Rossi R95 .45 Long Colt Lever Action Stainless Laminate
About this product
The Rossi R95 .45 Long Colt Lever Action Stainless Laminate is a modern interpretation of the classic lever-action rifle, updated with corrosion-resistant materials and practical mounting solutions for today's shooter. This is not a museum piece—it’s a working rifle built on the proven Model 92 action that John Browning designed in 1892, but now manufactured with CNC machining and modern metallurgy. As someone who has maintained everything from Vietnam-era M14s to current-issue SCARs, I appreciate machinery that bridges proven mechanics with contemporary usability.
What is the Rossi R95 .45 Long Colt used for?
The R95 is engineered for practical applications where a short-to-medium range, high-impact cartridge in a compact, reliable platform is required. This means ranch work, woods-walking, close-quarters home defense, or recreational shooting out to about 100 yards. Its .45 Long Colt chambering shares commonality with many revolvers, simplifying logistics, and its lever action is mechanically simpler and more tolerant of debris than many semi-automatics. With a threaded 5/8×24 muzzle, you can legally mount a suppressor, though you'll need to file a Form 4, a process I've guided hundreds of clients through.
How does the Rossi R95 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Rossi R95 provides a completely different ballistic and operational profile than the bolt-action Stevens 334 in .308 Win. The Stevens 334 is superior for precision at longer ranges and uses high-velocity rifle cartridges, while the Rossi R95 excels in rapid, close-range engagements with a heavy subsonic round. The .45 Long Colt from this 20-inch barrel pushes a 250-grain bullet at roughly 1200 feet per second, generating around 800 ft-lbs of energy, whereas the .308 Winchester from a similar barrel length can deliver over 2600 ft-lbs. Your choice hinges entirely on engagement distance and rate of fire.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.5 pounds unloaded with a total length of 40.5 inches. The 20-inch barrel provides a good balance between handiness and velocity, while the laminate stock measures 13.5 inches from the trigger to the end of the buttplate, which is a standard length of pull. For reference, a Henry Big Boy Steel .45 Colt weighs roughly 8.5 pounds. The Picatinny rail section is 2.8 inches long, sufficient for a compact red dot or a low-power scout scope.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not purchase the R95 if you are a long-range precision enthusiast or require high-volume, magazine-fed fire. Its .45 Long Colt round is inherently subsonic and arcs significantly past 150 yards. The tube magazine limits reloading speed compared to a detachable box magazine system. If your primary use case is target shooting beyond 200 yards or anything resembling dynamic competition, a modern semi-automatic rifle in an intermediate cartridge like 5.56 or a bolt gun like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a far more capable platform for that specific task.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, a single empty 6-round tubular magazine, and a basic safety manual. The rifle ships without a thread protector for the barrel, which is a notable oversight—immediately order a 5/8×24 protector to prevent crown damage. There is no sling, no optic, and no cleaning kit included, which is standard for this price point. Expect to invest another $150-$500 in essential accessories like a quality red dot, a suppressor-ready thread protector, and a soft case for transport.
Is the Rossi R95 worth it at $943.99?
At $943.99, the R95 is competitively priced for a stainless steel, threaded, optics-ready lever gun, but you are paying a premium for those modern features over a basic blued model. If your use case strictly demands corrosion resistance, suppressor compatibility, or an optics rail, then yes, the value proposition is sound. However, if those features are irrelevant to you, a standard Rossi or Henry model can save you $150-$200. The price reflects its niche as a "do-everything" modernized traditional rifle, not as the absolute cheapest option in the category.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Threaded 20-inch stainless barrel (5/8×24) — ready for suppressor mounting out of the box.
- Weighs 7.5 lbs — 1 lb lighter than a comparable Henry Big Boy Steel .45 Colt.
- CNC-machined Model 92 action — provides consistent lockup and timing for reliable feeding.
- 12.5-inch trigger pull length — a standard length of pull suitable for most adult shooters.
Trade-offs
- No thread protector included — a $15-25 part you must purchase separately to prevent crown damage.
- Laminate stock is slick without checkering — compromises grip in wet conditions compared to a textured synthetic stock.
- Six-round tube magazine capacity — lower than some competitors and slower to reload than a detachable magazine.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 754908346608 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | 950045189LW |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 41.6000 |
| model | R95 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.0 |
| sights | RS: Peep Hole | FS: Driftable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded barrel compatible with a .30 caliber suppressor?
- The 5/8×24 thread pitch is standard for many .30 caliber and .45 caliber suppressors, but you must verify the specific suppressor's bore diameter can safely accommodate the .452" diameter of a .45 Long Colt bullet. I routinely use a SilencerCo Hybrid 46 on this platform. Ensure your muzzle device or direct-thread mount is rated for the cartridge pressure, which is approximately 14,000 PSI for standard .45 Colt loads.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- No, the rifle's overall length of 40.5 inches will not fit comfortably in most 42-inch hard cases once you account for interior foam and latches. You need a case with an interior dimension of at least 42 inches. I recommend the Plano All-Weather 42" or a 44-inch soft case from Savior Equipment to ensure a proper fit without compression on the lever or sights.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory ships in-stock firearms to your chosen FFL within one business day of cleared payment. Transit time via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air is typically 3-5 business days. The total timeline from order to pickup at your FFL—excluding the time for your FFL to log it into their bound book—is usually 5-8 business days. Always contact your receiving FFL in advance to confirm they accept shipments and their transfer fees.
- Can I return it if the action is stiff?
- No, federal law prohibits the direct return of a firearm to a retailer by a non-licensee after transfer. If you encounter a mechanical issue like a stiff action, you must initiate a warranty repair directly with Rossi/Taurus customer service. I recommend a 200-round break-in period with full-power ammunition; most lever actions smooth out considerably after this. If the problem persists, Rossi will provide a shipping label to their service center in Bainbridge, GA.
- Does this work with a M-LOK forend accessory?
- No, the R95's forend is a traditional, rounded laminate wood design without any M-LOK, KeyMod, or Picatinny mounting points. The only factory mounting solution is the 2.8-inch integrated Picatinny rail on the receiver for an optic. To mount a light or laser, you would need an aftermarket clamp-on solution from a company like RLO Custom Leather or a gunsmithing modification, which voids the factory warranty.