6 Common Ruger 22/45 Lite Problems You Must Be Aware of

I’ve been testing out the Ruger 22/45 Lite for some time now, and I’ve got to tell you, while it’s a pretty solid gun, it’s not without its issues. Over time, I’ve noticed a few common problems that could damage your shooting experience.

So, what’s the deal? I’ve come across Ruger 22/45 Lite Problems like firing malfunctions, feeding troubles, jamming, barrel complications, ejection mishaps, and even safety concerns. 

But don’t worry, I’m not here to just point out problems; I’m also going to help you figure out how to fix them. I want to explain these issues and offer some tried-and-true solutions to get your Ruger 22/45 Lite running smoothly.

Overview of Ruger 22/45 Lite Problems & their Solutions

Top 6 Ruger 22/45 Lite Problems & their Solutions

1. Firing Issue

Ah, failure to fire is one of the most frustrating things that can happen when you’re out shooting. Trust me, I’ve been there. You take aim, pull the trigger, and…nothing. It feels like the universe is messing with you. 

Upon inspecting the Ruger 22/45 Lite, it became clear that the issue often stems from the handgun frame’s molding. Specifically, the keyhole where the magazine lock goes is the culprit. If the magazine sits too low, it messes with the cartridge’s ability to fire. 

It’s interesting to note that a full magazine makes this issue more apparent. Yep, more rounds, more problems.

Solution

It’s not the end of the world; you can fix this. After some trial and error, I looked 

at the mag lock and saw that the magazine rose just a bit. So, here’s what I did: I used a toothpick and some JB Weld to fill in the loose sections of the key slot. 

Once it was set, I carefully removed enough material to ensure the mag latch could fit snugly but without causing friction. 

After that, a little tweak to the mag latch made the magazine sit as high as it should. Voila! The problem is solved, and the gun fires like a champ now.

2. Feeding Issue

So, let’s talk about the feeding issue. You know, when you’re shooting, the next round just doesn’t want to load. 

Annoying, right? I’ve been there too. You’re lining up your shot, excited to pull the trigger, and boom, or no boom. The gun just won’t feed the next round. It’s like going to a soda machine and pushing the button, but nothing comes out. 

To make it clear, the magazine isn’t feeding the rounds into the chamber as smoothly as it should, and this interruption can seriously kill your vibe.

Solution

Okay, don’t lose hope. After spending time tinkering around, I found that this issue can often be due to magazine springs that are either too tight or too loose. What worked for me was replacing the magazine spring with a new one designed for smoother feeding. 

The process was fairly simple: disassemble the magazine, take out the old spring, pop in the new one, and assemble it back. 

The results? A smoother feeding process and a much happier me. Like that, the feeding issue was sorted, and I was back enjoying my time at the range.

3. Jamming Issue

Okay, let’s tackle another hiccup: the jamming issue. I found this one to be pretty bizarre. The bullet jams up at a weird angle, usually above the chamber or even into the top edge of it. 

Trust me, it’s not a good look when you’re in the middle of shooting. The weirdest part is that there isn’t just one reason behind this. It could be dirt, mechanical problems, or who knows what else. 

But in my experience, the two main culprits were either slack wristing or a faulty extractor.

Solution

Alright, onto the solutions. First things first, I swapped out the magazine, as the stock ones are often the root cause. That actually helped a bit. Next up was the feed ramp; giving it a good polish and a little lubrication did wonders.

Despite these fixes, the issue might persist for some of you. In that case, don’t hesitate to send the gun back to Ruger for repair. 

After doing these steps, my jamming issue lessened significantly, making my time at the range much more enjoyable.

4. Barrel Problem

Here’s something hot and not in a good way: the barrel heating up. During a rapid-fire session, I felt the barrel getting increasingly warm. 

Nope, this isn’t just your imagination; it’s an issue. Ruger initially produced unvented LITE barrels that tend to heat up quickly. The problem got enough attention that Ruger started producing ventilated barrels. 

However, that introduced another issue: dirt getting into the shroud through these vent holes. So, you’re kinda stuck between a hot barrel and a dirty place.

Solution

So, what did I do? Honestly, there’s not much room to maneuver here since it’s a design issue. If the hot barrel messes with your shooting experience, the best course of action is to return the firearm to Ruger for evaluation. 

I’ve heard that some folks tried installing aftermarket barrels, which might help, but there’s no solid guarantee. It’s one of those things you’ll just have to deal with or decide whether it’s a dealbreaker for you.

5. Ejection Problem 

Another hiccup that got my attention during my field testing was the failure to eject the used cartridges. Trust me, it’s pretty frustrating when you’re in the middle of a shooting session, and bam, the slide gets stuck. 

It’s often partly open, holding the empty case in a way that it sticks up, resembling a stovepipe. This issue is often due to what’s known as “riding the slide,” which means you’re inadvertently slowing down the slide’s forward motion.

Solution

Alright, let’s get down to fixes. First, you have to pull the slide all the way to the back and let it fly forward. If that doesn’t do the trick, give your mag a good tap to make sure it’s in place. 

Finally, tilt the gun so that the ejection port faces the ground at an angle. Give the slide a forceful rack; this should chuck out the spent cartridge and let a new one take its place. Simple as that, but effective.

6. Safety Problem

One issue that really got me concerned during my field tests was the potential for unintended discharge. You heard it right; the gun can go off when you least expect it. This is more than just an annoyance; it’s a safety hazard that you can’t ignore. 

Apparently, if the safety lever is halfway between “safe” and “fire,” pulling the trigger might not fire the gun. But here’s the catch: if you then move the safety to the “fire” position while the trigger is still depressed, it could fire unexpectedly. 

Solution

The good news is, Ruger is on it. They’re keen on upgrading the safety systems on all affected units. So if you’ve got one of these potentially risky pistols, the best thing to do is to reach out to Ruger for an upgrade. 

It’s not just about improving the pistol’s performance; it’s about keeping everyone safe. And in my experience, the issue was completely resolved after getting that updated safety system. 

Final Verdict

In wrapping things up, the Ruger 22/45 Lite has its merits: it’s lightweight, sleek, and generally reliable. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a flawless piece of machinery. 

From firing to feeding to even safety concerns, many issues might trip you up. Thankfully, most of these aren’t irreversible; some DIY tinkering can go a long way in getting this gun to operate more smoothly. 

So, if you’re looking for a handgun that’s not only functional but also a project to sink your teeth into, the Ruger 22/45 Lite is worth considering. Just be prepared to work to address its shortcomings, and you’ll likely be rewarded with a reliable and more efficien

FAQ’s

How accurate is the Ruger 22 45 Lite?

Average accuracy is 1.87 inches; better shooters can achieve more.

What is the difference between 22 45 Lite and tactical?

The Lite has barrel cutouts and a gold-ish trigger; Tactical lacks these features.

Can you dry fire a Ruger Mark IV 22 45?

Yes, but using a snap cap is recommended for frequent dry firing.