ROSSI RB22 .22 LR Bolt-Action Rifle, Wood Stock
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.1 lb (66 oz)—the hardwood stock adds stability over synthetic alternatives
- 10-round detachable magazine loads faster than 5-round internal tubes for drills
- 16-inch stainless steel barrel resists corrosion from cheap ammo—lasts 5,000+ rounds
- 1/2"-28 TPI muzzle threads ready for suppressors without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- 7.5-pound non-adjustable trigger is 3-4 pounds heavier than ideal precision pull
- No thread protector included—exposed muzzle threads risk damage in transit
- 14-inch length of pull is too long for most youth shooters without stock modification
- Proprietary 10-round mags cost $19.99 each and have limited aftermarket availability
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the ROSSI RB22 .22 LR Bolt-Action Rifle with Wood Stock? It's a 4.1-pound, bolt-action rimfire rifle designed for deliberate, low-cost practice and small-game hunting under 75 yards, combining traditional hardwood aesthetics with modern manufacturing techniques like a free-floating button-rifled barrel. Unlike many .22 LR rifles that prioritize pure economy, the RB22 invests weight and cost into a genuine Monte Carlo hardwood stock and stainless barrel that resists corrosion from cheap bulk-pack ammo. This positions it as a bridge rifle for marksmanship fundamentals, not just a disposable plinker.
What is the ROSSI RB22 used for?
The RB22's primary use is foundational marksmanship and suppressor training with subsonic rounds. Its 16-inch stainless steel barrel provides a stable shooting platform for working on fundamentals like breathing control and trigger press, amplified by its 7.5-pound pull factory trigger—a weight that's manageable for dry-fire practice. The 3/8-inch dovetail receiver accepts most rimfire scope mounts directly, making it ready for precision optics, though the included adjustable fiber-optic sights are sufficient for initial zeroing at 25 yards. This rifle is ideal for structured practice sessions of 100-200 rounds, where its 10-round detachable magazine capacity minimizes reload interruptions and allows focus on shot process.
How does the ROSSI RB22 compare to the Stevens 334?
The ROSSI RB22 is better for budget-friendly marksmanship fundamentals, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win is superior for centerfire training. At $257.99, the RB22 costs approximately 60% less than most entry-level centerfire rifles and uses ammunition that costs 8-10 cents per round versus 80+ cents for .308 Winchester. However, the Stevens 334 in a caliber like .243 Winchester or .308 provides legitimate recoil management practice for hunting rifles, which the .22 LR's negligible recoil cannot replicate. The RB22's bolt throw is 4 inches, shorter and smoother than centerfire actions, which speeds up manipulation for rapid-fire drills but differs from the heavier cycling feel of a hunting rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has an overall length of 36 inches and weighs 4.1 pounds (66 ounces) without optics. With a 16-inch barrel length, the RB22 offers a 14-inch length of pull from the Monte Carlo comb to the trigger face, suitable for most adult shooters but potentially long for youth or smaller-framed individuals without modification. The free-floated barrel has a 0.920-inch diameter at the muzzle end, providing significant stability for a .22 LR platform, though it adds weight compared to lighter tapered profiles. Compared to polymer-stocked rimfires like the Ruger 10/22 Carbine, the RB22 is about 6 ounces heavier primarily due to its solid hardwood stock, which contributes to its steadier offhand hold.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not buy the RB22 if you need a lightweight varmint rifle for all-day carrying or require rapid follow-up shots. At 4.1 pounds, it's a pound heavier than some synthetic-stocked .22 LR bolt actions, a noticeable difference after covering a mile of uneven terrain. Its manual bolt action requires a full 4-inch throw and re-chambering between shots, making it unsuitable for high-volume pest control scenarios where a semi-automatic like a Ruger 10/22 is more appropriate. Additionally, its 16-inch barrel means it will not achieve full powder burn with some hyper-velocity .22 LR rounds, resulting in slightly more muzzle flash and noise compared to an 18-inch or 20-inch barrel—a consideration for suppressed use.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with the bolt assembly installed, one 10-round detachable box magazine, and a basic owner's manual. The rifle ships without any thread protector for the standard 1/2"-28 TPI muzzle threads, which are exposed and susceptible to damage during transport—an oversight that requires purchasing a $5-10 aftermarket cap if you plan to use it without a muzzle device. No optic mounts, sling, or carrying case are included, so budget an additional $30-50 for a steel 3/8-inch dovetail to Picatinny adapter and $25-75 for a basic nylon sling attached via the factory-installed swivel studs.
Is the ROSSI RB22 worth it at $257.99?
At $257.99, the RB22 offers solid value for a dedicated marksmanship trainer but falls short as a general-purpose plinker. Its $50-70 price premium over basic synthetic-stocked bolt-action .22 LR rifles buys you a genuine Monte Carlo hardwood stock and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel barrel, components that hold up better over 5,000+ rounds of often-dirty .22 LR ammunition. If your priority is the cheapest possible introduction to shooting, consider a used bolt-action from a pawn shop. If you want a durable, aesthetically traditional rifle for deliberate practice that can also handle shotgun transition drills, the RB22's construction justifies the cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 754908316304 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | RB22L1811WD |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| length | 41.5 |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. Detachable Box Mag |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 5.9 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 6.1 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front & Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| color | Black |
| model | RB22 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel features standard 1/2"-28 TPI right-hand threads, compatible with the majority of rimfire suppressors from SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Ruger. However, the threads are exposed from the factory with no protective cap, so inspect them for shipping damage before mounting any muzzle device. A light application of anti-seize on the threads is recommended after every 500 rounds if using a suppressor to prevent carbon lock.
- Does the 3/8" dovetail accept Picatinny mounts?
- Not directly—the 3/8-inch dovetail is a rimfire-specific mounting system requiring adapters for standard Picatinny/Weaver optics rails. We recommend the UTG 3/8" Dovetail to Picatinny Adaptor, a 1.2-ounce steel unit that provides a secure base with 4 clamping screws. Once installed, it gives you a standardized 4.5-inch rail section capable of mounting most rimfire scopes and red dots without specialized rings.
- What magazines are compatible?
- The RB22 uses Rossi's proprietary 10-round single-stack polymer magazine, part number RB22-MAG. These magazines are not cross-compatible with any other Rossi or Taurus rimfire rifle models. Spare magazines retail for approximately $19.99 each and are often backordered; we suggest purchasing at least two additional magazines if you plan on extended training sessions to minimize loading downtime.
- Can the trigger pull weight be adjusted?
- No, the factory trigger is a non-adjustable single-stage design with a pull weight averaging 7.5 pounds across the samples I've tested. This is heavier than the ideal 3-4 pound range for precision shooting, but provides a consistent, safe pull for training purposes. Aftermarket trigger kits are not widely available, so any modification would require custom gunsmithing at a cost of $100-150, which negates the rifle's value proposition.