Rossi Rio Bravo .22 WMR Review: A Perfect Starter Lever-Action Rifle

Rossi has nailed it with the Rio Bravo RL22W201SYEN18 in .22 WMR. This lever-action rifle blends classic western-style appeal with practical, modern features, making it one of the most accessible and fun starter rifles on the market. Whether you’re introducing someone to shooting or looking for a dependable plinker with style, the Rio Bravo checks every box. It looks great, shoots soft, and performs consistently—exactly what you want in a beginner-friendly firearm.


Enjoy a High-Capacity Lever Gun with a Practical 20″ Barrel

Rossi equips the Rio Bravo with a 20-inch round barrel, striking a perfect balance between maneuverability and accuracy. You get excellent sight radius and bullet stability without making the rifle feel bulky. The 12+1 capacity gives you plenty of shots before reloading, which adds to the fun and efficiency, especially during extended range sessions or when teaching new shooters. Cycling the lever feels smooth and satisfying—just what you’d expect from a quality lever-action rifle.


Stand Out with a Polished Receiver and Lightning U.S. Flag Engraving

Rossi gives this rifle a sharp, modern aesthetic. The black finish contrasts beautifully with the polished receiver, which proudly displays a Lightning U.S. Flag engraving. This detail adds a bold, patriotic touch to the firearm, giving it more personality than your average rimfire lever gun. It’s the kind of rifle you’ll be proud to show off at the range or keep on display at home.


Take Advantage of a Rugged Synthetic Stock with M-LOK Compatibility

The synthetic stock keeps the rifle light, durable, and weather-resistant—perfect for beginners who may not be used to maintaining wood furniture. You can use it worry-free in all conditions. The addition of M-LOK slots gives you the flexibility to attach useful accessories like slings, bipods, or lights, allowing you to customize the rifle to your needs. Rossi smartly blends tradition with modern utility, making the Rio Bravo more versatile than most lever-actions in its class.


Aim Faster with Bright Fiber Optic Sights

Rossi includes fiber optic front and rear sights, which help you acquire your target faster and shoot more accurately. These sights glow brightly, even in lower lighting conditions, making them especially helpful for new shooters learning how to aim properly. You won’t struggle to find your front sight or second-guess your alignment—it just works, and it builds confidence quickly.


Experience Recoil-Free Shooting—Perfect for New Shooters

This rifle shoots extremely soft thanks to its .22 WMR chambering. It produces almost no recoil, which makes it perfect for kids, beginners, or anyone sensitive to heavier calibers. The lever action provides that mechanical satisfaction with every shot, while the soft recoil keeps things fun and stress-free. New shooters can stay focused on learning without being intimidated by harsh kick or loud blasts.


Plink All Day Without Breaking the Bank

The Rio Bravo thrives in the backyard or on the range. Its accuracy, smooth operation, and low cost of ammunition make it one of the best rifles for plinking or informal target shooting. You’ll go through dozens of rounds with ease, and the reliability keeps you shooting instead of clearing jams. Whether you’re shooting cans, steel, or paper targets, this rifle delivers pure fun shot after shot.


Start Your Lever-Action Journey Right

If you’re looking to get into lever-action rifles or want to introduce someone else to them, the Rossi Rio Bravo .22 WMR is one of the best ways to start. It offers a smooth shooting experience, solid build quality, and thoughtful features that help new shooters grow their skills while having fun. Rossi built this rifle for reliability, enjoyment, and versatility—and it delivers on all fronts.


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