Ruger 22/45 question

Richard Simmons

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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?
 
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?
 
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
 
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

How are you defining MK II and III? My pistol is marked 22/45 only. Are you saying all 22/45 mags are interchangeable?
 
How are you defining MK II and III? My pistol is marked 22/45 only. Are you saying all 22/45 mags are interchangeable?

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.


All 22/45 mags fit all 22/45s.

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

37985227_1814118378654257_3766482320530341888_o.jpg
 
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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.

image_zps8ropjzdk.jpeg


image_zpsgyuzdpmn.jpeg
 
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Thank you. So I can use MK II and MK III magazines?

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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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.

]


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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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.

image_zps8ropjzdk.jpeg


image_zpsgyuzdpmn.jpeg

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.
 
To use your Mark II and III magazines in the Mark IV 22/45 you need to trim the back of the magazine bumper pad by 1/4 inch and then they will all work with no problem, Like this.
 

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