New Rossi R95 Trapper 45/70 Remake

[jstanfield103]

Okay guy's
I really like the 45/70 and I have a Rossi Reo Grande SS in 45/70 that shoots great and recently just picked up a 1886 Winchester that I absolutely Love. But I have read so much about the Rio Grande being bad rifles that they quit making them I have been a little nervous about mine. Mine is a fine rifle with no problems and shoots and cycles very well. Never had one problem out of her so far. But I bought a Rossi R95 in 30/30 about two months ago. Really like that rifle, well made and the Trapper model that I bought is just perfect. I did post on it, with pictures. I like it so much I was thinking if I ever see one in 45/70 Trapper I would pick it up. Well went into the LGS Friday to make a payment on a Marlin JM stamped 2001 336 in 30/30 that I have on layaway. To my surprise they had the R95 Trapper in 45/70 on the wall. It was late so I had them set it back and traded a couple guns in that I never use and were not lever rifles in even on it.

I have made it mine and there are things that I did that I wonder how many of you guy's have done or thought about doing. Here is my list of work that took me a lot of time Saturday the first day I had it. Maybe shoot it Sunday for the first time.

1. Cut the LOP down to 12.5" and fitted a new Limbsaver Recoil pad to it. Total LOP 12.5"
2. Wrapped the Lever in leather and Mink oiled it so it will not rust the lever.
3. Drilled the sling stud on butt stock out to have it moved and filled with wooden dowel (walnut) and sanded even
4. I have had a RMR Vortex for a few years that I never used because I did not like the height of it on a rail. So I had some 1/8" brass plate that I mad a mount for it from. See it in the pictures.
5. I replace all my 92's and 95 safety with a Saddle ring safety delete. I was going to buy one when I realized I had a spare drill and tap saddle ring in my parts drawer. I ended up taking the safety out and decided to drill and tap the safety to put the saddle ring on it. That safety was so hard that I burnt up two drill bit before I decided to heat the safety button up with a torch and then it drill easily. I then tapped it cleaned it up and re-blued put it back into the rifle. In stead of using the ball bearing and spring I took a small piece off one of the burnt up drill bits and made a short rod and the Allen screw to securely lock the safety in the fire position. Just like the safety delete does. Anyway Love the way it turned out and saved me $50 counting shipping.
6. Drilled and moved Butt Stock sling swivel.

Guy's like the way she turned out and she is my tyle rifle now. She fits my smaller frame body very well.

[lar45]

Looks like great work! I like it
You'll have to let us know how it shoots.

[jstanfield103]

Shoots well and as accurate as I am. I had no problems with cycling or ignition of any sorts. No extraction problems either. I also have this same model in 30/30 and no problems with that one either. I really like this rifle even better than the Rio Grande and my Winchester 1886 in 45/70. Just a smooth easy operating rifle. No complaints.

[GL49]

What's your opinion of the big loop on the lever? I know they're good for gloved hands in the winter, what about summertime? Do they feel a little "weird"?
I've never shot a lever gun with a big loop so have no thoughts or preferences one way or the other.
Nice rifle.

[jstanfield103]

GL49,
If I can buy a rifle with the big loop I always get it in that style. I Love the looks of a big loop and also like the way they operate. Most people feel that they are sloppy when opening and closing also taking more time. But I do not operate a big loop like a smaller looped rifle. In stead of levering the loop straight down and then up, on a big loop you slide your hand forward and back at and angle. Cross between a pump shotgun and a lever style. Have no problem with the big loop, like I said it is my preferred lever. Most of my levers are big loops.

[GL49]

I'll have to try one of the big loops to see what it's like. As I'm getting older, the smaller versions of the 45-70 are becoming more attractive, I really like the barrel length on your new rifle. I've also found that the type of sight you've installed make shooting a lot easier on my old eyes. If I would be using it for hunting, all the shots would be 50yds or less.
Except for trips to the range, my 1886 mostly just stays in the safe, it's not as much fun in the woods as it used to be.

This'll make you laugh.
I called my wife into the room and asked her what she thought.
"Ooooo. A couple of chairs like that would look really good on our deck"

I think that was a subtle "you've already got too many rifles".

[jstanfield103]

GL49,
I have three 45/70's. This one at 18" another Rio Grande at 20" SS and my 22" 1886 Winchester. My favorite cartridge. On this Rossi I wish that they would not have threaded the end and made it that much shorter. I have no need for a suppresser especially on a 45/70.