2 years ago 2 years ago

Rossi Rio Grande: what’s the verdict?

by Nick Harvey 2 years ago2 years ago

Q: How do you rate the Rio Grande? Is it reliable and accurate?

My local gun shop has a secondhand Rossi Rio Grande in .30-30 for sale at a very reasonable price, probably because most shooters in my area are addicted to bolt actions.

Owen Sanders

A: The Rossi Rio Grande lever-gun is a Marlin 336 clone. It features side ejection, and a removable Weaver-style base makes it easy to mount a scope.

Removing a screw located at the front of the lever allows it to be removed from the receiver. The bolt can then be slid out of the action to allow the bore to be cleaned from the rear end.

The rifle weighs 3.2kg, has a 20-inch barrel and six-groove right-hand twist rifling. It is stocked in walnut-stained hardwood, and has a rubber buttpad.

The trigger breaks cleanly at 2kg and the unit I tested punched three-shot groups at 100 yards (91m) measuring 2½ inches (6.5cm).

It’s not only a good looking rifle, but an accurate and reliable one.

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Posted by Nick Harvey

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.