Squat Squad — I firmly believe a .22 Long Rifle pistol is one of the best tools a gun owner can own: cheap to shoot, easy to learn on, and stupid fun. Back when I bought my first handgun (~2008), the main rimfire choices were the Ruger Mark II/III (accurate, but a pain to take apart), the Browning Buck Mark (easier strip, pricier), and the Smith & Wesson 22A (cheap, push-button takedown — what I bought). That whole conversation changed when Ruger launched the Mark IV series. Here’s my deep-dive review of the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite (model 43927 on tape) — features, range time, and who it’s right for. Full detailed review / range T&E from the video, not a booth clip.
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The Mark IV breakthrough: one-button takedown
Across the Mark IV line, the big innovation is the one-button takedown. Safety on, push the button, lift the upper, pull the bolt — cleaning/maintenance without the old Mark II/III headache that scared off new shooters. Reassemble: drop it in, hook the front, depress the button, done. That alone is why the Mark IV formula matters.
Controls where you expect them
Magazine release sits in a familiar 1911-ish spot; mags are under spring tension and really drop free — seat them fully or they won’t lock. Bolt release on the grip panel is nicely sized; with medium hands I could run it without changing grip much. You can also release the bolt from the rear. Ambidextrous safety can have the right-side lever removed if you don’t want it. Safety pivots on the front (not the rear like a 1911/CZ); white = safe, red = fire.
22/45 Lite: polymer frame + aluminum upper
The 22/45 line swaps the metal grip frame for a polymer precision-molded one with rubbery 1911-style grips plus front/rear checkering. The Lite goes further: ventilated aerospace-grade aluminum upper receiver and a lighter stainless cold hammer-forged barrel. On tape this sample weighed about 25 oz without a suppressor. Model variants differ mainly by upper color, vent pattern, accents, and whether the barrel is threaded (important in mag-/feature-restricted states). Wood-grip distributor exclusives exist; I liked the black/gold horizontal-vent look that matched my Zev OZ9 vibe — model 43927.
Sights, rail, threaded barrel
Black front blade and rear sights adjustable for windage and elevation (no drifting). Factory Picatinny rail for a red dot or optic. This variant’s barrel is 1/2×28 threaded for a suppressor or muzzle device — and yes, I said putting a brake/comp on a .22 is silly. Because the Lite is so light, I recommended a lighter suppressor (on tape: a Q Erector) so the balance doesn’t get nose-heavy. Suppressors are NFA — buy/transfer only where legal and through the correct process.
How it shoots
Two mags in the box with an easy-load button; aftermarket mag loaders help. With a suppressor, hearing protection wasn’t needed on that range day — bowling pins and steel at ~50 yards were easy work. Accurate enough that a red dot would only make steel even more trivial. Trigger: clean but a bit heavy if you’re spoiled by a ~3 lb 1911/CZ competition trigger; for new owners / non-snobs it’s genuinely good, and aftermarket triggers exist. Face of the gun stays clean: Mark IV / .22 LR / Prescott, AZ markings, 22/45 Lite + serial on the other side. Thread protector is a thick textured chunk of metal — appreciated.
Honest gripes: safety & bolt pinch
Safety: If you run a thumbs-forward 1911-style grip and ride the safety high, this front-pivoting, smaller lever feels awkward. Without riding it, it’s easy to nudge the safety up while shooting — happened to me and a friend. An oversized aftermarket safety (or a stiffer safe→fire detent) would help; as-is, safe→fire takes less force than fire→safe.
Bolt / slide release: Releasing from the rear can pinch thumb/finger between the release and the back of the receiver if you grip it wrong. For new shooters, kids, or soft hands, teach the side bolt-release button instead.
Ammo note (as filmed)
Chronograph segment compared CCI subsonic / “suppressor” .22 vs Federal and Winchester bulk HV through the suppressed host. CCI subsonic was clearly quieter; Federal bulk still ran subsonic on several shots (~1000–1070 fps band on tape); Winchester bulk ran hotter (~1100+). Specs and lots vary — verify current ammo before you buy for a quiet host setup.
Bottom line & price framing (as filmed)
Hard to go wrong with a Mark IV if you want an all-around .22 LR pistol — they fixed the old takedown complaint. As filmed: MSRP starting around $410, street around $350 (not the cheapest, but among the best). Spend a little more for a 22/45 Lite: light, good grips, usable irons, optic rail, factory-threaded options, and it looks the part. Comes in a solid plastic case that sells the upmarket feel. Great trainer, plinker, and suppressor host. Street prices move — check current dealer listings.
Keep squatting.
Would you run a Mark IV 22/45 Lite as your rimfire trainer — or stick with a Buck Mark / TX22 / Victory?
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