Just saw this new Ruger 22/45 Lite model, looks pretty badass.  I've been looking for a host for my incoming Sparrow SS and that's the cheapest I've seen for this gun.

I have been nothing but impressed with my little 22/45.  I have not had good luck with ruger products or CS but the 22/45 has been wonderful.

I just bought that same pistol recently. Haven't put her to any accuracy tests but so far she's good to go with everything I've feed her.

I went ahead and ordered it from there as I can't find it any cheaper and I can avoid a transfer fee by picking it up in person next weekend.  Now if the ATF can just hurry up and approve my Sparrow.

Picked it up today from Grabagun, pretty nice place and nice people.  Gun looks even better in person than the pics.  Ran about 30 rounds through it this evening with no issues.  The mags need broken in as they are a bit stiff but they fed fine.  The only issue is that the mag doesn't drop free real easy, but hopefully that will improve with some use.  This thing is accurate as hell, going to pick up my Sparrow from the dealer tomorrow and try it out suppressed.

I finally got to add my Sparrow to it, so much fun shooting suppressed 22!!! After shooting it a bunch it's a reliable little gun and dead nuts accurate. The mags were a little stiff at first with some issues chambering a round, but they are getting better as they break in.  The mags don't always easily drop free, but that seems to be getting better with use too. Overall very happy with this gun, it's already one of my favorites to shoot.

I don't know about the new models, but I'd take the front sight off and put a drop of Locktite on the screw.  It was a common problem on the older ones; I happened to notice my sight was loose and was able to tighten it before it fell off.  

Adding base plates to the magazines helps them fall out.  Volquartsen even makes one that has an ejector on it.  

The Voquartsen trigger is a big improvement over stock but even doing the mag disconnect (hammer bushing install) will help.  It will also allow the magazine to drop much more freely.

The magazine disconnect safety feature is what prevents the mags from dropping out, not intentionally, but as a consequence of the design. If you want them to just drop, bypass the mag disconnect latch by removing it or use one of the special mags or baseplates as mentioned.

I also just got one of the lites a few days ago. It's not the shiny one, but it's new. I wasn't as lucky as you. While all the functions are very smooth for an out-of-the-box 22/45, after shooting through about a dozen mags, I had a problem which required the trigger to be pulled twice for the first shot from each fresh magazine. Very strange. I called Ruger and they said to send it in for them to check out at their cost. It was strange, because after I got off the phone with them, the problem seemed to have gone away.

The only "problem" with my new 22/45 lite is now I need another 22 can because swapping it back and forth between it and my AR22 SBR is a pain in the ass.

I just picked up the black 22/45 Lite. I run it with a Gemtech can on it. Its a fun little gun. I cant wait to get some hot rod parts for it.

I just picked up a 22/45 Lite Cobalt today.  Cant wait to give it a try.

Can someone tell me if this model is already drilled and tapped for a piece of rail on the top?
Seems some of the 22/45 models come with a piece of rail and some do not.
Thanks
JasonMac

It is drilled and tapped and comes with a scope base.

Picked mine up yesterday.... Love the gun! Now the wait for my huntertown arms guardian can! I'm hearing 8 month wait!!!

I hated the installation of new parts and re-assembly of this pistol. It's finicky as hell to get every part installed properly without another part falling out, or misaligning itself. When I installed the lower receiver parts it took me over an hour, and numerous cuts on my fingers. I'm new to this gun, so almost every part became a chore to get it in right the first time. The links below (I feel) are the most important upgrades to the Ruger Mark series pistols; For your info, I have the Ruger Mark III 22/45 LITE.



http://www.tandemkross.com/Steel-Ruger-Mark-III-2245-Magazine-Disconnect-Bushing_p_9.html   ( Number 1 part)

http://www.tandemkross.com/2245-KaneWolf-SlingShot-Part-Kit_p_69.html                                    (Number 2 part)

http://www.tandemkross.com/Williams-Fire-Sight-Set-for-Ruger-MKII-and-MKIII--70957_p_76.html (Not necessary, but better than OEM)

https://www.volquartsen.com/products/1160-extended-magazine-release-for-mkiii                           (Number 3 part)

https://www.volquartsen.com/products/1108-extended-safety-for-mkii-mkiii-or-mkiii-22-45               (Number 4 part)

http://www.tandemkross.com/Mark-III-2245-LCI-Replacement-Insert--Stainless-Steel_p_62.html       (Optional, but also better than OEM)

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/238217/ruger-magazine-ruger-22-45-mark-iii-22-long-rifle-10-round-steel-blue (Gotta have mags)



I listed the parts in order of necessity (my opinion), but I haven't upgraded or messed with the trigger, Sear, or any other competition style parts. The enhanced LCI will be on its way this week, through my research some say it cleans up any feeding issues. It's essential to have plenty of magazines, I found Midway USA has a better price than most, but they are OOS for now. There are plenty of upgrades, but I want to keep mine closer to stock rather than going full out competition.



The LITE version of the Ruger Mark series pistol, has a polymer lower, and continued dis-assembly and reassembly over time will cause wear towards the mainspring locking pin opening, as well as marrying the upper and lower together. IMHO, I wouldn't break it down for simple routine cleaning like I normally would on any other polymer pistol lower. Routine cleaning and lubrication can be obtained with removing the upper from the lower. I suggest a complete break down after every 2k (depends on ammo), or so rounds fired. You can clean the chamber area, and the barrel routinely though without any dis-assembly.

Any thought on the majestic arms sped strip kit?  I am toying with getting one for my wife's Lite, but your parts list has also caught my eye.

 

I believe the Speed Strip Kit is the next "got to have" Ruger 22/45 part.

Which one is the appropriate one for the 22/45 Lite?

 

I'd call them to be 100% certain, but I believe the Mark III variant, they list it as this one: One for all of the MK III production, including MK III 22/45.







 

Everything I have read about the 22/45 Lite is that it is a nightmare to disassemble and clean.  Is this true?  If so, would it be possible to just spray it down inside with Break-Free or something and do a half-ass cleaning just to keep it running without taking it apart?

I watched a couple videos (including the one on Ruger's website) before attempting to take mine apart for the first time, and I had no trouble whatsoever getting it apart or putting it back together.  I walked away wondering what all the fuss is about.  YMMV.

As far as cleaning, the video on Ruger's website recommends field stripping only after an "excessive amount of shooting."  After a normal trip to the range, I usually clean what I can with q-tips and pull a bore snake through.  Run it wet; it'll be fine!

Just wait, once you start swapping out OEM for performance parts, the frustration will get to you. It's almost like a roll of the dice when it comes to ease of reassembly.