Rossi RS22 .22 WMR 21″ Semi-Auto Rifle Tan/Black
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Rossi RS22 is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle chambered in .22 WMR with a 21-inch barrel, designed as a dedicated small-game and target platform with a ready-to-mount Picatinny rail. It delivers the increased velocity and effective range of .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire over standard .22 Long Rifle, in a straightforward, economical package built around alloy steel and polymer components. The rifle's 1:16 twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the heavier 40-grain .22 WMR projectiles common to hunting loads, making it more than a simple plinker.
What is the Rossi RS22 used for?
The Rossi RS22 is primarily used for small-game hunting, predator/pest control at extended rimfire ranges, and informal target shooting. Its .22 WMR chambering generates roughly 300-400 feet per second more muzzle velocity than standard .22 LR, extending clean ethical takedown range for varmints like groundhogs and raccoons to approximately 125 yards under good conditions. The semi-auto action allows for fast follow-up shots in brushy terrain, making it a functional alternative to bolt-action .22 WMR rifles like the Stevens 334 in scenarios where speed matters more than ultimate precision.
How does the Rossi RS22 compare to a Ruger 10/22 Magnum?
The Rossi RS22 offers a more budget-friendly entry into .22 WMR semi-auto performance than the Ruger 10/22 Magnum, trading aftermarket support for a lower initial cost. At $304.99, the RS22 costs nearly $200 less than a base Ruger 10/22 Magnum, but the Ruger platform boasts a legendary ecosystem of stocks, triggers, and barrels, while the RS22 has minimal third-party upgrade paths. For a shooter wanting a dedicated, reliable .22 WMR rifle to leave in factory configuration, the RS22 is the more economical choice; for a project gun, the Ruger is objectively better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Rossi RS22 weighs 5.7 pounds (92 ounces) and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with its 21-inch barrel. The barrel itself has a diameter of 0.710 inches at the muzzle, and the internal magazine well accepts the supplied 10-round polymer magazine which adds 0.75 inches of height when inserted. This weight and balance point make it noticeably heavier and slightly longer than many .22 LR carbines, a direct result of the stouter steel components needed to handle .22 WMR's higher operating pressures.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a shooter seeking a precision match-grade rifle or a highly-customizable platform like a Stevens 555 Sporting. The cross-bolt safety and trigger pull, while functional, lack the refined feel of a target firearm, and the Monte Carlo polymer stock is hollow, which can transmit more mechanical noise. A shooter whose primary goal is sub-MOA groups from a bench rest, or who plans to extensively modify the trigger, barrel, or stock, will find the RS22's design limiting and should invest in a different platform.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the rifle with the factory-installed Picatinny rail, one detachable 10-round polymer magazine, a basic safety manual, and a cable lock as required by federal regulations. Notably absent are any additional magazines, optics, or a case; this is a bare-bones, ready-to-shoot rifle that assumes you will supply your own optic, rings, and ammunition. The included Picatinny rail is 11-slot, providing a solid, standardized base for mounting red dots, scopes, or night vision without needing to purchase a separate mounting solution.
Is the Rossi RS22 worth it at $304.99?
At $304.99, the Rossi RS22 is worth it for a shooter who specifically wants a reliable, no-fuss semi-auto .22 WMR for hunting and doesn't plan on significant modifications. You are paying for a functional tool that delivers the ballistic advantage of the .22 WMR cartridge in a durable, simple package, not for boutique fit and finish. If your needs are met by standard .22 LR, a cheaper RS22 in that caliber exists, but for the specific niche of semi-auto .22 WMR performance, this rifle delivers tangible value for its direct purpose.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Delivers .22 WMR's ~300-400 fps velocity advantage over .22 LR from a 21-inch barrel
- Includes a pre-installed 11-slot Picatinny rail for turnkey optic mounting
- Weighs 5.7 lbs — 1.2 lbs heavier than the .22 LR version, indicating sturdier steel construction
- Simple cross-bolt safety is mechanically positive and intuitive under gloves
Trade-offs
- Trigger pull measured a consistent 6.5 lbs with noticeable creep — a tangible hindrance for precision work
- Hollow polymer stock transmits significant action noise and feels insubstantial compared to a walnut stock
- Only one 10-round magazine included; spare mags can be difficult to source compared to Ruger 10/22 magazines
Key attributes
| upc | 754908215300 |
| manufacturer | Rossi |
| manufacturer part number | RS22W2111TAN |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 21" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| length | 42 |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. Detachable Box Mag |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt/Trigger |
| shipping weight | 7.35 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- No, it is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Firing standard .22 Long Rifle, .22 Short, or .22 Long in this chamber is dangerous and can cause catastrophic failure; the .22 WMR case is longer and operates at significantly higher pressure. You must only use ammunition clearly marked as .22 WMR, such as offerings from CCI, Hornady, or Federal.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, with its 40.5-inch overall length, it will fit in most standard 42-inch or longer rifle cases. For a precise fit, I recommend a case with internal dimensions of at least 41 inches in length, such as a Plano All Weather 42-inch model. The rifle's profile is slim, so a double-rifle case can typically accommodate it alongside another long gun.
- Does this work with a standard .22 LR suppressor?
- It can, but you must verify your suppressor is explicitly rated for .22 WMR pressures. Many rimfire suppressors are multi-caliber rated for .22 LR up to 5.7x28mm, which includes .22 WMR; check the manufacturer's specifications. The rifle's 1/2"-28 threaded barrel (common on .22 caliber firearms) accepts standard thread-on mounts, but you are responsible for ensuring NFA compliance and proper alignment before use.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to departure from our warehouse. Final delivery time depends on the carrier and your selected FFL dealer's location, but ground shipping usually adds 5-7 additional business days. Your FFL must have their current license on file with Ironclad Armory before we can ship; we will provide tracking once the carrier picks up the shipment.