-threaded muzzle.
• Capacity is 10+1, and the pistol includes two 10-round magazines.
• The receiver is ventilated aerospace-grade aluminum in a black anodized finish, which keeps the pistol light without giving up durability.
• The grip frame is polymer with oversized G10 grip panels that add texture and fill the hand for control.
• Sights are a fixed front and an adjustable rear, so point of impact can be tuned to your ammunition.
• A factory-installed Picatinny rail on the receiver accepts a red dot or scope for optic use.
• The ambidextrous manual safety can be converted to left-side only with the included washer.
• The barrel has a 1:16-inch right-hand twist, a rate matched to standard .22 LR bullets.
• Weight is 25.9 ounces with an overall length of 8.4 inches, light enough for long range sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 22/45 Lite have a manual safety? Yes. It has an ambidextrous manual safety, which can be converted to left-side only using the washer that comes with the pistol. A magazine disconnect also prevents discharge when the magazine is removed.

Can I mount a red dot on it? Yes. A Picatinny rail is installed on the receiver at the factory for mounting an optic.

How do I clean it? Press the button at the back of the frame and the barrel and receiver assembly tilts up and off the grip frame without tools, which allows cleaning from the chamber to the muzzle.

Buy the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite Pistol, .22 LR, 4.4-Inch Barrel, Black Anodized, Ambidextrous Manual Safety, 10+1

The 22/45 Lite takes the Mark IV platform down to a weight that is easy to carry to the range all day, with oversized grips that fill the hand. Order it from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping to your FFL, and browse more semi-auto handguns while you are here.