NEW 22/45 Lite

[deadduck357]

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

 

[deadduck357]

Range report:

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.

Federal CPHP

CCI Mini-Mag

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: http://lead-slinger.com/ruger-2245-lite-pistol

 

[BlkHawk73]

Initially I liked it which is a odd thing for me being more of a revolver person. Looking closer that interest waned as I have no interest nor desire for a threaded barrel - a complete waste unless there's to be a suppressor. Then I saw the MSRP. Nope, pass, even looking at about what I'd get one for at cost it's not so little I can be interested to buy one. I DO like their approach and thinking but the end result just missed the mark I was at.

 

[contender]

Thanks for the review. As a WOT instructor, I can see where this gun could be a good one to instruct with. I'll patiently wait until I can try one before I make my final decision.

 

[cubrock]

Their MSRP is still cheaper than buying a new 22/45 and a new Pac-Lite upper to build a similar gun. I hope they come out with a color other than the gold anodizing, though. I'd like to see a black or OD green upper.

The threaded barrel is appealing to me, but I'm waiting on a Form 4 approval for my first .22 suppressor. I think Ruger did their market research on this one. The Class III market is very hot right now, particularly with .22s.

 

[ndcowboy]

If we could ever get rid of the federal laws on suppressors, I would pick one of these up in a second. As it stands, I'm not going through the paperwork, cost, and hassle of getting a suppressor.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

Wouldn't it be better just to buy a "lite" suppressed barrel instead of this?

Its a winner without the threads

 

[mdewitt71]

Although I dontreally like the Gold look, I wish they would of went with a better looking bottom half to match the top.

 

[cubrock]

It has the replaceable grip panels, so at least one can customize the look to some extent.

 

[Al James]

I Do not like the Gold. I will wait until I see it in person to say my final nay. Gold belongs on Teeth, Toilets, and Taurus Guns. I like the concept but a black finished option is needed to go with the can color. To me this gun with a matte black anodized finish, Hogue grips, and a nice Gemtech Pilot or Silencerco Sparrow attached would make for a perfect set up. Hope Ruger heard that because I'd buy one vs. this new Goldie which would be hard to sneak into the house. Just my .02!

 

[DPris]

I had one here about a week before the announcement came out & didn't even realize it WAS gold till the announcement did come out & I read it.

Showed it to my wife this morning & asked her what color she thought it was. Her answer after looking it over thoroughly was "Grey?"
She was surprised when I told her it was gold.

I'll be trying it with the Sparrow in a couple weeks.
Denis

 

[deadduck357]

Thanks for the review. As a WOT instructor, I can see where this gun could be a good one to instruct with. I'll patiently wait until I can try one before I make my final decision.

Ur welcome. You should find it to be an excellent training tool.

 

[deadduck357]

Their MSRP is still cheaper than buying a new 22/45 and a new Pac-Lite upper to build a similar gun. I hope they come out with a color other than the gold anodizing, though. I'd like to see a black or OD green upper.

The threaded barrel is appealing to me, but I'm waiting on a Form 4 approval for my first .22 suppressor. I think Ruger did their market research on this one. The Class III market is very hot right now, particularly with .22s.

When you see one in person your opinion may change, the gold really isn't all that bad. The camera flash does intensify the gold color.

I agree.

 

[deadduck357]

Although I dontreally like the Gold look, I wish they would of went with a better looking bottom half to match the top.

I bet changing out the grip panels with wood would blend better.

 

[deadduck357]

Hope Ruger heard that because I'd buy one vs. this new Goldie which would be hard to sneak into the house. Just my .02!

I'd be more concerned about sneaking it out of the house - it's that much fun to shoot.

 

[deadduck357]

I had one here about a week before the announcement came out & didn't even realize it WAS gold till the announcement did come out & I read it.

Showed it to my wife this morning & asked her what color she thought it was. Her answer after looking it over thoroughly was "Grey?"
She was surprised when I told her it was gold.

I'll be trying it with the Sparrow in a couple weeks.
Denis

Yeah, when I showed it to the miss she though it was some kinda chrome.

 

[DPris]

Honestly, even now that I know it's gold, I can't tell it's gold.
Denis

 

[Jeff Quinn]

Although I dontreally like the Gold look, I wish they would of went with a better looking bottom half to match the top.

I bet changing out the grip panels with wood would blend better.

 

[DPris]

I was kinda surprised when this one here showed up with black synthetic.
Denis

 

[mdewitt71]

Although I dontreally like the Gold look, I wish they would of went with a better looking bottom half to match the top.

I bet changing out the grip panels with wood would blend better.

Yes, I agree...guess I posted too quick to notice the panels. That is a nice change, wish mine had em like that.

 

[deadduck357]

Although I dontreally like the Gold look, I wish they would of went with a better looking bottom half to match the top.

I bet changing out the grip panels with wood would blend better.

Quinn - That looks great, breaks up the black and gold

 

[rugerguy]

Todd, very nice write up and report,looks pretty 'interesting' and have yet to 'see' one ourselves, and have checked with all the local shops....question we've been asked is the breach end of the barrel (chamber area) I am "assuming" the barrel is a steel liner in an 'aluminum' tube, and from YOUR pictures appears to be almost a "nut looking" affair simialr to the Dan Wesson and their shrouded barrels....is the chamber area fully 'steel' versus aluminum?? the bolt in time will hammer this area,seen issues with aftermarket 'alloy' 10/22 barrels over the years, just this happening...was wondering as to what YOU can see/tell.....hard to access factory drawings, see how it was built, may have to check with the US Patent office and find out more...thank you again, for the fine job :wink:
( no we will not buy one to take it all apart and dissect one!!! :shock:

 

[radicalrod]

Hey Dan, looks like the barrel sleeve is large enough on the end that the face will be all steel on the other end....just looking at the pics as I haven't seen one yet....I do like it :lol: :lol: :lol: RR

 

[deadduck357]

Todd, very nice write up and report,looks pretty 'interesting' and have yet to 'see' one ourselves, and have checked with all the local shops....question we've been asked is the breach end of the barrel (chamber area) I am "assuming" the barrel is a steel liner in an 'aluminum' tube, and from YOUR pictures appears to be almost a "nut looking" affair simialr to the Dan Wesson and their shrouded barrels....is the chamber area fully 'steel' versus aluminum?? the bolt in time will hammer this area,seen issues with aftermarket 'alloy' 10/22 barrels over the years, just this happening...was wondering as to what YOU can see/tell.....hard to access factory drawings, see how it was built, may have to check with the US Patent office and find out more...thank you again, for the fine job :wink:
( no we will not buy one to take it all apart and dissect one!!! :shock:

Dan, thanks, and yes a stainless steel barrel is sleeved into the Al shroud held in place by the threaded steel barrel nut. Chamber/breach is SS.

In the full review there are pics of the receiver, chamber, feed ramp. Hope this helped.

 

[hutchman]

My wife is a very small lady and does not like heavy guns. I have one of these on order for her.....Is the difference in weight between this one and a 22/45 RP noticeable? Is it worth the extra dollars for the weight reduction?

 

[cubrock]

I assume this weighs very close to a 22/45 equipped with a Pac-Lite conversion. If so, the weight difference is very noticeable. My Pac-Lite Ruger is a Mark I (heavier than a 22/45) and so light you forget you are carrying it.

 

[rugerguy]

Thank you Sir, thus I foresee no issue as to the 'steel' bolt, meeting the same ( NOT aluminum) upon impact/cycling.........

 

[paul105]

I picked mine up Monday. Had it out 3 times since and have shot 540 rnds (mostly bulk CCI blazers). Had one misfire (ammo problem not gun related --- fired second time) with some bulk WWs – otherwise runs like a top. Tried it with a Tactical Innovations Quest suppressor – fairly loud with Win Bulk HS HPs (these are subsonic in the 4 ¼” bbl). The CCI Quiet ammo was very quiet, but wouldn’t operate the action. CCI Subsonic Segmented HPs were almost as quiet as the “CCI Quiet Ammo” (even though they should be a couple of hundred fps faster) and functioned with no problems.

Surprisingly, Remington CBEEs were louder than the two CCI loads and still didn’t eject.

I really like this pistol. To me it feels better balanced than the steel version(s) and is more fun to shoot (don’t know why). I have both of the original threaded bbl 22/45s (the sight version and the rail version). I replaced the fixed sights with Ruger adustables on the fixed sight version, had my gunsmith shorten the scope base to fit between the replacement adj sights and do a trigger job w/Volquartson trigger. The “LITE” version has all of the features I added to the steel sight model (except the Volq trigger) and, for me, is more “shootable” – don’t know why. It is also better balanced with the TI suppressor (5” and 5 oz). Mine is a keeper. There is a noticeable weight difference of 9+oz – 22.7oz vs. 32oz.

Still need to put it on paper, but will have to install the scope base and a Leupold 4x handgun scope to test accuracy -- old eyes.

Paul

 

[deadduck357]

My wife is a very small lady and does not like heavy guns. I have one of these on order for her.....Is the difference in weight between this one and a 22/45 RP noticeable? Is it worth the extra dollars for the weight reduction?

I haven't handled many 22/45 before this one. Specs show it to be 10+ ounces lighter than the steel models.

 

[deadduck357]

Thank you Sir, thus I foresee no issue as to the 'steel' bolt, meeting the same ( NOT aluminum) upon impact/cycling.........

Your welcome, and foresee no issues with your concern.