Ruger LITE: Mark IV 22/45 Optic-Ready

This is the new Mark IV 22/45 Lite Optic-Ready with Co-Witness sights. Or to use the convenient acronym, M42245LORCW (not really). It’s an expansion of their Mk IV 22/45 rimfire pistol line, with the Pic rail of previous models replaced by an RMS footprint.

Ruger Lite Mk IV Optic-Ready

Ruger’s release gives you the basics, describing it as a “…new model that features a mounting position for a standard Shield RMS footprint reflex optic in place of the Picatinny rail. It also features a raised front fiber optic sight and an adjustable rear sight that co-witness with most micro red dot optics. The new model has an attractive ventilated rib on top of a clear anodized receiver.”

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite set up for optics — The M42245LORCW (I know, it’s a terrible joke) replaces its predecessors’ Pic rail with an optics plate. That plate should accept the Shield RMS size lights and others that mount to the same footprint.

Some other things you might want to know about the new RDS-ready Lite include:

Sights are a raised front fiber optic sight with an adjustable rear sight.
The rear sight will co-witness with most micro red dot optic models.
The optic footprint is for the Shield RMSc type optics, so it should take other optics like the Holosun K-series too.
It combines a lightweight, precision-molded (moulded for you Commonwealth folks) polymer grip frame.
The grip incorporates replaceable, checkered 1911-style grip panels so shooters can individualize/customize the pistol,
and the grip is set at a 1911-style grip angle.
The CNC-machined receiver is ported, anodized aluminum (for that “custom pistol look without the custom price,” Ruger says).
The receiver is clear-anodized, with a ventilated rib on top.
The barrel is 4.4 inches long and is held in place by a tension nut to improve accuracy.
The barrel is also threaded at 1/2″x28 for muzzle devices (like .22 suppressors, ‘cuz shooting quiet is better).
Disassembly is a stupid-easy, one-button takedown process.
Your RDS-ready Lite comes with two (2) 10-round magazines.

Sturm, Ruger & Company goes on to say the Mark IV 22/45 Lite is the “perfect outdoor companion…used for target shooting, plinking, small game hunting, or competitive shooting.”

Based on the success of the weapon’s Picatinny rail-equipped predecessors, we see no reason to argue.