About this product

Rossi R95 .454 Casull 20in 9rd Lever Action Rifle

The Rossi R95 .454 Casull is a modern lever-action rifle chambered for one of the most powerful commercially available handgun cartridges, offering a tangible power increase over typical .44 Magnum lever guns. Built by Taurus' long-gun division on an updated R92 action, it represents a specific tool for a specific job. Where many lever-actions trade on nostalgia, the R95's design is optimized for handling high-pressure straight-walled cartridges like the .454 Casull, making it a legal hunting rifle in many Midwestern straight-wall-only zones.

What is the Rossi R95 .454 Casull used for?

The Rossi R95 is purpose-built for hunting medium to large game, such as deer and black bear, at moderate ranges where a straight-walled cartridge is legally mandated or preferred. Its 20-inch barrel efficiently utilizes the .454 Casull’s powder load, delivering a flat trajectory with significantly more energy than a .44 Magnum out to about 150 yards. This makes it a practical choice for hunters in states like Ohio, Michigan, or Iowa with specific straight-wall hunting regulations, where its 9-round capacity is a notable advantage for follow-up shots.

How does the Rossi R95 compare to a Henry Big Boy Model X?

The Rossi R95’s primary advantage over the similarly priced Henry Big Boy Model X .44 Magnum is raw power and terminal ballistics from the .454 Casull cartridge. Chambering a cartridge that develops over 1,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, the R95 out-powers the .44 Magnum Henry by roughly 35-40% in energy, translating to better penetration on heavy game. However, the Henry Big Boy Model X offers superior fit and finish, a smoother out-of-the-box action, and the convenience of a side-loading gate and removable tube magazine, making general operation faster and easier.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Rossi R95 weighs 6.4 pounds and has an overall length of 37.5 inches, with a balance point approximately 2 inches in front of the lever. The rifle’s 9-round magazine tube holds a total cartridge length of 1.77 inches, which includes heavy .454 loads up to 300 grains. Its compact profile and moderate weight make it manageable for carrying all day, compared to a heavier rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, which weighs closer to 7.5 pounds with a scope.

Who is this NOT for?

The R95 is not for new shooters, plinkers, or anyone averse to significant recoil and ammunition expense. Running factory .454 Casull ammunition averages about $2.50 per round, and firing it generates a stout recoil impulse of nearly 30 foot-pounds. It’s also a poor choice for those wanting a slick, light-triggered target rifle; the action requires a deliberate, consistent pull for reliable cycling, and the trigger breaks at a heavy 5.5 to 6 pounds with noticeable creep.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, one standard 9-round magazine tube, and a set of steel-adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and blade front sights. A generic manual is included, often with warranty information for Taurus USA, which handles Rossi’s firearms warranty and service. No lock, sling, or optics mounting hardware is provided, though the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a scope base requiring 6-48 screws.

Is the Rossi R95 worth it at $761.99?

At its current price of $761.99, the Rossi R95 delivers exceptional value defined purely as cost-per-unit-of-power in the straight-wall hunting category. You are paying for a durable, high-pressure-capable action and chambering, not refined aesthetics. For a hunter needing a .454 Casull platform, the R95 represents a savings of $400-$600 over a comparable Marlin 1895, though with a clear trade-off in fit, finish, and action refinement. Consider it a functional tool, akin to choosing the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for clay shooting—it delivers core performance without luxury features.