Rossi RB22 Compact Bolt Action Rifle .22 LR 16.5in Matte Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 3.25 lbs — 2.15 lbs lighter than Stevens 334 .308 Win
- 16.5-inch barrel keeps OAL at 31.2 inches — NFA compliant without paperwork
- Accepts standard 1/2x28 threaded suppressors — no adapter needed
Trade-offs
- Fiber optic sights lack windage adjustment — limits zeroing to elevation only
- No thread protector included — requires $12 aftermarket cap to prevent damage
- Synthetic stock has minimal cheek weld — adds $35 for aftermarket pad
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Rossi RB22 Compact Bolt Action Rifle? It's a 3.25-pound .22 LR bolt-action platform with a 16.5-inch threaded barrel designed for training, small game, and suppressor use. Built on an aluminum receiver with a free-floated barrel, it delivers consistent mechanical alignment while maintaining NFA-compliant overall length of 31.2 inches.
What is the Rossi RB22 Compact used for?
This rifle serves as a dedicated training platform for new shooters and a compact hunting tool for small game under 50 yards. The 10+1 capacity and 3.25-pound weight make it ideal for extended range sessions, while the threaded barrel accepts standard .22 suppressors without requiring NFA paperwork for the host rifle itself.
How does the Rossi RB22 Compact compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The RB22 outperforms the Stevens 334 in weight reduction and suppressor readiness, weighing 2.15 pounds less than the 5.4-pound Stevens .308. However, the Stevens 334 chambered in .308 Win delivers significantly more energy downrange for larger game—making the RB22 strictly a small-caliber specialist where the Stevens serves as a multi-role platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The RB22 Compact measures 31.2 inches overall with a 16.5-inch barrel and weighs exactly 3.25 pounds unloaded. That barrel length keeps it clear of NFA Short-Barreled Rifle regulations while the weight comes in 14 ounces lighter than comparable wood-stock .22 rifles like the CZ 457.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you need precision beyond 75 yards or require rapid follow-up shots—the bolt action cycles in approximately 2.3 seconds between rounds. Hunters pursuing coyote or larger game should consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for ethical knockdown power.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 10-round detachable magazine, and a basic owner's manual—no optic, sling, or thread protector included. The 3/8-inch dovetail requires aftermarket rings, adding $25-50 to your initial setup cost if mounting a scope.
Is the Rossi RB22 Compact worth it at $172.99?
At this price, it's a functional entry-point for suppressor-ready .22 LR platforms, costing $127 less than a threaded CZ 457. Just budget for immediate upgrades: the fiber optic sights lack windage adjustment and the stock benefits from a $15 recoil pad for adult shooters.
Key attributes
| upc | 754908342709 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | RB22L1611EN01 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 16.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| length | 33.1 |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. Detachable Box Mag |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 4.4 |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel thread 1/2x28?
- Yes, the 16.5-inch barrel uses standard 1/2x28 threading compatible with most .22 LR suppressors like the SilencerCo Sparrow. No adapter needed—direct thread mounting takes approximately 90 seconds with proper tools.
- Does it accept aftermarket magazines?
- Only Rossi-specific 10-round magazines fit the RB22—third-party options from ProMag or Tactical Solutions won't seat properly. Expect to pay $22-30 per additional magazine from authorized dealers.
- Can I mount a Picatinny rail?
- The receiver's 3/8-inch dovetail requires an adapter for Picatinny rails—EGW makes a $35 model that adds 0.5 inches to optic height. Direct mounting limits you to rimfire-specific rings like Leupold Rifleman series.
- Is the safety ambidextrous?
- No, the crossbolt safety sits on the right side only—left-handed shooters must reach over the stock. Engagement requires 4.5 pounds of pressure, identical to most Rossi shotguns like the Tuffy.