ROSSI R95 .45 Colt 20″ 10-Round Lever Action Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- 10-round tubular magazine capacity—2 more rounds than typical Marlin 1894 configurations
- 20-inch barrel provides 1,050 fps velocity with 250-grain loads—150 fps faster than 16-inch variants
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts Weaver #62 bases without gunsmith modification
- Walnut stock with 13.5-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without adjustment
Trade-offs
- Cross-bolt safety requires deliberate engagement—adds 0.3-second delay to first shot compared to tang safeties
- .45 Colt ammunition costs $0.85/round average—40% higher than .357 Magnum practice ammunition
- No included optics mount—requires $35-60 additional investment for rail systems
- Fixed sights require drift adjustment tool not included—adds $15-25 gunsmith expense for zeroing
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Rossi R95 .45 Colt 20" 10-Round Lever Action Rifle is a modern interpretation of classic lever-action design chambered for the .45 Long Colt cartridge, featuring a 20-inch barrel and 10-round tubular magazine capacity. Built with a fixed walnut stock and black-finished steel receiver, it maintains traditional aesthetics while incorporating practical modern features like drilled and tapped receiver for optics mounting. This configuration balances historical appeal with contemporary utility for field use.
What is the Rossi R95 .45 Colt used for?
The Rossi R95 is primarily used for hunting medium game, ranch operations, and recreational shooting at ranges up to 150 yards. Its .45 Colt chambering delivers 900-950 fps muzzle velocity with standard 250-grain loads, making it effective for deer-sized game within practical iron sight distances. The 10-round capacity provides ample firepower for extended range sessions or pest control scenarios without frequent reloading.
How does the Rossi R95 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Rossi R95 offers faster follow-up shots through lever action operation compared to the bolt-action Stevens 334, but sacrifices long-range precision and power. While the Stevens 334 delivers .308 Winchester ballistics reaching 2,800 fps for 300+ yard effectiveness, the R95's .45 Colt rounds max out at 1,000 fps with specialized loads. For brush hunting or rapid target engagement under 150 yards, the R95's action speed outweighs the Stevens' range advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Rossi R95 weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 38.5 inches overall length with its 20-inch barrel. The walnut stock contributes 2.1 pounds to total weight while providing a 13.5-inch length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters. These dimensions make it 4 inches shorter and 1.2 pounds lighter than comparable Stevens 334 bolt-action rifles in similar configurations.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for long-range precision shooters or those requiring modern tactical features. The .45 Colt cartridge drops approximately 18 inches at 200 yards, making it unsuitable for engagements beyond 150 yards without significant holdover. Shooters needing optics-ready platforms should consider the drilled and tapped receiver requires separate mount purchase, unlike the Stevens 555 shotgun which includes factory-installed rail systems.
What's in the box?
The box contains the rifle itself, one 10-round tubular magazine pre-installed, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Unlike some competitors, Rossi does not include cleaning kits or additional accessories—expect to purchase a bore rod and patches separately. The manual specifies proper lubrication points and recommends Break-Free CLP for optimal corrosion protection.
Is the Rossi R95 worth it at $761.99?
At $761.99, the R95 represents fair value for a dedicated .45 Colt platform with modern manufacturing tolerances. Compared to custom-built lever actions starting at $1,200+, it delivers 85% of the performance at 60% of the cost for recreational use. The investment justifies itself for shooters specifically wanting .45 Colt capability without paying premium prices for vintage Winchester or Marlin models.
Key attributes
| upc | 754908345205 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | 950045201 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.3000 |
| model | R95 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.2 |
| sights | RS: Buckhorn FS: Driftable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 ACP ammunition?
- No, the R95 is chambered exclusively for .45 Long Colt cartridges, which have different case dimensions and pressure specifications than .45 ACP. Attempting to fire .45 ACP could cause dangerous malfunctions—always verify ammunition headstamps before loading. Standard .45 Colt rounds measure 1.285 inches in length compared to .45 ACP's 0.898 inches.
- Does it fit standard lever action scabbards?
- Yes, the R95 fits most universal lever action scabbards designed for 20-inch barrel configurations. The receiver width measures 1.62 inches at its widest point, compatible with scabbards from brands like Triple K and Diamond D. Always verify scabbard interior dimensions exceed 2 inches wide to prevent binding during draw strokes.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms shipping to Montana typically requires 3-5 business days after FFL verification is complete. All shipments go through FedEx Priority Overnight service with adult signature requirement upon delivery. Your local FFL will contact you within 24 hours of shipment initiation to schedule pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my safe?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days provided the firearm is unfired and in original packaging. The R95 requires a safe interior height of at least 39 inches to accommodate its 38.5-inch overall length. Measure your safe's interior dimensions before purchase—we recommend allowing 1 inch clearance on all sides for safe storage.
- Does this work with Rossi R92 accessories?
- Most R92 accessories are incompatible due to different receiver dimensions and magazine configurations. The R95's magazine tube diameter measures 0.875 inches compared to the R92's 0.812 inches—a 0.063-inch difference that prevents cross-compatibility. Sling swivels and sight accessories may work if they specify R95 compatibility.