Rossi Rio Bravo Rifles Lever Action 13
Pros & cons
What works
- Classic lever-action styling at an affordable price point
- 15-round tubular magazine capacity
- Mild .22 LR recoil, good for new shooters
- Low cost per round for frequent range use
Trade-offs
- .22 LR limits use to small game and target work, not larger hunting or defense
- Traditional wood/blued finish requires more care than a synthetic-stocked rifle
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Rossi Rio Bravo is a classic-styled lever-action .22 LR rifle that brings old-school cowboy-gun looks to an affordable, low-recoil rimfire package suitable for plinking, small-game hunting, and teaching new shooters the fundamentals.
What is the Rio Bravo built for?
This is a traditional lever-action rifle chambered in .22 LR, with an 18-inch barrel and a tubular magazine that holds 15 rounds, giving plenty of shots between reloads for range sessions or pest control. The polished black finish and beechwood or synthetic stock options give it a classic look reminiscent of much more expensive collector lever guns, at a price point aimed at everyday shooters rather than collectors.
Who is the Rio Bravo a good fit for?
Because it is chambered in .22 LR, felt recoil and noise are both mild, which makes it a good option for introducing new or younger shooters to a rifle, or for anyone who wants an enjoyable, low-cost-per-round range gun. The lever-action operation also appeals to shooters who enjoy the manual cycling and classic feel of a Western-style rifle over a modern semi-automatic .22. A cross-bolt safety is standard for basic safe-handling practice.
At 5.5 pounds unloaded and 36 inches overall, it is compact and light enough to be comfortable for most shooters to carry and handle for extended range sessions, and low .22 LR ammunition costs mean you can shoot it often without a large ongoing expense.
What should I know before buying?
This is a rimfire rifle, so it is best suited to small-game hunting, pest control, and target practice rather than anything requiring a centerfire cartridge's power. Tactical-styled Rio Bravo variants with shorter barrels and different furniture exist as well, so if you specifically want the classic 18-inch barrel and traditional stock configuration described here, confirm those exact specs with your FFL before ordering.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple compared to a semi-automatic rifle, since a lever gun has fewer moving parts and no gas system to service. Standard .22 LR bore cleaners and a basic cleaning kit are all that is needed to keep the Rio Bravo running well for years, and the tubular magazine design is straightforward to load and unload once you get used to the loading gate.
A basic scope or receiver-sight upgrade is a common first accessory for owners who want tighter groups on small game or targets at longer range, and the traditional profile of this rifle accepts common .22-rated mounting hardware without needing a specialized rail system.
Because .22 LR ammunition is inexpensive and widely available, the Rio Bravo is a rifle you can realistically shoot hundreds of rounds through in a single range session without a large ammo bill, which makes it a good option for building trigger control and marksmanship fundamentals over time. The wood-stocked versions add a level of classic fit and finish that is uncommon at this price point in a modern semi-automatic .22. For anyone who grew up around Winchester or Marlin-style lever rifles, the Rio Bravo's action and feel will be immediately familiar, just scaled down to a manageable rimfire cartridge.
As a firearm, this rifle ships to a licensed FFL dealer for the required transfer and background check, not to your home address.
FFL transfer required
This item is a firearm and ships only to a licensed FFL dealer, never to a home address. At checkout, enter your preferred dealer as the shipping address, or leave it blank and we will assign a licensed dealer near you at no extra cost. You complete the background check and paperwork with the dealer when you pick up.
California buyers: handguns must be on the California roster for delivery to a California FFL, a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) and DROS are handled at the dealer, and the 10-day waiting period applies. Out-of-state buyers receive the firearm through their own local FFL under their state's rules.
Key attributes
| Transfer | Ships to your FFL dealer |
| Caliber | .22 LR |
| Capacity | 15 rounds (tubular) |
| Barrel Length | 18 in |
| Action | Lever-action |
| Finish | Polished black with beechwood or synthetic stock |
Frequently asked questions
- What caliber is the Rio Bravo chambered in?
- .22 LR.
- What is the magazine capacity?
- 15 rounds in the tubular magazine on the standard-length model.
- Is this a good rifle for a new shooter?
- Yes, mild .22 LR recoil and the classic lever-action manual of arms make it a good option for teaching fundamentals.
- What is the barrel length?
- 18 inches on the standard Rio Bravo configuration described here.
- How does shipping work for this rifle?
- It ships to a licensed FFL dealer near you for pickup after the required background check, not directly to your home.
- Is the Rio Bravo good for hunting?
- It's well suited to small-game hunting and pest control given its .22 LR chambering.