Rossi R95 .45-70 Govt Lever Action 5-Rd Stainless Laminate
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Rossi R95 .45-70 Govt Lever Action is a stainless steel and laminate wood rifle chambered for the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge with a 5-round capacity and threaded muzzle. This modern interpretation of John Browning's 1895 design incorporates critical updates for today's shooter while maintaining the classic lever-action mechanics that have proven reliable for over a century. The 5/8×24 threaded barrel and Picatinny rail integration make this one of the most suppressor-ready lever guns available at this price point.
What is the Rossi R95 .45-70 used for?
The R95 serves as an effective hunting rifle for medium to large game within 200 yards, particularly in brush-heavy terrain where its heavy .45-70 projectile delivers decisive stopping power. With its 5-round tubular magazine and 20-inch barrel length, it's well-suited for deer, black bear, and hog hunting where quick follow-up shots matter. The threaded muzzle allows for suppressor attachment, reducing recoil and muzzle blast significantly for extended range sessions.
How does the Rossi R95 compare to the Marlin 1895 SBL?
The R95 outperforms the Marlin 1895 SBL in price-to-performance ratio, costing approximately $400 less while delivering comparable accuracy and reliability. Where the Marlin features a gray laminate stock and side ejection, the R95 uses traditional bottom ejection but includes a more robust Picatinny rail system for optic mounting. Both rifles handle similar .45-70 loads, but the R95's 20-inch barrel provides slightly better velocity than the Marlin's 18.5-inch configuration.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The R95 weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 38.5 inches and barrel length of 20 inches. The laminate stock measures 13.75 inches in length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb, accommodating most adult shooters comfortably. The 5-round tubular magazine extends 8 inches forward of the receiver, contributing to the rifle's balanced handling characteristics.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for beginners or those sensitive to recoil, as the .45-70 generates significant kick even with standard pressure loads. The traditional lever action requires more practice to operate quickly under stress compared to semi-automatic platforms like our Stevens 334 in .308 Win. At 7.8 pounds, it's also heavier than many modern hunting rifles, making it less ideal for extended backcountry packing.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one swivel stud installed, one additional stud in packaging, and basic documentation covering warranty and safety procedures. Unlike some competitors, Rossi doesn't include iron sights pre-zeroed, requiring the shooter to install and adjust the included peep sight system. The package lacks any thread protector for the 5/8×24 muzzle threads, an oversight that necessitates an additional purchase for most users.
Is the Rossi R95 worth it at $1,071.99?
At $1,071.99, the R95 represents solid value for hunters needing a rugged, suppressor-ready lever action that can handle thick-skinned game. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity in wet environments where blued steel would corrode, while the laminate stock maintains consistent fit through temperature variations. Compared to shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, this rifle delivers far greater stopping power for large game applications.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion 3x better than blued finishes
- 20-inch barrel provides 1,950 fps velocity with 405gr loads
- 5/8×24 threaded muzzle ready for suppressors without modification
- Picatinny rail offers 3.5 inches of optic mounting surface
Trade-offs
- No thread protector included — adds $15-30 accessory cost
- 7.8-pound weight is heavy for extended carry compared to modern composites
- 1-year warranty is shorter than industry standard 3-5 year coverage
- Iron sights require complete zeroing unlike pre-adjusted systems
Key attributes
| upc | 754908335206 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | 954570189LW |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 41.6500 |
| model | R95 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.15 |
| sights | Adj Drift Front/Adj Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle threaded for suppressors?
- Yes, the barrel features 5/8×24 threads compatible with most .45 caliber suppressors including SilencerCo Hybrid 46 and Dead Air Primal models. The threads are cut cleanly and concentric to the bore, crucial for suppressor safety. You'll need to purchase a thread protector separately as one isn't included.
- Does it accept aftermarket optics?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases, and the integrated Picatinny rail accepts most red dot sights and scout scopes. I recommend using a low-profile mount to maintain proper cheek weld with the iron sights. The rail provides 3.5 inches of mounting surface, sufficient for most hunting optics.
- Can it handle +P ammunition?
- The R95 is rated for standard pressure .45-70 loads up to 28,000 PSI, similar to other modern lever actions. I wouldn't recommend regular use of +P ammunition exceeding 40,000 PSI as it can accelerate wear on the locking mechanism. Stick with factory loads from Federal, Hornady, or Winchester for optimal performance.
- How long is the warranty period?
- Rossi provides a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, shorter than some competitors' lifetime coverage. All warranty work must be processed through Taurus Holdings, which can take 3-6 weeks for turnaround. I recommend purchasing through a retailer offering extended protection plans.