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How does the grips/frame width compare to the regular MKIII 22/45 ? I'd like to have a 22/45 that has a grips/frame width similar to the old MKII 22/45 . The MKIII 22/45 frame is just too thin.

This new model 22/45 was due to hit the market on Feb. 15th. I have not seen one of these pistols in person and cannot therefore make a informed evaluation. I expect retailers will soon have them available for purchase. When the Mark III's were announced back in 2004, it took about 30 days for the pistols to actually make it out to stocking dealers shelves.

If Ruger was smart, all they did was make the original 22/45 Mark III compatible with the standard grip panel dimensions of the 1911. That is what owners have been doing for years with these pistols by grinding off the molded panels and installing 1911 style grip bushings. Their web announcements claim that these pistols will fit most 1911 aftermarket grip panels. By doing this Ruger opens up their 22/45's to a wider market as the original version grip is far narrower than its earlier 22/45 generational counterpart. When the 22/45 Mark III came out, the skinnier grip allowed more small handed folks access to quality handguns for competition and marksmanship training. The skinnier version also caused medium to large handed shooters to seek alternative ways to bulk up the pistol frame's girth - hence the genus of the "grip mod". As I see it, they are attempting to appeal to both sides of the market by keeping the molded panel version and adding the replaceable panel model.

R,
Bullseye

I think they will keep both versions until one of them doesn't sell. Ruger has been pretty good at keeping a supply of different looks in the market. Good way to keep folks like me from owning just one.

On first hold, I didn't like the skinny 22/45 grips. Then I found one at a price I couldn't turn down and found out the grips weren't that bad. I do like the the pistol better with the grips from Dom and I'm sure the RP model will greatly improve the 22/45.

PS: I can set up a collection point for MKIII 22/45's that don't have the removable grips as a public service if needed.

PS: I can set up a collection point for MKIII 22/45's that don't have the removable grips as a public service if needed. Laughing

That's what I like, Greener is always willing to make the big sacrifice and go the extra mile to help us all out!

R,
Bullseye

Perhaps I can find some thick 1911 grips that will bring the grip thickness closer to that of the MKII or 1911.

Bullseye wrote:

PS: I can set up a collection point for MKIII 22/45's that don't have the removable grips as a public service if needed. Laughing

That's what I like, Greener is always willing to make the big sacrifice and go the extra mile to help us all out!

R,
Bullseye

That's my buddie, Greener, always looking out for his fellow shooters. The man must be a saint, eh????

bearandoldman wrote:

Bullseye wrote:

PS: I can set up a collection point for MKIII 22/45's that don't have the removable grips as a public service if needed. Laughing

That's what I like, Greener is always willing to make the big sacrifice and go the extra mile to help us all out!

R,
Bullseye

That's my buddie, Greener, always looking out for his fellow shooters. The man must be a saint, eh????

Will be picking up my 22/45RP this Friday and will be making grips that will not have to be modified to fit. The grips will come in different colors with the rubberized finish looking at making them in different thicknesses for small to large hands. Will post pictures of the first pair when ready.
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medication TESTING

Jeff Quin stated that he measured a 22/45 RP at 1.20" with the grips on and most 1911s measure about 1.27 or 1.28 inches. He stated that if felt just like a stock 1911.

Well, maybe that would be a better option than getting a conversion for an existing 1911 ... even though I am committed to my mkIII traditional-framed models.
Anyone making lead 1911 grip panels to simulate the weight of an actual 1911?
(anyone who goes and does that commercially after this owes me royalties or at least a freebie set of grips, by the way)

Picked up my Ruger MKIII 22/45 RP today measured the grip width it is 1.13 the MKIII 22/45 grip width is .977 the RP is .133 thicker. Measured my single stack 1911 it's grip width measures 1.31 my hands are not large and the 1911 has the right fit for my hands. On my double stacks I have narrower grips to give me about the same grip width as the single stack 1911. The extended bolt release is a nice touch but an extended mag release would have been better. I'll be fitting different grips to the RP till I find the one that suits my needs.
The only modification required for fitting 1911 grips is angling the left grip upper left corner for bolt release clearance.
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Head shop

techTeach, do you make your grips for a non 22/45 mk II or just the 22/45?

I'm disappointed to hear the MKIII 22/45 RP grip thickness lacks ~.180" [3/16"] from being the same as the 1911. It's unfortunate Ruger couldn't get it right.
Does anyone happen to know the thickness of the MKII 22/45 grip ? I may have to put one on my gun show wish list.

Took a look at one at a gun show today. Not bad. My 22/45 with the Techteach grips may feel a little better. Of course, you could replace the ruger grip panels. $284 price tag.

Tempted,but not enough to buy.

greener wrote:Took a look at one at a gun show today. Not bad. My 22/45 with the Techteach grips may feel a little better. Of course, you could replace the ruger grip panels. $284 price tag.
Tempted,but not enough to buy.

That's getting into reasonable range for me, assuming a desirable barrel length and 2 mags.
I wonder what barrel length/style would most closely replicate an officer-size 1911? 4" bull barrel, perhaps?

Anyone in the area who gets one and decides they don't like it, drop me a line and we can work out a reasonable price.