The Rossi R95 is a lever-action rifle chambered in .45-70 Government with a 22" cold hammer-forged barrel. It holds 6 rounds total -- 5 in the tube plus 1 in the chamber -- and comes in at approximately 7.4 lbs. The hardwood walnut stock and black oxide receiver give it a traditional look without a lot of extra weight. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Rossi 
• Model: R95 
• Caliber: .45-70 Government 
• Barrel Length: 22 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds (5 in the tube + 1 in chamber) 
• Action Type: Lever Action 
• Finish: Hardwood Walnut 
• Receiver Finish: Black Oxide 
• Weight: Approximately 7.4 lbs 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard 8-40 scope mounts, so adding optics doesn't require any machining. The large loading gate is designed to prevent the thumb pinching that plagues some lever guns during reloads. The hand-finished lever action cycles smoothly and is compatible with many aftermarket grips and rails if you want to customize. 
 
The .45-70 cartridge is worth understanding before buying. It hits hard -- that's the whole point -- but felt recoil from a 7.4 lb rifle is substantial, particularly with modern high-pressure loads. Some shooters add a recoil pad. Factory iron sights work fine at typical hunting distances, but some owners prefer to upgrade to aftermarket sights or add a scope for longer shots. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Hunting: .45-70 Government is one of the more capable North American big game cartridges. Elk, bear, moose -- this caliber handles them. 
• Sport Shooting: Cowboy action and lever-gun competitions value smooth cycling and reliable feeding, both of which the R95 delivers. 
• Home Defense: The 6-round capacity and lever action make it a functional option, though the length makes maneuvering in tight spaces harder than a shorter gun.

The Rossi R95 in .45-70 with 22" walnut gets broadly positive reviews, with a few consistent caveats.

Build quality and aesthetics draw praise. The walnut stock looks good and feels solid, and the black oxide receiver holds up well. The .45-70 caliber gets consistent marks for stopping power -- hunters who use it on large game rarely complain about effectiveness.

The lever action mechanism is well-received. Most owners find it smooth to operate and enjoyable to shoot, which adds to the gun's appeal for those who appreciate traditional lever-gun handling.

Value relative to price is a recurring positive. The R95 compares favorably to other .45-70 lever guns at higher price points.

On the downside, some owners note the rifle runs heavier than expected, which affects how comfortable it is to carry during long hunts. Recoil is real -- the .45-70 is not a mild cartridge, and some shooters add a recoil pad to manage it better. A minority of reviews flag quality control inconsistencies with fit and finish, and the aftermarket for Rossi is thinner than for Winchester or Marlin lever guns.