Rossi R95 Trapper .45-70 Govt 16.5 in Black Oxide
About this product
The Rossi R95 Trapper .45-70 Govt 16.5 in Black Oxide is a compact lever-action carbine built around the legendary .45-70 Government cartridge, drawing from the same lineage as the classic saddle ring carbines that once rode through the American frontier. With a 16.5-inch barrel, black oxide metal finish, and hardwood furniture, this Trapper model delivers a historically informed profile that handles with the agility demanded by modern brush country and close-quarters range work. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, and the adjustable iron sights are ready for immediate use, making this a practical field companion that respects tradition without sacrificing function.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Rossi (Amadeo Rossi S.A.) |
|---|---|
| Model | R95 Trapper |
| Material | Steel barrel and receiver, hardwood stock and forend |
| Compatibility | .45-70 Government ammunition (standard pressure and +P rated per Rossi specs) |
| Finish | Black oxide metal finish, satin lacquer on wood |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs unloaded (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New production |
Key Features
- 16.5-Inch Barrel with Black Oxide Finish – The shortened barrel reduces overall length to just over 34 inches, making it a true trapper-style carbine that maneuvers easily in tight cover or from a vehicle. The black oxide finish provides a non-reflective surface that resists rust and wear better than bluing alone.
- Hardwood Furniture with Classic Lines – The straight-grip stock and slim forend are crafted from American hardwood, finished with a satin lacquer that shows the grain while protecting against moisture. This stock geometry keeps the cheek weld low and natural for iron sights or a low-mounted optic.
- Drilled and Tapped Receiver for Optics – The receiver is factory-drilled and tapped to accept a scope base or red dot mount, allowing you to add an optic without permanent modification. This is a significant upgrade over many traditional lever guns that require aftermarket drilling.
- Adjustable Rear Sight and Ramp Front Sight – The semi-buckhorn rear sight is drift-adjustable for windage, and the front sight sits on a raised ramp for a clearer sight picture. Elevation is controlled by a stepped ladder on the rear, giving you fast adjustments from 50 to 200 yards.
- Chambered in .45-70 Government – The .45-70 cartridge offers devastating terminal performance on medium and large game, with factory loads ranging from mild 300-grain plinkers to 405-grain hard-cast loads for heavy timber. The Trapper’s 16.5-inch barrel still generates enough velocity for ethical shots inside 150 yards.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the hunter who works thick river bottoms, the collector who appreciates the lineage of the Trapper carbine, and the shooter who wants a compact lever gun that can handle heavy cast bullets and modern jacketed loads. It appeals to those who value a Rossi R95 Trapper .45-70 Govt 16.5 in Black Oxide as a working firearm, not a wall hanger.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Compact and fast-handling; optics-ready receiver; classic Trapper appearance; .45-70 offers heavy-hitting versatility; price point undercuts most competitors.
- Cons: The black oxide finish is less durable than modern Cerakote or nitriding, and the wood-to-metal fit can vary between samples. Expect to apply a light coat of oil to the metal after extended field use.
Comparison: Rossi R95 Trapper vs. Marlin 1895 SBL vs. Henry X Model .45-70
| Feature | Rossi R95 Trapper (16.5") | Marlin 1895 SBL (18.5") | Henry X Model .45-70 (17.4") |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 16.5" | 18.5" | 17.4" |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~7.5 lbs | ~7.0 lbs |
| Finish | Black oxide | Stainless steel | Black Cerakote |
| Stock | Hardwood | Laminate with recoil pad | Black synthetic with buttpad |
| Optic Ready | Drilled & tapped | Scout scope rail | Drilled & tapped |
| MSRP | $712.17 | $1,299 | $1,050 |
| Country of Origin | Brazil | USA (Remington/Marlin) | USA (Henry) |
FAQ
What is the overall length of the Rossi R95 Trapper?
The overall length is approximately 34.5 inches with the standard buttstock, making it a true compact lever action suitable for close-quarters use and storage in a vehicle or saddle scabbard.
Can I mount a scope on the Rossi R95 Trapper?
Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base (not included). We recommend a low-profile base and a compact 1-4x or red dot to maintain the carbine’s balance and fast-handling character.
Is the .45-70 Government cartridge too powerful for this lightweight rifle?
Per Rossi’s specifications, the R95 Trapper is rated for standard pressure .45-70 loads and +P ammunition. Recoil is stout with heavy loads, but the hardwood stock and 6.5-lb weight manage it well for a trained shooter. For extended range sessions, consider lower-recoil loads.
What kind of accuracy can I expect at 100 yards?
With factory ammunition and a solid rest, most shooters report 2- to 3-inch groups at 100 yards. The adjustable iron sights are adequate for minute-of-deer accuracy, and adding a low-power scope can tighten groups to under 2 inches.
Does this rifle have a safety?
Yes. The Rossi R95 Trapper is equipped with a hammer-block safety that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the safety is manually disengaged. It also features a half-cock notch on the hammer as an additional mechanical safety.
Trust & Delivery
- ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) – ships to your FFL dealer
- ✔ Ships 1-2 business days from order
- ✔ 30-day return policy on unfired, unaltered firearms
- ✔ Secure checkout with encrypted payment processing
Browse related categories: Lever Action Rifles | .45-70 Government Rifles | Rossi Firearms
Last updated: April 2026