Description
Looking for a reliable, affordable .22LR rifle to introduce your family to shooting sports? You’ve found a solid option.
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-friendly firearms and tactical gear. The ROSSI RS22 Rifles Semi Auto is a lightweight, semi-automatic .22LR rifle built for plinking and practice. Its simple design and reliable function make it an excellent first rifle. Available now for $206.99 (regularly $229.99).
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 2026
Why the ROSSI RS22 Semi Automatic Rifle is a Smart Choice
In my years of coaching families and new shooters, I’ve seen a lot of first rifles. The goal is always the same: find something that works every time, doesn’t intimidate the shooter, and keeps the budget in check for ammo. The Rossi RS22 .22LR semi automatic rifle hits that target. It’s not a competition-grade precision tool, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a straightforward, blowback-operated semi-auto that feeds, fires, and ejects with a consistency that builds confidence. I’ve taken more than a few of these to the range with first-timers, and the low recoil and easy manual of arms let them focus on the fundamentals—sight picture, trigger control, safety—without fighting the firearm.
ROSSI RS22 Rifles Semi Auto Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Rimfire Rifle |
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle (.22LR) |
| Material (Receiver/Barrel) | Steel / Blued Steel |
| Material (Stock) | Polymer |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined Components |
| Finish | Blued |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-Treated Critical Components |
| Compatibility | ROSSI RS22-specific magazines; shares lineage with Mossberg 702 Plinkster |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to Fire; Manual Safety, Bolt Hold-Open |
| Magazine Capacity | 10+1 Rounds |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 4.5 lbs |
| Overall Length | Approx. 38.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | 18 inches |
| Country of Origin | Brazil |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | RS22 (Specific SKU varies by configuration) |
How the RS22 Stacks Up Against Other .22LR Semi-Autos
| Feature | ROSSI RS22 | Budget Import (~$60-80) | Premium Brand (e.g., Ruger 10/22 ~$250+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel receiver & barrel, polymer stock | Often pot metal/zinc alloy, questionable steel | Steel or aluminum alloy, higher-grade polymer/wood |
| Quality | Good fit & finish for price; reliable blowback action | Poor QC, inconsistent function | Excellent QC, proven track record |
| Compatibility | Uses RS22/Mossberg 702 magazines; aftermarket exists | Proprietary, often hard-to-find magazines | Vast aftermarket support (magazines, stocks, triggers) |
| Shipping | ✅ Same-day from our TX warehouse | ❌ Long int’l shipping, customs delays | ✅ Typically good domestic availability |
| Lifespan/Durability | Designed for casual use; will last for years of standard range trips | Prone to breakage; parts support non-existent | Built to last generations with proper care |
| Price | $206.99 – Exceptional value | Cheapest upfront, highest long-term risk | Higher investment, but for a reason |
ROSSI RS22 Pros and Cons
What I like about it:
- ✅ Reliable with Quality Ammo: The blowback action runs smoothly with standard and high-velocity .22LR. It’s a great teacher of ammo selection.
- ✅ Lightweight & Handy: At under 5 lbs, it’s easy for younger shooters or anyone to handle offhand for extended periods.
- ✅ Simple Manual of Arms: The cross-bolt safety and bolt hold-open feature are intuitive for beginners.
- ✅ Excellent Sights: The fiber-optic front sight is a standout—it gathers light beautifully for quick target acquisition.
- ✅ Fantastic Value: For the price, you get a functioning, accurate rifle that won’t hold back a new shooter’s progress.
Where it falls short (and what to consider instead):
- ❌ Limited Aftermarket: You can’t customize it like a Ruger 10/22. If building a “project rifle” is your goal, this isn’t the platform. Check out our Semi Auto section for more modular options.
- ❌ Magazine Specificity: It uses ROSSI RS22 semi auto rifle magazine 22lr 10rd mags (compatible with Mossberg 702). They work well, but you need the right ones. We stock them.
- ❌ Finish is Basic: The bluing is functional, not fancy. It’s a tool, not a showpiece. For a heirloom-grade .22, see our Rifles category for walnut-stocked options.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the ROSSI RS22
Buy it if:
- You’re a parent looking for a safe, reliable first rifle for a responsible teen.
- You want a dedicated plinker for cans, paper, and pests under 100 yards.
- Your budget needs to cover both the rifle and a lot of .22LR ammo for practice.
- You appreciate simple, functional tools that do one job well.
Skip it if:
- You’re a competitive shooter needing sub-MOA accuracy. (Look at bolt-action .22LRs).
- You dream of heavily customizing your rifle with dozens of aftermarket parts.
- You require a .22 WMR semi automatic rifle; this is .22LR only.
Common Questions & Concerns
“Is it just a cheap rifle that will jam?” Not in my experience. Keep it reasonably clean and use decent ammo, and it runs. The action is proven. “Can I mount a scope?” Yes, the receiver is grooved for standard .22 tip-off rings. I’ve set up several with basic 4x scopes for improved accuracy. “What about the Rossi RS22 brown .22LR semi automatic rifle version?” It’s the same reliable rifle, just with a different stock color option—availability varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magazines are compatible with the ROSSI RS22?
The ROSSI RS22 uses its own specific 10-round rotary magazine. These magazines are also compatible with, and functionally identical to, those used in the Mossberg 702 Plinkster and some Mossberg 715 models. Always ensure you are purchasing magazines labeled for the RS22 or Mossberg 702/715 for guaranteed fit and function.
Is the ROSSI RS22 a good rifle for a beginner?
Absolutely. Its light weight, minimal recoil, simple controls (cross-bolt safety, bolt hold-open), and reliable function with affordable ammo make it one of the best-value options for new shooters I recommend. The fiber-optic front sight is particularly helpful for developing good sight picture habits.
Can the ROSSI RS22 shoot .22 Short or .22 Long ammunition?
It is chambered for .22 Long Rifle (.22LR) only. While you may be able to manually cycle .22 Short or .22 Long cartridges, we do not recommend it. For reliable semi-automatic function and safety, use only standard or high-velocity .22LR ammunition.
Does the ROSSI RS22 have a threaded barrel?
The standard model ROSSI RS22 semi automatic rifle does not come from the factory with a threaded barrel. It is not configured for a muzzle device or suppressor without aftersmithing work.
Is there a version of the ROSSI RS22 in .22 WMR?
No. The ROSSI RS22 is specifically a .22LR platform. Rossi produces other rimfire models, but the “RS22” designation refers to this .22LR semi-automatic rifle. If you are looking for a .22 WMR semi automatic rifle, you’ll need to explore other models in our inventory.
How do I clean and maintain my ROSSI RS22?
Field stripping is straightforward: remove the magazine, clear the chamber, push out the takedown pin, and separate the stock from the barreled action. Focus cleaning on the bolt assembly and barrel bore. A basic .22LR cleaning kit and some CLP are all you need. I advise a light cleaning every 500 rounds for reliable function.
Where can I buy a ROSSI RS22 semi auto rifle online?
You can purchase the ROSSI RS22 Rifles Semi Auto right here at Californiagunshop (californiagunshop.com). We are a licensed retailer based in San Antonio, TX, and we handle all necessary compliance checks for a legal, smooth transaction directly to your local FFL.
Ready to Order Your RS22?
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, fun, and affordable .22LR to start a shooting journey with your family, the ROSSI RS22 is a decision you won’t regret. It’s the rifle I hand to friends who ask, “What should I get first?”
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (unfired, in original condition)
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About this review: This assessment is based on my hands-on experience with the ROSSI RS22 platform over several years, including range time with customers and personal use as a training tool. My goal is to give you the clear, practical insight I’d give a fellow shooter at my local range. Last updated: March 2026
