Rossi Rio Bravo
The Rossi Rio Bravo is a .22 LR lever-action rifle that captures the look and feel of the classic Western repeating rifle in an affordable, fun-to-shoot rimfire format. Named after the iconic 1959 John Wayne film, the Rio Bravo brings the traditional lever-action experience to new and young shooters at a price that makes it one of the most accessible introductions to lever-action shooting available.
Read our full Rossi Rio Bravo Buying Guide ↓
About the Rossi Rio Bravo
Rossi is a Brazilian firearms manufacturer with a long history of producing affordable, practical firearms for the American market. The Rio Bravo is one of their most charming products — a lever-action .22 LR that delivers the manual of arms, aesthetics, and feel of classic Western lever-action rifles in an economical rimfire platform. It's not a competition rifle or a precision hunting tool — it's a fun, visually appealing plinker that gets new shooters excited about lever-action shooting.
Key Features
.22 LR chambering — The most affordable and widely available rimfire cartridge. The Rio Bravo's .22 LR chambering keeps ammunition costs minimal for extended range sessions.
15-round tube magazine — The tubular magazine holds 15 rounds of .22 LR — plenty of capacity for plinking and small game hunting without frequent reloading.
Wood stock and forend — Traditional wood furniture gives the Rio Bravo its classic Western appearance. The wood stock and blued barrel combination produces the classic look that makes lever-actions so visually distinctive.
18" barrel — The 18" barrel hits the sweet spot for a .22 lever-action — long enough for good velocity and sight radius, short enough to handle easily.
Best Uses
The Rio Bravo excels as a plinking rifle, a first lever-action for new shooters, and a companion rifle to a centerfire Western-style pistol for casual cowboy shooting. It's also popular with youth shooters who want a "real-looking" rifle rather than a polymer tactical platform — the Rio Bravo's wood and steel construction gives it a traditional appeal that resonates with young shooters interested in American firearms history.
Rio Bravo vs. Henry .22 Lever-Action
The Henry .22 lever-actions are the premium alternative — higher quality wood, smoother action, better fit and finish, and a significantly higher price. The Rio Bravo is the value-oriented choice for buyers who want the lever-action .22 experience without the Henry price premium. For a gift, a first lever-action, or a budget-conscious plinker, the Rio Bravo delivers the experience at an accessible price. For buyers who want the best .22 lever-action and are willing to pay for it, the Henry is the recommendation.
FAQ
What caliber is the Rossi Rio Bravo?
.22 LR with a 15-round tubular magazine.
Is the Rossi Rio Bravo good for kids?
Yes — the .22 LR chambering produces minimal recoil, the traditional lever-action manual of arms is simple to learn, and the classic Western appearance resonates with young shooters. An excellent youth lever-action choice.
Does the Rossi Rio Bravo accept .22 WMR?
No — the Rio Bravo is chambered specifically for .22 LR. It does not accept .22 WMR or .22 Short.
How does the Rossi Rio Bravo compare to the Henry .22?
The Henry .22 lever-actions have superior fit and finish, smoother action, and better quality wood. The Rio Bravo is significantly less expensive. The Henry is the better rifle; the Rio Bravo is the value choice for buyers who want the experience at a lower price.