Ruger 22/45 Review and Range Report
- Thread starter mmatt
- Start date
Just a quick update for those interested.
I have upgraded my pistol with four mods:
- slingshot
- slingshot upgrade
- deactivated the loaded chamber indicator (LCI)
- deactivated the mad disconnect safety
The LCI mod was by far the easiest and better yet, free. Just pull the entire assembly out and remove the little metal piece. Reassemble. I really didn't like the flimsy looking plastic LCI sticking out of the side of the gun just begging to be caught on something.
Deactivating the mag disconnect safety was a bit more work but only cost $10. "coltm4" sells a bushing that replaces the entire mag disconnect assembly. This mod allows the gun to fire without a mag inserted, improved my trigger pull and (after the gun and mags were a bit more broken in) allows the mags to drop free.
The slingshot mod was rather easy as well and I did it at the same time as the mag-disconnect mod. When you have the trigger assembly disassembled, remove the ball detent and make sure that the bolt release lever is clean and free. Now, when the bolt locks back on an empty mag, you can simply insert a new mag, pull back on the bolt (allowing the bolt release lever to fall via gravity) and let go.
The improved slingshot mod was something I came up with to prevent the bolt from locking back if the gun was inverted or experiencing negative "G's". Basically, I cut two slots in the bolt release lever and installed a spring to keep the bolt release from inadvertently locking back the bolt. You may have seen the video of it that I posted in here a while ago.
Anyway, the gun is now near to perfect for my purposes anyway. (that being an inexpensive yet accurate plinker that somewhat resembles, in function anyway, a 1911)
I'm really enjoying it.
I have upgraded my pistol with four mods:
- slingshot
- slingshot upgrade
- deactivated the loaded chamber indicator (LCI)
- deactivated the mad disconnect safety
The LCI mod was by far the easiest and better yet, free. Just pull the entire assembly out and remove the little metal piece. Reassemble. I really didn't like the flimsy looking plastic LCI sticking out of the side of the gun just begging to be caught on something.
Deactivating the mag disconnect safety was a bit more work but only cost $10. "coltm4" sells a bushing that replaces the entire mag disconnect assembly. This mod allows the gun to fire without a mag inserted, improved my trigger pull and (after the gun and mags were a bit more broken in) allows the mags to drop free.
The slingshot mod was rather easy as well and I did it at the same time as the mag-disconnect mod. When you have the trigger assembly disassembled, remove the ball detent and make sure that the bolt release lever is clean and free. Now, when the bolt locks back on an empty mag, you can simply insert a new mag, pull back on the bolt (allowing the bolt release lever to fall via gravity) and let go.
The improved slingshot mod was something I came up with to prevent the bolt from locking back if the gun was inverted or experiencing negative "G's". Basically, I cut two slots in the bolt release lever and installed a spring to keep the bolt release from inadvertently locking back the bolt. You may have seen the video of it that I posted in here a while ago.
Anyway, the gun is now near to perfect for my purposes anyway. (that being an inexpensive yet accurate plinker that somewhat resembles, in function anyway, a 1911)
I'm really enjoying it.
I use an Uncle Mike's Sidekick (size 15). The gun fits just a bit loose but so long as you don't do cartwheels without using the retaining strap, it works great.
mmatt,
Your mods have given me some ideas for my recently acquired MK3 Target!
I still haven't confirmed but I believe the "sling shot" mod applies to 22/45 models only. The mag disconnect sounds tempting (to smooth out the trigger) but I'm wondering if it has any legal implications.
My empty mags dropped free from day one, so I guess I'm lucky there.
However, I did add a Hogue grip and a 4 reticle red dot. I've put over 800 flawless rounds and I have to once again give your post credit for my purchase
Having a blast....for pennies/round!
Your mods have given me some ideas for my recently acquired MK3 Target!
I still haven't confirmed but I believe the "sling shot" mod applies to 22/45 models only. The mag disconnect sounds tempting (to smooth out the trigger) but I'm wondering if it has any legal implications.
My empty mags dropped free from day one, so I guess I'm lucky there.
However, I did add a Hogue grip and a 4 reticle red dot. I've put over 800 flawless rounds and I have to once again give your post credit for my purchase
Having a blast....for pennies/round!
Yeah, I don't think that the slingshot mod applies to the standard grip MkIIIs - they should have this feature "built in", so to speak, from the factory.
You're lucky that your mags drop free already. I've heard that this is not common and that most have to do the "mag disconnect" mod to get them to. Although it might be worth it to you to do it anyway just for the improved trigger. There aren't any legal implications that I am aware of.
I'm glad you're enjoying your new gun!
You're lucky that your mags drop free already. I've heard that this is not common and that most have to do the "mag disconnect" mod to get them to. Although it might be worth it to you to do it anyway just for the improved trigger. There aren't any legal implications that I am aware of.
I'm glad you're enjoying your new gun!
Just a quick update for those interested.
I have upgraded my pistol with four mods:
- slingshot
- slingshot upgrade
- deactivated the loaded chamber indicator (LCI)
- deactivated the mad disconnect safety
The LCI mod was by far the easiest and better yet, free. Just pull the entire assembly out and remove the little metal piece. Reassemble. I really didn't like the flimsy looking plastic LCI sticking out of the side of the gun just begging to be caught on something.
Deactivating the mag disconnect safety was a bit more work but only cost $10. "coltm4" sells a bushing that replaces the entire mag disconnect assembly. This mod allows the gun to fire without a mag inserted, improved my trigger pull and (after the gun and mags were a bit more broken in) allows the mags to drop free.
The slingshot mod was rather easy as well and I did it at the same time as the mag-disconnect mod. When you have the trigger assembly disassembled, remove the ball detent and make sure that the bolt release lever is clean and free. Now, when the bolt locks back on an empty mag, you can simply insert a new mag, pull back on the bolt (allowing the bolt release lever to fall via gravity) and let go.
The improved slingshot mod was something I came up with to prevent the bolt from locking back if the gun was inverted or experiencing negative "G's". Basically, I cut two slots in the bolt release lever and installed a spring to keep the bolt release from inadvertently locking back the bolt. You may have seen the video of it that I posted in here a while ago.
Anyway, the gun is now near to perfect for my purposes anyway. (that being an inexpensive yet accurate plinker that somewhat resembles, in function anyway, a 1911)
I'm really enjoying it.
Hey I'm interested in doing a few of these to my gun. Did you get instructions from the internet? Thanks,
Tom
I, for the life of me, still can't separate the barrel from the grip frame. The magazine is out, and no amount of phone book whacking, wood pounding, rubber hammer bashing will make them come apart. Oh well, 5k rounds and it still works, so there's that.
Did you remove the pin in the back of the grip that holds the bolt assembly in the gun? Just youtube a video on disassembly of the 22/45. There is lots on there and it helped me to see it done first hand. The instructions that come with the gun are a little vague. DO NOT pound on your piece! Sorry I couldn't resist....
I had a terrible time separating the barrel and grip-frame the first time too. My little rubber hammer wasn't doing it, so I ended up buying a 16oz rubber mallet that finally did the trick after only 80 tries or so.
Just keep in mind that the barrel assembly is likely to go flying across the room using this method for the first time, so plan accordingly to prevent damage to your floor/walls and gun barrel.
Just keep in mind that the barrel assembly is likely to go flying across the room using this method for the first time, so plan accordingly to prevent damage to your floor/walls and gun barrel.
I use an Uncle Mike's Sidekick (size 15). The gun fits just a bit loose but so long as you don't do cartwheels without using the retaining strap, it works great.
But sometimes I loan out my .22 to the cheerleaders on the range, and I'd hate for them to get an inadvertent foresight up the miniskirt!
The method I use to seperate the barrel/receiver from the grip is:
- remove mainspring and bolt (duh)
- hold the gun with the muzzle to the floor and trigger finger through the trigger guard
- smack the rear of the barrel/receiver (being careful not to hit the grip) with the rubber coated handle of a large screwdriver (I don't have a rubber or plastic mallet)
I had to hit it quite a few times the first time I tried as I was being a little too gentle. As long as it's plastic or rubber on steel, you're not going to hurt it. The finger through the trigger guard keeps the barrel/receiver from going across the room.
- remove mainspring and bolt (duh)
- hold the gun with the muzzle to the floor and trigger finger through the trigger guard
- smack the rear of the barrel/receiver (being careful not to hit the grip) with the rubber coated handle of a large screwdriver (I don't have a rubber or plastic mallet)
I had to hit it quite a few times the first time I tried as I was being a little too gentle. As long as it's plastic or rubber on steel, you're not going to hurt it. The finger through the trigger guard keeps the barrel/receiver from going across the room.
I don't have a rubber mallet, but once the bolt was out, I simply folded a rag over a few times to provide some padding, held it over the back, and tapped it with a regular hammer. No marring, and the receiver came off just fine. Everything on the gun is really tight fresh from the factory, I had a helluva time getting the bolt stop pin out. Now that it's fired a few hundred rounds, I have already noticed things are starting to loosen up a bit, and disassembly is becoming easier.
My Gun was bought new from WSS in 2008 Its the 22/45 hunter stainless with the 6-7/8" BBL and poly frame. it came apart like that from brand new? I guess I must be lucky?
