Rossi Rio Bravo Doc Holiday .22 LR 18in 15+1 Gold/Hardwood
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.17 lbs — over 1.5 lbs lighter than many centerfire lever-actions, reducing fatigue for new shooters.
- Features a 15+1 tubular magazine capacity, holding 5 more rounds than many competing .22 lever-action models.
- Includes an 18-inch, 1/2"-28 threaded alloy steel barrel ready for suppressor mounting without gunsmithing.
- Offers a distinctive gold-engraved aluminum receiver and hardwood stock not found on standard utility rifles.
Trade-offs
- The aluminum receiver is more prone to cosmetic wear and scratches than a blued or stainless steel counterpart.
- Fixed buckhorn sights lack a drilled and tapped receiver for optic mounting, limiting upgrade paths.
- Lever throw has a slightly gritty feel out of the box compared to a Henry, requiring a break-in period of 200-300 rounds.
- Limited to .22 LR only; not chambered for the more versatile .22 WMR cartridge.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Rossi Rio Bravo Doc Holiday is a limited-edition .22 LR lever-action rifle featuring a gold-engraved aluminum receiver and a fixed hardwood stock, built for shooters who value classic aesthetics with reliable rimfire performance. It’s a 5.17-pound, 18-inch barreled rifle with a 15+1 capacity, operating on a traditional lever-action mechanism. This model fills a specific niche: a decorative but functional .22 for range work, small-game hunting, and introductory training, priced at a point that makes lever-action handling accessible.
What is the Rossi Rio Bravo Doc Holiday used for?
This rifle is engineered for recreational plinking, introductory marksmanship training, and small varmint control under 50 yards. Its .22 LR chambering and light 5.17-pound weight make it exceptionally manageable for new shooters and youth, while its traditional lever-action operation teaches manual of arms without the intimidation or cost of centerfire ammunition. The adjustable buckhorn sights are adequate for typical rimfire distances, though at 100 yards, its 3.5-inch average group size places it solidly in the 'fun gun' rather than precision competition category.
How does the Rossi Rio Bravo compare to a Henry H001?
The Rossi Rio Bravo trades some material heft and heritage reputation for a lower price point and distinctive cosmetic flair. Where the Henry H001 lever-action .22 utilizes a solid steel receiver and is renowned for its silken action, the Rio Bravo employs a lighter gold-engraved aluminum receiver, resulting in a rifle that is 0.8 pounds lighter but can feel less mechanically substantial during rapid cycling. The Henry is the better choice for pure longevity and smoothness, while the Rossi Doc Holiday edition is for the shooter prioritizing visual uniqueness and a sub-$400 entry into the lever-action platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the rifle weighs 5.17 pounds (2.35 kg) and measures 37.5 inches in overall length with its 18-inch alloy steel barrel. This makes it approximately 4 inches shorter in overall length than a standard Stevens 334 in .308 Win, contributing to its excellent handling balance, especially for shooters with a smaller frame. The lever throw is 4.5 inches, and the length of pull from the hardwood stock measures 13.5 inches, which is ideal for most adult shooters but may require a pad for very tall users.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the tactical shooter, the precision rimfire competitor, or anyone seeking a rugged all-weather tool. The decorative gold finish on the aluminum receiver is susceptible to scratching and wear with hard use, and the fixed sights, while traditional, lack the mounting options for modern optics that a shooter pursuing ground squirrels at 75+ yards might want. If your primary use case involves dragging a rifle through brush or competing in NRL22 matches, a bolt-action model like the Stevens 334 in .243 is a more purpose-built choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, one 15-round tubular magazine (loaded via the port under the barrel's muzzle), and an owner's manual detailing basic operation and safety. Notably, the box does not include any supplementary sight adjustment tools, a cleaning kit, or a trigger lock—common accessories you'll need to source separately. Expect the packaging to add roughly 2.5 pounds to the shipping weight, a detail worth noting if you're calculating freight costs for an online purchase.
Is the Rossi Rio Bravo worth it at $386.99?
At $386.99, its value hinges entirely on your appreciation for its specific cosmetic theme and lever-action novelty. For pure rimfire functionality, a Ruger 10/22 semi-automatic offers greater aftermarket support and a lower price. However, if you desire the distinctive 'Doc Holiday' aesthetic, the tactile satisfaction of a lever-action .22, and a platform ideal for teaching new shooters, the price is justified for its limited-edition status. It’s a purchase for style and experience, not as a bare-bones utility firearm.
Key attributes
| upc | 754908900626 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | RL22181WDGDH |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 6.7 |
| sights | Adj Drift Front/Adj Buckhorn Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the 18-inch alloy steel barrel features standard 1/2"-28 threading, making it directly compatible with most .22 LR caliber suppressors without an adapter. Ensure your suppressor is rated for .22 LR and always verify thread alignment before final tightening to avoid a baffle strike.
- Does it fit a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 37.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most 42-inch or longer rifle cases. I recommend a case with a minimum interior length of 40 inches, such as those from Plano or Allen Company, to provide adequate padding at the muzzle and buttstock.
- How long does shipping take?
- For this 'Online Only' item, standard ground shipping through our partner carriers typically takes 5-7 business days after FFL verification is complete. Expedited 2-day air shipping is available at checkout for an additional fee, which cuts transit time to 2-3 business days total.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Due to federal firearms regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your licensed FFL dealer. You can cancel an order prior to shipment, but after the 4473 form is processed, returns are only accepted for legitimate manufacturing defects, which must be inspected within 30 days of purchase.
- Does this work with Ruger 10/22 magazines?
- No, it does not. The Rossi Rio Bravo uses a proprietary under-barrel tubular magazine with a 15-round capacity. It is not compatible with any box magazines, including those for the Ruger 10/22, Henry H001, or Marlin Model 60.