To the delight of levergun enthusiasts and hunters, Rossi USA, part of Taurus group, has been offering a lineup of pistol and rifle caliber lever-action models over the years. For example, last year they introduced the R95 rifle in the classic .30-30 chambering. Now it's the turn of the 45-70 Government: this is the beloved chambering the two well-known Rossi models called R95 45-70 Triple Black and R95 45-70 Laminate are now also available in.
Rossi R95 45-70 Triple Black and R95 45-70 Laminate, common features and differences
First, let's take a look at what the two new models have in common – besides the R95 lever-action mechanics and caliber, of course. Both models have a 5-round magazine capacity and are equipped with a drift adjustable front sight and peep hole rear sight, with a Picatinny rail on top of the action for the mounting of optics. Stock material for both the rifles is wood – no, in spite of its “tactical” appearance, the Triple Black doesn't actually have a synthetic stock - even if the Laminate duly sports a sleek gray laminate wood stock. Moreover, both variants have thumb safeties and 5/8x24 threaded barrels to accommodate muzzle devices and suppressors. Levers come pre-wrapped in paracord for comfort, and the thick recoil pad will make recoil gentler on your shoulder.
From this point on, the two rifles are different: firstly, the R95 45-70 Laminate features a stainless steel frame and a stainless barrel with a polished finish, while the R95 45-70 Triple Black version uses an alloy steel frame and an alloy steel barrel with black oxide finish. Barrel lengths are different too, at 18”/457 mm for the Laminate version and a more compact 16.5”/419 mm for the Triple Black. This also translates in a slight difference in weight, with the Laminate stopping the scale at 3,095 g and the Triple Black being a tad bit lighter, at 3,039.
One last thing that the Rossi R95 45-70 Triple Black and R95 45-70 Laminate have in common is the price: $1363.99 (MSRP in the US).
