Rossi Rio Bravo .22 LR 18in 15+1 Black Engraved
About this product
The Rossi Rio Bravo .22 LR 18in 15+1 Black Engraved is a lever-action rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle with traditional handling characteristics and patriotic engraving. It features an 18-inch alloy steel barrel, fixed hardwood stock, and buckhorn sights for reliable performance in small-game hunting and target shooting applications. This rifle delivers mechanical simplicity with a distinctive 1776 motif receiver finish.
What is the Rossi Rio Bravo .22 LR used for?
The Rossi Rio Bravo is designed for small-game hunting, pest control, and recreational target shooting. Its 15+1 round capacity and lever-action operation make it ideal for extended plinking sessions or farmstead varmint control where quick follow-up shots matter. The 18-inch barrel provides balanced handling for youth shooters or adults seeking a lightweight .22 platform.
How does the Rossi Rio Bravo compare to the Stevens 334?
The Rossi Rio Bravo lever-action operates faster for rapid shots than the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle, though the Stevens delivers superior long-range accuracy with its .308 Win chambering. The Rio Bravo's 15-round tube magazine allows quicker reloading than the Stevens' 4-round detachable box magazine, making it better for high-volume shooting scenarios where speed matters more than precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Rossi Rio Bravo weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces) with an overall length of 35.9 inches. The 18-inch barrel contributes to its 35.9-inch overall length while maintaining a balanced feel that handles better in tight spaces than longer-barreled alternatives like the Stevens 334 with its 20-inch barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision competitors or hunters requiring sub-MOA accuracy at 100+ yards. The buckhorn sights limit precision beyond 50 yards, and the lever-action mechanism introduces more movement than a bolt-action like the Stevens 334. It's also unsuitable for suppressors due to the fixed barrel design and lack of threading.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 15-round tubular magazine pre-installed and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance. No additional accessories like sling swivels or optic mounts are included, requiring aftermarket purchases for hunters wanting carry systems or optical sighting solutions.
Is the Rossi Rio Bravo worth it at $348.99?
At $348.99, the Rio Bravo delivers fair value for a mechanically simple lever-action .22 with decorative engraving. It costs approximately $50 less than comparable Henry lever-actions but lacks their polished action and smoother lever throw. For traditionalists wanting reliable function with patriotic aesthetics, it justifies its price point without exceeding expectations.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 15+1 round capacity — holds 5 more rounds than most bolt-action .22 rifles
- Weighs 5.5 lb (88 oz) — 1.2 lb lighter than the Stevens 334 .308 Win
- Lever-action cycles in 1.2 seconds per shot — faster than bolt-action platforms
- 18-inch barrel provides 1,150 fps muzzle velocity with standard velocity ammo
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel — cannot accept suppressors without gunsmith modification
- Buckhorn sights limit precision to 50 yards — requires scope for accuracy beyond
- Hardwood stock lacks checkering — slippery when wet or with gloves
- Lever throw requires 4.5 inches of clearance — problematic in tight blinds
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 754908900695 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | RL22181WD-EN23 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Buckhorn, Dovetail Rail |
| atf type | SPORTING RIFLE |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.0500 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
- No, the Rio Bravo is chambered exclusively for .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Using .22 Short or .22 Long cartridges will cause cycling failures and potential jams due to length differences. Always use standard or high-velocity .22 LR rounds measuring 1.000-inch overall length.
- Does it fit youth or smaller shooters?
- Yes, the 35.9-inch overall length and 13.5-inch length of pull accommodate shooters with shorter arm spans. The 5.5-pound weight is manageable for youth shooters aged 12+, though adult supervision is recommended during initial familiarization with the lever-action mechanism.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipments require 3-7 business days for processing before FedEx or UPS ground shipping. Total delivery time typically ranges 7-14 days depending on your FFL's transfer paperwork processing speed. Contact your local FFL for specific transfer timing before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. Returns are only accepted for manufacturer defects within 30 days of purchase. Ensure the 35.9-inch length and 5.5-pound weight meet your needs before completing the transfer.
- Does this work with standard .22 LR scopes?
- Yes, the receiver's dovetail rail accepts standard .22 rimfire scope mounts like those from Weaver or UTG. The 18-inch barrel provides sufficient eye relief for scopes with 3-9x magnification, though the buckhorn sights remain adequate for most plinking under 50 yards.