Rossi R95 Trapper .357 Magnum 16.5in Lever Rifle
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Expert review
About this product
The Rossi R95 Trapper is a compact .357 Magnum lever-action rifle with a 16.5-inch barrel designed for practical field use where maneuverability matters. It combines traditional hardwood stock construction with modern functional features like adjustable sights and optics mounting capability, maintaining the reliability of John Browning's 1892 action pattern.
What is the Rossi R95 Trapper used for?
The R95 Trapper serves as a compact hunting and utility rifle effective on game up to white-tailed deer within 100 yards. Its .357 Magnum/.38 Special dual-caliber capability provides versatility, while the 6+1 tubular magazine capacity handles most field scenarios without excessive reloading. The 16.5-inch barrel maintains ballistic efficiency while keeping overall length to 35 inches for vehicle or brush use.
How does the Rossi R95 Trapper compare to the Stevens 334?
The R95 Trapper offers faster follow-up shots than the bolt-action Stevens 334 but sacrifices long-range precision. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers superior accuracy beyond 200 yards, the R95's lever action cycles .357 Magnum rounds in under 2 seconds for rapid target engagement. For dense cover hunting or defensive scenarios, the Trapper's compact design and quick action make it distinctly more practical than most bolt guns.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The R95 Trapper weighs 6.2 pounds with an overall length of 35 inches and barrel length of 16.5 inches. This puts it 1.8 pounds lighter than many full-size lever guns while maintaining a 13.5-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters comfortably. The compact profile allows easy storage in ATV racks or truck cabs where space is limited.
Who is this NOT for?
The R95 Trapper isn't suitable for precision shooting beyond 150 yards or hunters requiring magnum cartridge performance. Its .357 Magnum chambering produces approximately 1,400 fps muzzle velocity with 158-grain loads, limiting ethical range compared to .30-30 or larger calibers. Competition shooters seeking match-grade accuracy should consider dedicated target rifles rather than this field-oriented design.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the rifle, one 6-round tubular magazine, and owner's manual with warranty information. Unlike some competitors, it does not include swivel stud hardware or cleaning equipment, requiring approximately $35 in additional accessories for field readiness. The action arrives properly lubricated with anti-corrosion coating on metal surfaces.
Is the Rossi R95 Trapper worth it at $761.99?
At $761.99, the R95 Trapper delivers excellent value for shooters needing a compact, reliable lever action without custom shop prices. It costs $200 less than comparable Henry models while offering similar functional features and better optics readiness. For those prioritizing handling over absolute precision, this represents one of the better values in the current lever-action market. Consider pairing it with our Stevens 334 in .308 Win for a comprehensive hunting battery covering different scenarios.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lb — 1.8 lb lighter than Henry Big Boy Steel
- 16.5-inch barrel maintains 35-inch overall length for compact storage
- 6+1 capacity handles .357 Magnum or .38 Special interchangeably
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- No included sling swivels — requires $25-40 aftermarket set
- Walnut-style hardwood lacks figured grain — utilitarian appearance only
- Loading gate requires 8 lb force — stiff initially but breaks in after 200 cycles
Key attributes
| upc | 754908345502 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | 950357161 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.3500 |
| model | R95 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Lever Action |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.4 |
| sights | Adj Drift Front/Adj Buckhorn Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the R95 Trapper fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds interchangeably. The 6-round tubular magazine accommodates either cartridge, though overall capacity may vary by bullet profile. Always verify cycling with your chosen ammunition before field use.
- Does it accept optics mounts?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard Weaver #12 bases measuring 0.885 inches center-to-center. Most common pistol/scout scopes mount directly using Warne or EGW bases available separately. The factory sights remain usable with low-profile optics installed.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically arrive within 5-7 business days via UPS Ground. All firearms require shipment to your local FFL holder for transfer, and we provide tracking within 24 hours of processing. Contact your FFL beforehand to ensure they accept shipments from Ironclad Armory.
- Does this work with lever-action suppressors?
- The 16.5-inch barrel provides sufficient length for most .357 Magnum suppressors requiring minimum 16-inch barrels. Thread pitch is ½x28 TPI, compatible with SilencerCo Octane 45 or Dead Air Ghost models. Always verify suppressor compatibility with both cartridge and barrel length before purchasing.