The gun features an optics rail as well as fully adjustable iron sights. The grip angle mimics a 1911’s. (Photo courtesy of J. Scott Rupp)
November 27, 2025
By J. Scott Rupp
Bill Ruger started his company with a semiauto .22 pistol that was a huge hit, and more than 75 years later the firm is continuing to innovate with its rimfire semiautos. The Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a great example.
Instead of the Nambu/Luger-inspired frame design found on the standard Mk IV, the 22/45 models mimic the 1911’s grip angle. That makes it a great trainer not just for 1911 fans but also an all-around plinking , competition or hunting gun for anyone—because the 1911’s grip rules. Just note that standard 1911 grip panels will not fit the 22/45.
Light and Strong The gold, threaded barrel shows through lightening cuts in the aluminum shroud. (Photo courtesy of J. Scott Rupp) As a Mk IV 22/45 Lite, it’s built with an aluminum receiver and an aluminum shroud that surrounds the tensioned steel barrel. The shroud has lightening cuts that not only reduce weight but, in the case of this model, show off the gold-colored barrel that’s threaded 1/2x28 for suppressors or brakes.
There’s a nice long section of Pic rail for adding a red dot. The fully adjustable rear sight and blade front are easily visible over the top of the rail if you don’t mount an optic.
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Easy Disassembly The controls include an ambi thumb safety and a takedown button at the back of the frame. (Photo courtesy of J. Scott Rupp) The Mk IV is incredibly easy to disassemble, a major departure from previous versions—and I know because I own a Mk III. With the Mk IV, just unload the gun, place it on Safe and press the takedown button at the rear to separate receiver from frame.
While it’s a mere 25 ounces—half a pound lighter than a comparable standard 22/45—it’s still well balanced and a real joy to shoot with a suppressor. Bench accuracy was great, and in practical shooting it was easy to hit with, suppressed or unsuppressed. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better all-around .22 semiauto.
(Accuracy results chart provided by the author) Mark IV 22/45 Lite Specs Type: semiauto rimfireCaliber: .22 Long RifleCapacity: two 10-round mags suppliedBarrel: 4.4 in., threaded 1/2x28OAL/Height/Width: 8.4/5.5/1.2 in.Weight: 25 oz.Construction: anodized aluminum receiver; polymer frame and grip panelsTrigger: 3 lb., 1 oz. (measured)Sights: fully adjustable rear, blade frontSafeties: ambi thumb, mag disconnectPrice: $739Manufacturer: Ruger, ruger.com
