The world continues to seemingly become infatuated with the modern lever action rifle. Some may call them tactical lever actions. Perhaps the actual difference is the number of holes and M-LOK slots one has over the other. Regardless as Rossi continues to expand its lineup of excellent products they have answered the call for a modern lever action 30-30 with the R95 Triple Black 30-30. Does its performance live up to the modern upgrades it touts? Let’s dive into the Rossi R95 Triple Black review!
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Specifications: Rossi R95 Triple Black 30-30 Lever Action
The R95 Triple Black carries all of the features of the regular R95 and more. Besides the blackened furniture, it also carries a full optics rail and ad threaded barrel. The barrel threads are 5/8×24 as with every other 30 caliber rifle out there. Whether it be a muzzle brake, flash hider, blast diverter, or suppressor the Triple Black will accept it.
- Caliber: 30-30
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Front Sight: Drift Adjustable
- Rear Sight: Peep Hole Sight on Picatinny Rail
- Action Type: Lever Action
- Barrel Length: 16.50 In.
- Overall Length: 35.50 In.
- Overall Height: 7.40 In.
- Overall Width: 1.70 In.
- Overall Weight: 107.20 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Twist Rate: 1:12″ RH
- Grooves: 6
- Stock Material: Wood
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Frame Finish: Cerakote Black
- Barrel Material: Alloy Steel
- Barrel Finish: Cerakote Black
- Safety: Crossbolt Thumb Safety Button
The MSRP of the Rossi R95 Triple Black 30-30 currently sits at $1287.99 which is right up there with competing stock tactical/modern lever action rifles on the market. The biggest differences from its stock R95 Trapper (MSRP: $984.99) sibling are the threaded barrel, top rail with peep sight, and lever wrap. Beyond that, the wood is black, coated in a thick waterproof feeling paint with texture throughout.
The first question we received after launching the R95 in 30-30 was “when will a threaded, tactical model be available.” Now it is, with the launch of the R95 Triple Black in 30-30. The 16 inch barrel is threaded in the common 5/8×24 pitch, the Triple Black is suppressor and optics ready. The large loop is wrapped in paracord for comfort when firing fast, and the rifle’s sighting system includes a peep sight and a picatinny rail for easy optics mounting.
First Impressions: Rossi R95 Triple Black 30-30 Lever Action
The first time I saw the Rossi Triple Black in person was SHOT Show 2024. I had the awesome opportunity to meet Caleb (General Manager of Marketing for Taurus) who was super helpful in getting my Rossi Brawler and R95 reviews rolling. He was cool enough to give me the low down on all the newer stuff around and coming out at the time. The Triple Black was one of a few that I had time to check out and I was impressed.
The fit and finish were excellent just like its more traditional R95 siblings. It is just as smooth as the previous R95 I worked with. The length was super comfy for lack of a better phrase. The weight distribution was spot on. Overall accompanied by meeting cool people the gun was rad and I was chomping at the bit to review a sample. The sample I received was no less impressive.
Out of the box, my impression remained unchanged. Everything was completely satisfactory. I was unaware that a hammer extension was included but it is a nice touch for those wanting to toss an overhanging optic. One thing to note that I noticed with my T&E sample was that the front sight post was a tad bit bent to one side. Not egregiously by any means it could have easily gotten bumped, or mishandled in shipping, or if someone reviewed it before me, they could have tampered with it inadvertently as well. Nothing a few light taps with a brass punch wouldn’t fix.
Range Time: Rossi R95 Triple Black 30-30 Lever Action
The Rossi R95 Triple Black 30-30 is a T&E sample that has the distinction of being the review gun I have had the most repeat range trips with. Not for any reason other than for the pure enjoyment of getting to know it. I have probably planted around 200 rounds through it both suppressed, unsurpressed, with a red dot, scope, or just the iron sights. I even went as far as ladder-testing some subsonic 30-30 reloads with it which it utilized beautifully.
Much like my original review of the Rossi R95 back when that rolled out, the R95 Triple Black carries the same positive attributes. It’s smooth and easy to load (the loading gate is not too spring-heavy), the fit and finish are great, and I really have no complaints. The Triple Black carries that more modern lever gun sort of features such as the threaded barrel, corded lever loop, and blocked-out furniture. The stock and forend have a sort of texturing built into the finish so it’s smooth but grip-able if that makes sense.
My very first range session with the R95 Triple Black was a baseline that closes out most reviews pretty quick (you sort of get the idea in one go). I tested it out for fit and function. Saw how she grouped at 25 and 50 yards. 25 yards with various ammo types yielded super similar tight groups whereas the 50-yard test at rest with iron sights let me know which ammunition my particular sample prefers and honestly, it tracks with similar tests I have down with other rifles.
At 50 yards I had acceptable and expected groups with box ammo like Winchester and Federal but for whatever reason, the Hornady LeverRevolution stuff has always had a bit wider results. I have noticed this in both 30-30 and 45-70. I should say my groups were A LOT tighter with the Triple Black compared to the standard R95. This is almost certainly to do with the classic buckhorn sights on the standard model that I mentioned liking the look of but not the results it yielded in the last review. The Triple Black’s ring sight is fantastic and is a huge change.
Every other range session I had with the R95 Triple Black was for the fun of trying it out with different things. I had a Riton scope on hand I tossed on it and it held a very similar if not tighter group as the Federal shells did at 75 yards. It did super well with the subs I loaded up. It is an excellent suppressor host. It is the right length and weight balance for a little bit to be added to the end. I used my Bansih 30 with it primarily.
Final thoughts: Rossi R95 Triple Black 30-30 Lever Action
Whether it be for deer hunting, sport shooting, or just your go-to fun gun, the R95 Triple Black checks all the boxes in an attractive and compact package. It has my seal of approval and I highly recommend checking out! A huge plus to this rifle is there are dozens of aftermarket parts out there (some of which are actually available on Rossi’s shop site). Maybe at some point, we will have to explore some of those together, drop a comment if there is a specific one you want to see/hear about. If you love the look but not the caliber, fret not they do make some pistol caliber options in the R92 but on top of that I would wager the 45-70 version is on its way.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Rossi for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out their R95 Triple Black 30-30. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals` think. Do you believe that this tactical-style lever gun is worth spending your money on? Would you take this out to the range on the regular? Would this be on your go-to suppressor host? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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