Rossi Rio Bravo .22 LR 18″ Lever Action 15rd Black Synthetic

About this product

The Rossi Rio Bravo is a .22 LR lever-action rifle with an 18-inch barrel and 15-round tubular magazine, combining classic lever-action mechanics with modern synthetic construction for affordable, high-volume rimfire practice. This is Rossi's answer to shooters who want the nostalgia of a lever gun without the cost and maintenance of wood furniture, and it lands at a price point that makes it accessible for training new shooters or knocking down small game without guilt. The black synthetic stock, US flag engraving, and cross-bolt safety position it as a utilitarian tool-first rifle, not a showpiece.

What is the Rossi Rio Bravo used for?

This rifle is built for high-volume .22 LR plinking, small-game hunting, and introducing new shooters to lever-action mechanics without the recoil or cost of centerfire cartridges. With its 15-round capacity and lightweight 5.2-pound build, you can run hundreds of rounds in an afternoon without fatigue, and the cross-bolt safety gives instructors confidence when handing it to beginners. The 18-inch barrel provides a balance between maneuverability in brush and enough sight radius for consistent hits on squirrel-sized targets out to 75 yards.

How does the Rossi Rio Bravo compare to the Henry H001?

The Rio Bravo undercuts the Henry H001 by nearly $150 but sacrifices the all-american walnut stock and smoother action for synthetic durability and cost savings. Where the Henry excels in fit and finish with its polished brass and walnut, the Rossi prioritizes function: the synthetic stock won't swell in humidity, and the action, while stiffer out of the box, wears in reliably after 500 rounds. For a truck gun or loaner rifle, the Rossi wins on price; for heirloom quality, the Henry is still the benchmark.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 5.2 pounds empty and measures 36.5 inches overall with its 18-inch barrel, making it 2 inches shorter and 0.8 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. That trim profile pays dividends when carrying it through dense cover or teaching a child to hold it steady, and the synthetic stock shrugs off bumps that would dent walnut. At 7.5 inches wide at the lever and 1.5 inches thick at the comb, it fits standard racks and cases without issue.

Who is this NOT for?

Avoid the Rio Bravo if you demand slick, match-grade actions or need a rifle for competitive speed shooting—the lever throw is stiff initially and requires a break-in period of 300-500 rounds to smooth out. It also lacks the top-tier trigger of something like a CZ 457 or the refined aesthetics of a Henry, so collectors or precision rimfire competitors should look at the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for better out-of-the-box accuracy. If you plan to shoot suppressed, note that the tubular magazine and lever action make it incompatible with most quick-detach suppressor setups without custom machining.

What's in the box?

You get the rifle, one 15-round tubular magazine pre-installed, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and Rossi's warranty terms—no case, lock, or cleaning kit is included. The manual specifically warns against using high-velocity .22 LR rounds above 1,250 fps consistently, as they can accelerate wear on the firing pin and lever mechanism. For a more complete out-of-the-box experience, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun includes shims and choke tubes, but that's a different class of firearm entirely.

Is the Rossi Rio Bravo worth it at $309.99?

At $310, this rifle delivers exceptional value for a dedicated plinking or small-game tool, costing less than half of a Henry H001 and $90 less than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. You're paying for mechanical simplicity and durability over refinement, and after the break-in period, it runs reliably with standard-velocity ammo like CCI Mini-Mag. If you need a no-frills lever gun that won't make you cringe when it gets scratched, this is it; if you want buttery smoothness from round one, spend the extra on a Henry.