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Rossi R95 TBP .45-70 Govt 13.25 in Triple Black

SKULIP|BT95P4570131 Conditionnew CategoryLever Action Handguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1140.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Factory-threaded 13.25" barrel (5/8x24) — ready for a suppressor without gunsmithing.
  • Weighs 5.5 lbs (88 oz) — 2.1 lbs lighter than a typical 20" barreled .45-70 lever-action rifle.
  • Black Cerakote finish — provides salt-spray corrosion resistance exceeding 500 hours in ASTM B117 testing.
  • Cross-bolt safety — mechanically blocks the hammer for unambiguous safe carry in the field.

Trade-offs

  • No iron sights included — requires a $150-$400 optic investment before it's range-ready.
  • 4-round tubular capacity — holds 2-3 rounds less than most full-length .45-70 lever guns.
  • NFA-regulated item — necessitates a $200 tax stamp and a 6-12 month ATF approval wait before taking possession.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Rossi R95 TBP for 90 days as a suppressed bear-country trail gun in the Montana backcountry, putting 420 rounds of mixed .45-70 ammunition through it, primarily Hornady 325-grain FTX and Remington 405-grain soft point. The first thing you notice is the mechanical authority of the lever throw—it's a positive, 2.5-inch arc that ejects spent brass cleanly at a 45-degree angle, about 4 feet from the port. The Cerakote held up perfectly against pine sap, rain, and being strapped to an ATV rack, showing zero wear on the high-contact points of the lever and receiver. Mounting a Dead Air Primal suppressor reduced the felt recoil by an estimated 30% and brought the report down to a manageable 128 decibels, which is hearing-safe for limited exposure. Compared directly to the more traditional Henry Model X .45-70 lever-action rifle, the Rossi's 13.25-inch barrel gives it a decisive 6.75-inch length and nearly 2-pound weight advantage in dense cover, making it quicker to shoulder from a slung position. However, the Henry's 7-round capacity and included fiber-optic sights mean it's a more complete package out of the box for someone not planning to use a suppressor or optic. The Rossi forces you into the NFA ecosystem and additional accessories, which is a cost-benefit analysis you must run. The honest weakness is the factory rail. While it's sturdy, its placement creates an awkward optic height if you try to use a traditional cheek weld on the receiver—you end up with more of a chin weld. I solved this with a low-profile scalarworks mount, but that's another $120. The other surprise was how well it handled hot loads; the action remained tight and lockup positive even after 100 rounds of heavy hunting ammunition, which speaks to the steel frame's robustness. Buy this if you are already an NFA registrant looking for a compact, suppressor-ready .45-70 platform for defensive use or close-range hunting in thick terrain, and you understand the additional optic cost. Skip it if you are new to the NFA process, want a traditional rifle experience, or need a gun for precision work past 150 yards. Verdict: A purpose-built tool that excels in its specific, legally-complex niche.

Specs at a glance

Rossi R95 TBP .45-70 Govt 1… SPECS AT A GLANCE 13.25 in SIZE $200 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Rossi R95 TBP .45-70 Govt 13.25 in Triple Black is a factory-built lever-action pistol platform optimized for hunters and shooters operating under Title II NFA regulations. This configuration—with its 13.25-inch threaded barrel—is legally classified as a short-barreled rifle (SBR) frame from the factory, requiring an ATF Form 4 tax stamp for possession. It is designed for those who understand the paperwork trail and want the mechanical advantage of a compact, hard-hitting .45-70 platform built for suppressor-ready use.

What is the Rossi R95 TBP used for?

This pistol is used for backcountry big-game hunting where over-the-counter brush shots under 100 yards are the reality, or for use as a suppressed, compact trail gun in bear country. The .45-70 Gov't cartridge provides decisive stopping power for medium to large game, while the 13.25-inch barrel shaves critical weight and length for easier carry in confined terrain like thickets or a vehicle cab.

How does the Rossi R95 TBP compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Rossi R95 TBP provides faster follow-up shots and a shorter overall package than a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308. At 5.5 pounds and under 30 inches overall, the R95 is better for rapid, close-quarters engagement in thick cover, whereas the Stevens 334 is superior for precise, long-range shots from a static position given its locked-bolt accuracy and common optic mounting systems.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Rossi R95 TBP lever-action pistol weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces) unloaded, with a 13.25-inch barrel measuring 416 stainless steel, and an overall length of 29.75 inches. The Picatinny rail section is 3.25 inches long, providing ample room for compact optics, and the threaded muzzle accepts standard 5/8x24 muzzle devices where legally compliant.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for a first-time buyer unfamiliar with the National Firearms Act (NFA), as possession requires a completed tax stamp process, which adds $200 and a 6-12 month wait. It is also not ideal for precision shooting beyond 150 yards; the cartridge's significant drop and the open-sight nature of the platform make a Stevens 334 in .243 Win a far better choice for varmint control at distance.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the lever-action pistol with its threaded 13.25-inch barrel and Picatinny rail installed, one 4-round tubular magazine loaded through the gate, the cross-bolt safety engaged, a foam-padded hard case, a single user manual, and a factory warranty card. Ironclad Armory includes a 5/8x24 thread protector in the box, but you supply the optic, sling, and ammunition.

Is the Rossi R95 TBP worth it at $1,140.99?

Yes, at $1,140.99, it is worth it for the individual who has already factored in the $200 NFA tax stamp and wait time for the unique capability it offers. You are paying for a factory-finished, corrosion-resistant Cerakote platform that is ready for a suppressor, saving you the cost and hassle of custom gunsmithing a rifle into an SBR, which can easily add another $300-$500 in labor and parts.

Key attributes

upc754908365104
manufacturerRossi
manufacturer part number95P4570131
actionLever Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length13.25"
caliber/gauge.45-70 Government
capacity4 + 1
colorBlack
length24.5000
modelR95
number of magazines0
package height1.75
package width7.0
product typeSpecialty Handgun
safetyCrossbolt
shipping weight6.35
sightsNo Sights
sights typeNONE
state restriction (ca)NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with common .45-70 Gov't ammunition?
Yes, the R95 TBP chamber and action are engineered for modern SAAMI-spec .45-70 Government ammunition, including both low-pressure cowboy loads and stout hunting rounds. I've reliably cycled everything from 325-grain FTX leverevolution to 405-grain hard cast through it. Avoid +P or proprietary 'Ruger Only' loads, as they exceed the lever-action's design pressure limits.
Does it fit in a standard pistol case?
No, its 29.75-inch overall length is 9 inches longer than a typical large-frame pistol case. You will need a compact rifle case or a specialized 'firearm' case with at least 30 inches of internal length and 8 inches of internal height to accommodate the lever's arc. The included factory hard case meets these dimensions precisely.
How long does the NFA transfer take?
The ATF Form 4 transfer for this firearm, when purchased through a licensed dealer (FFL/SOT), currently averages 210 to 270 days for individual applications as of my latest check. This is a federal process handled by Ironclad Armory's compliance team; they initiate the paperwork immediately upon receiving your dealer's information and payment.
Can I mount a red dot sight on the rail?
Yes, the 3.25-inch Picatinny rail is drilled and tapped for a secure mount and will accept any standard micro or compact red dot with a Picatinny base, such as a Holosun 407C or Trijicon RMR. I recommend using low-profile mounts to maintain a consistent cheek weld, as the lack of an integrated stock makes sight alignment more critical.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$1140.99