Rossi R95 .360 Buckhammer 20in Lever Rifle, 5rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Rossi R95 in .360 Buckhammer is a straight-walled, lever-action rifle chambered specifically for states requiring straight-walled rifle cartridges for deer hunting. This rifle provides a 20-inch barrel, a 5-round tube magazine, and a traditional hardwood stock with modern conveniences like a drilled-and-tapped receiver. It represents a deliberate choice for hunters operating under specific regulatory constraints, not a general-purpose plinker.
What is the Rossi R95 .360 Buckhammer used for?
The Rossi R95 .360 Buckhammer is used for hunting whitetail deer and medium game in states with straight-walled cartridge regulations, like Ohio, Iowa, and Michigan, where its parent case—the .30-30 Winchester—is otherwise prohibited. Its 200-grain flat-point bullet delivers approximately 2,450 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, providing ample knockdown power within sensible brush ranges of 150 yards or less. The 5-round capacity and lever-action reliability make it suitable for still-hunting and blinds where quick follow-up shots are needed.
How does the Rossi R95 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Rossi R95 is better for quick follow-up shots in dense cover than the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle, but sacrifices long-range precision and cartridge versatility. The Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester offers superior accuracy potential past 200 yards and a wider ammunition selection, but requires manual bolt cycling between shots. Buy the R95 for its regulatory compliance and fast-handling lever action; buy the Stevens 334 for precision shooting at extended ranges with more powerful, readily available cartridges.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Rossi R95 .360 Buckhammer weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 39 inches due to its 20-inch barrel. The rifle's balance point sits 1.5 inches forward of the receiver, giving it a slightly muzzle-forward feel that aids steadiness offhand. With its 13.5-inch length of pull, it fits most adult shooters comfortably, though shooters with shorter arms may find it slightly long for quick shouldering.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters living in states without straight-walled cartridge laws, or for hunters pursuing game beyond 200 yards where flatter trajectories are needed. The proprietary .360 Buckhammer ammunition costs approximately $42 per box of 20, nearly double the cost of common .30-30 Winchester loads. If you're not constrained by regulation, a traditional Stevens 334 in .243 Win or .308 Winchester will provide more affordable practice and greater versatility.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle, one 5-round tubular magazine (pre-installed), and standard factory documentation, but no scope mounts, sling swivels, or optic. The receiver is drilled and tapped with #8-40 threads, compatible with common one-piece bases for Marlin 336 or Winchester 94 patterns. You will need to budget for bases, rings, and an optic separately if you plan to use anything beyond the factory iron sights.
Is the Rossi R95 worth it at $852.99?
At $852.99, the Rossi R95 is worth it specifically for hunters who need a straight-walled cartridge rifle to comply with state deer hunting regulations and value lever-action speed. This price positions it similarly to entry-level bolt-actions, but you're paying for the regulatory solution more than the mechanical refinement. Compared to custom-modified rifles for these states, it's a cost-effective, out-of-the-box solution that requires no gunsmithing to be field-ready.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Chambered for .360 Buckhammer—the only factory lever-action solution for straight-walled cartridge states like Ohio and Iowa.
- Drilled and tapped receiver ready for optics with #8-40 threads—saves $75-$125 in gunsmithing costs.
- 5-round tube magazine allows quick reloads via side gate—holds one more round than many traditional .30-30 lever guns.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary .360 Buckhammer ammunition averages $2.10 per round—nearly double the cost of common .30-30 Winchester loads.
- Cross-bolt safety blocks the hammer—adds an extra step versus traditional half-cock hammer safety systems.
- No included scope bases or rings—requires an additional $40-$80 investment to mount an optic.
Key attributes
| upc | 754908335305 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | 95360B201 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .360 Buckhammer |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 33.7 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.95 |
| sights | RS: Buckhorn FS: Driftable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| model | R95 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver compatible with Picatinny scope rails?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped with #8-40 threads on a standard pattern for Marlin 336/Winchester 94 bases, not directly for Picatinny. You will need a one-piece base like those from EGW or Warne that converts this pattern to a Picatinny or Weaver interface. Install torque specifications are 18-20 in-lbs for the base screws.
- Does this rifle fit in a standard scabbard or rifle case?
- Yes, with a 39-inch overall length, it fits in most 42-inch takedown rifle cases like those from Plano or Flambeau. For scabbards, confirm the internal width accommodates the 1.75-inch width across the receiver; most universal lever-action scabbards from Allen or Hunters Specialties will fit properly.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which requires 1-2 business days for compliance verification. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required; your FFL will contact you upon arrival, usually within a 7-day total window.
- Can I return it if the sights are misaligned?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day inspection period for mechanical defects like misaligned sights; contact our support team for an RMA before sending it to our certified gunsmith for evaluation. Do not attempt drift adjustment yourself during this period, as unauthorized modification voids the return eligibility.