Rossi RS22 Rifles Semi Auto 8

About this product

The Rossi RS22 is a semi-automatic .22 LR rimfire rifle built around an 18-inch barrel and a lightweight polymer stock, priced at $209.99, which matches Rossi USA's own current listing for the standard black polymer configuration. It's positioned as an entry-level rimfire rifle rather than a precision or competition gun.

What does the RS22 offer for the money?

At 4.1 pounds and 36.25 inches overall, the RS22 is genuinely light and easy to handle, whether that's for a new shooter learning the basics, a plinking rifle for casual range trips, or a small-game and pest-control tool around a property. It comes with adjustable fiber-optic front and rear sights out of the box, which is a real value-add at this price point compared to rifles that ship with plain fixed sights and expect you to add optics separately.

What's the magazine capacity, and how does that work in California?

The RS22 uses a detachable 10-round magazine as standard, which conveniently already matches California's 10-round capacity limit for detachable-magazine firearms — this is one of the rare cases where the factory-standard configuration lines up with California's magazine law without needing a special-order compliant magazine.

How does the RS22 compare to other budget .22 LR rifles?

Rossi builds the RS22 with a matte black finish over a blued or stainless steel receiver depending on configuration, aiming at the same buyers who might otherwise look at a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin XT-22, but at a lower price point. It won't match a 10/22's decades of aftermarket parts support, but for straightforward plinking and pest control rather than heavy customization, that's rarely the deciding factor most first-time buyers weigh.

Is this a good first rifle?

Yes, for most new shooters. Light recoil, low ammunition cost, adjustable sights already installed, and a manageable overall length make the RS22 a sensible starting point before moving up to centerfire rifles, and it remains useful afterward as a low-cost training and pest-control rifle rather than something you outgrow.

What should California buyers confirm before ordering?

Because California's assault weapons law applies additional restrictions to certain semi-automatic centerfire rifle features, and separately regulates some semi-auto rimfire configurations depending on stock and magazine details, confirm with your FFL that this exact RS22 configuration is currently compliant for sale in California before ordering.

As a firearm, this rifle cannot ship to a home address. It transfers through your chosen licensed FFL dealer, where you'll complete the required background check and any state waiting period.

What kind of upkeep does a rimfire semi-auto like this need?

.22 LR ammunition burns dirtier than most centerfire loads, which means a semi-auto rimfire action like the RS22's tends to accumulate fouling faster than a comparable centerfire rifle put through the same round count. Regular cleaning of the bolt face and feed ramp, along with keeping the action lightly lubricated, is what keeps a budget-friendly rimfire rifle like this cycling reliably over the long run rather than developing feeding issues after heavy use.

Ammunition choice also affects reliability more with rimfire semi-autos than with most centerfire rifles — cheaper bulk-pack .22 LR can run dirtier and less consistently than mid-grade ammunition, so if you run into occasional feeding hiccups, trying a different brand or velocity of ammunition before assuming a mechanical problem is a reasonable and inexpensive first troubleshooting step.