Ruger doesn’t wait for big gun shows to announce new guns. Take the latest example: the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical. This new .22 LR semi-automatic pistol offers rimfire fun but may also have a much more practical use: training.
Ruger calls this pistol the “perfect tactical rimfire trainer.” While I think perfect is a bit of a stretch, I can see how this would be a good training tool for people who shoot 1911-style pistols. The 22/45 pistols have grips that hand the same look, feel and angle as the classic 1911 handguns. Training with these .22 LR guns should carry over to the larger bore handguns well.
Of course, there is a lot more to these guns than just a 1911-style grip. These are all built on Ruger’s new Mark IV platform. Among other things, these guns are an improvement over older designs because of its single button takedown. The guns also have a fixed barrel and receiver instead of a reciprocating slide. This allows for better potential accuracy.
The 22/45 Tactical uses a polymer grip frame to help keep the weight reasonable – just 33.3 ounces. It has a threaded 4.4” barrel. The thread pattern is ½”-28, and it comes with a thread protecting cap. If you like to use a sound suppressor, this gun is a good choice.
On top of the gun is a set of adjustable sights and a Picatinny rail. The rail allows you to add an optic. Since the barrel and receiver are fixed, the sights and optic do not move. Under the barrel is a second Picatinny rail. This one is designed for mounting a laser or white light. Although the guns is relatively small, I imagine you could also attach a bipod and use the gun much like the Charger pistols the company sells.
The new guns are available only in black at this time. I would expect the company to expand the color palate if they prove to be good sellers. Ruger includes two 10-round magazines with each gun. The suggested retail price on these pistols is $529.