Ruger 22/45 Lite Issues?

[razorback2003]

Have there been any issues with the Ruger 22 45 Lite's finish flaking off or just not holding up since it is painted on aluminum? I have seen Smith and Wesson J frames clear coat finishes flake off.

I have been thinking about buying one of these guns but just concerned about the long term durability of the aluminum upper.

 

[ar-newbie]

I don't know that any of us have had them long enough to speculate on finish life. I know mine has been fine for the 3 weeks I have owned it LOL

 

[BELTFEDJASON]

I have had mine for 2 years, after 1000's of rounds no noticeable wear on the slide at all. Seems to be really well made, even better after the tandomkross bushing has been added to remove the magazine safety, also allows the magazines to drop free. I removed the loaded chamber indicator with the tandomkross part. And did the slingshot mod. Took a good gun and made it great.

 

[razorback2003]

This is good information. Do they seem to be as reliable as the steel upper 22/45's? Most any Ruger MK or 22/45 that I have seen has been very reliable for a 22 pistol.

 

[vtsteve]

I haven't had any finish issues with mine, but the barrel nut came off as I was unscrewing my suppressor the last time I used it. It's supposed to be epoxied on there but mine didn't appear to be. I just tightened it up again for now, if it comes off again I'll try some locktite first. I'm sure Ruger would fix it if I sent it back but I don't feel like shipping it.

 

[vtsteve]

Also, the finish on the aluminum is anodized, not painted so I expect it will hold up just fine.

Reliability has been the same as my MK III Hunter, they both run pretty flawlessly. +1 on the Tandemkross upgrades, in particular the magazine disconnect bushing. I found it improves the trigger pull slightly as it removes that initial click of overcoming the disconnect.

 

[stonecutter2]

Only issue I've had with mine is the front sight gets loose on its own. Finish has been flawless, as vtsteve said, it's anodized.

 

[sappyg]

No issues to report on the finish of an early 'gold' lite. it has had barrel leading problems with some ammo. front sight tended to loosen until it was fixed with loctite.

 

[razorback2003]

Do you think that the Lite models are as easy to shoot well as the heavier steel upper MK 3 22/45s or the Ruger MK III all steel gun? Just curious because I looked at a Lite model at a store and it seemed very light compared to the 22 45 target bull barrel model at the store. I do know Ruger made a threaded target bull barrel 22 45 with a steel upper. I have not seen that actual sold in a store.