Richard Simmons
Member
Traded into a Ruger 22/45. The Serial number puts it as a 2003 production. My question is what mags will work in it? In their store Ruger has MK II 22/45 and MK IV 22/45 mags but nothing as just 22/45?
Ruger 22/45 question
- Thread starter Richard Simmons
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I thought all 22/45 mags were the same. FYI Ruger has a serial number reference for magazine interchangability on their web site if I remember correctly.
OP
Richard Simmons
Member
I tried checking their FAQ section but I'm still at a loss as to what mags go with my pistol? I emailed them a while back but the reply was garbled, some kind of software glitch I guess? Emailed them back to let them know but never heard any more from them. Might try calling and see how that goes?
Wee Hooker
Member
I've owned MK II and MK III 22/45's in the past. Unlike their steel framed counterparts, the mags were interchangeable because they both had the grip style mag release. The MK IV din't change that feature either. i.e. All the Ruger 22/45 mags are interchangeable.
As an aside, you can also convert Ruger MK III/IV ( standard frame) magazines to fit your 22/45 by swapping the base plate.
hth
As an aside, you can also convert Ruger MK III/IV ( standard frame) magazines to fit your 22/45 by swapping the base plate.
hth
OP
Richard Simmons
Member
How are you defining MK II and III? My pistol is marked 22/45 only. Are you saying all 22/45 mags are interchangeable?
TomkinsSP
Member
All 22/45 mags fit all 22/45s.
OP
Richard Simmons
Member
Thank you.
Faulkner
Member
If it's marked "22/45" but has a loaded chamber indicator on the left side of the upper it's a MKIII. If it is marked "22/45" and does NOT have a loaded chamber indicator it's a MKII.
MKIV's are marked "MKIV" and are also easily recognizable due to the round "hinge" at the front of the lower and the disassembly button under the bolt ears.
That's not completely accurate . . . 22/45 magazines are backwards compatible but not forward compatible. I have a MKII 22/45, MKIII 22/45, and a MKIV 22/45. Without any modifications or base plate changes the MKIV magazines will work in the MKII and MKIII, but the MKII or MKIII magazines will not work in the MKIV.
Just for a visual reference;
Top - MKIII 22/45 LITE
Green - Standard MKII with Tactical Solutions PAC LITE Upper
Bronze - MKIV 22/45 LITE
Bottom - MKII 22/45
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OP
Richard Simmons
Member
Here's the pistol. Based on your information it must be a MK II as I see no loaded chamber indicator. Looks identical to the blued model at the bottom in your photo Faulkner.
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Faulkner
Member
Yep, that's a MKII 22/45 Stainless with bull barrel, exactly like my blued version. These are fine shooting .22 semi-autos.
OP
Richard Simmons
Member
Thank you. So I can use MK II and MK III magazines?
Faulkner
Member
Yes. I just checked to make sure but the MKII 22/45 magazines, MKIII 22/45 magazines, and the MKIV 22/45 magazines all work in my MKII 22/45.
My MKII 22/45 magazine would not work in my MKIV 22/45.
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Wee Hooker
Member
Yep, thanks for catching that last statement. My bad. I was thinking in terms of backwards compatibility in reference to the OP's earlier model but made the mistake of typing before enough coffee could be had to clear this AM's fog.
I actually still keep one MK II 22/45 around now. This one is a "Great Eight" and serves as my silhouette gun back-up.
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crankyoldlady
Member
Here's the pistol. Based on your information it must be a MK II as I see no loaded chamber indicator. Looks identical to the blued model at the bottom in your photo Faulkner.
Lucky you! Many consider the Mark II to be highly desirable. They are hard to find in many areas and, thus, are snapped up quickly.
OP
Richard Simmons
Member
Thank you for the information.
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