Turning Mark IV Tactical with threaded barrel into non-threaded

[aleytman]

Hi guys!

I am new to the forum. I hope I can find an answer to the following question: is it possible to cut the barrel off of the threaded version of Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical 22LR Pistol? I live in New York, where threaded barrels are not compliant. However, I really like this pistol, and want to see if the above operation was at all possible.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!

First off,, any good gunsmith can cut & crown a barrel easily enough.

Other options;
Buy a different top end. (But it'd feel different than the factory one.)

Put a permanent sealant on the threads, then have the knurling removed. A lathe can do this easily.

 

[aleytman]

Thanks, Contender! Now. I already spoke to a couple of gunsmiths and one dealer here in New York, and they all told me cutting barrel on this particular pistol would ruin it. Is that so? If not, do you think you could refer me to a gunsmith anywhere in the US, who would be able to do this without ruining the gun?

Thank you once again!

 

[hittman]

Always check your local laws to ensure what you’re wanting to do is legal Or will make the gun legal / compliant.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[aleytman]

Thanks, hittman! My understanding is, that threaded barrel is what makes it illegal in New York. Once there is no threaded barrel, it should become legal.

 

[NikA]

Some 22/45 lightweight uppers utilize a rifled liner/barrel shroud/barrel nut configuration, and I suspect this may be the reason that you are getting the answer you have gotten thus far. In these cases, the threaded section is used to interface with the barrel nut and properly tension the liner. Ruger at one point made a compliant version with a permanently installed nut and no threaded section at the end of the liner, but I expect the "tactical" version is not available in this configuration.

It should be possible to swap parts and end up with what you want. The threads could also be turned off the liner in such a way as they would not extend past the barrel nut. Would it be worth doing so? Probably not, machine and assembly time is expensive and you'd probably have double the price in a minimally customized gun. Could you find someone to do it? Sure, given enough money people are willing to take on any project.

 

[aleytman]

Thanks NikA! I am just curious as to by how much the barrel would be shortened if it was cut and cappe. I am also afraid it might mess up the pistol’s factory balance and shooting characteristics…

 

[NikA]

I took another look at some reviews, and as far as I can tell without holding a sample, this model has a solid barrel. Could easily remove the rails and front sight, chuck the upper up in a lathe, and either turn off the threads or cut the whole threaded section off in a few minutes. Much easier than my recommendation on the other models. I'd guess the charge would be for 1 hour of machine time, ~100$.

Threaded section will be about .4 inches for normal applications of this type. You wouldn't lose any length if the threads were turned down as opposed to cutting and recrowning.

ETA: Adco Firearms is well known for their barrel threading service, you might get in touch with them and see if they will offer an "unthreading" service for a similar price. A bit different since you can't legally own it until the service is performed, but worth a try.

 

[aleytman]

Thanks again, NikA! This is the pistol I am referring to. Yes, would prefer not to shorten the barrel, if possible. Now, if I could only find a gunsmith to do this…

 

[NikA]

gunsmith

Edited my previous post; I'd start with Adco for something like this.

 

[aleytman]

Perfect, thanks! I’ll give them a call tomorrow morning.

 

[arcticruger]

Pin and weld threaded cap in place or silver solder it. Should be good to go I’d think.

 

[aleytman]

Thanks Arcticruger! I’ll ask Adco to price this for me tomorrow.

 

[arcticruger]

Thanks Arcticruger! I’ll ask Adco to price this for me tomorrow.

Np, …and welcome to the board!

 

[aleytman]

Thanks!

 

[Johnnu2]

Why not send it back to Ruger and ask them to replace the barrel.... they might even do it for free...??

I have that Mk IV 22/45 Lite and mine came with a non-threaded barrel..... because it was sold in NY state.

J.

 

[aleytman]

Thanks, Johnnu2! I’ll try that as well. However, “Lite” is different from “Tactical”. Lite model number is 43921, which is the only unthreaded Lite version, and which you probably have. Current Tactical doesn’t come in unthreaded version with Picatinny rail below the barrel. Lite and Tactical are somewhat different pistols…

 

[aleytman]

…besides, nobody I called has the lite model 43921, and nobody knows when they would be getting them…

 

[Dave Schwaab]

Have you considered getting a standard model 22/45 and having the rails added? It is already drilled and tapped for the top rail. Or does that extra inch of barrel not fit your vision of the gun you want?

 

[aleytman]

Hi Dave,

No, I haven’t considered it, but I will. Thank you for the suggestion.

 

[Mobuck]

How ironic: A couple years back, I paid a machinist $100 to thread a 22/45 barrel and here's someone who is willing to pay to have threads cut off.

 

[Chief]

How ironic: A couple years back, I paid a machinist $100 to thread a 22/45 barrel and here's someone who is willing to pay to have threads cut

I don’t particularly like or need a threaded barrel on anything. Other folks seem to like them a lot.
Some states hate them. If you are unfortunate enough to live in those states and the gun in question doesn’t have an unthreaded option , well hello gunsmith.

 

[Mobuck]

Honestly, I wouldn't live in a state that forbids a threaded muzzle (or the widgets that attach to those threads).

 

[aleytman]

Hi guys!

Thank you for all your responses and suggestions! I contacted ADCO and their price for either cut&cap or for pin&weld is $30. Now I still need to speak to my local FFL in New York, because guys at ADCO were not 100% sure if pin&weld would be legal in New York State. Pin&weld is my preference for both cosmetic and pistol performance and integrity reasons. I just need to make sure this would be compliant here in NY…

 

[Quick Draw]

Hi guys!

I am new to the forum. I hope I can find an answer to the following question: is it possible to cut the barrel off of the threaded version of Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical 22LR Pistol? I live in New York, where threaded barrels are not compliant. However, I really like this pistol, and want to see if the above operation was at all possible.

Thank you all in advance!

You should check out the Volquartsen website. In their clearance section for a MK IV you can buy a 5.5 inch heavy target barrel or a 4.75 inch stubby pencil barrel. For the prices they have I'd buy both of them. I did. You do not receive a bolt but they're easy enough to swap. Shipping is reasonable and fast. Of course with the upper having the serial number it has to ship to a FFL location. Even with all that it's still a great deal and much better than having to cut your original upper. Just a thought.

 

[aleytman]

You should check out the Volquartsen website. In their clearance section for a MK IV you can buy a 5.5 inch heavy target barrel or a 4.75 inch stubby pencil barrel. For the prices they have I'd buy both of them. I did. You do not receive a bolt but they're easy enough to swap. Shipping is reasonable and fast. Of course with the upper having the serial number it has to ship to a FFL location. Even with all that it's still a great deal and much better than having to cut your original upper. Just a thought.

 

[aleytman]

Thanks Quick Draw!

I checked out the site. These uppers are $414 plus shipping and FFL fees. Considering that the new pistol is a bit over $400, $414 upper seems somewhat extravagant. What do you think?

 

[jerryp5878]

Thanks Quick Draw!

I checked out the site. These uppers are $414 plus shipping and FFL fees. Considering that the new pistol is a bit over $400, $414 upper seems somewhat extravagant. What do you think?

Did you find the clearance page for the Ruger take offs? Looks like as low as $40.
The Vqs are $414. Good luck.
Jerry

 

[aleytman]

Thanks! I will.

 

[Mobuck]

Definitely, if you can find a cooperative FFL, buying one of the 'take off uppers' is a good alternative.