The Rossi RS22: A Forever Rifle
The Rossi RS22 fans out for its shooter ample evidence to be deemed a keeper for generations. No, this isn’t a bolt-action from the last World War. This is an updated and smart rifle that will assist in welding the bead between my children and their father. The RS22 shoots clean, carries lightly, and incorporates modern conveniences that a child can especially comprehend and employ. With the rifle, the caliber, and the name, the RS22 helped stitch my daughter’s first shoot into my heart.
Competent and Practical Looks
My first time on a rifle as a child was intimidating. I was often choked with insecurity and the prospect of being even remotely impressive on my grandfather’s ‘03 Springfield or .44 Magnum was grasping at straws. I wanted a different experience for my 6-year-old daughter. On pulling the RS22 out of the box, I was taken aback by the subtlety that I was hoping for. I mean no misunderstanding; this rifle’s shape, accents and overall discretion were what I believed would foster the best learning opportunity for my bold and wonderful girl who had expressed an interest in shooting.
Foremost, this rifle is light. At just under 77 ounces unloaded, it also has sling lugs for longer carrying sessions. While my girl’s hunting heydays may be several years down the line, I’m looking forward to seeing her carry this rifle as an extension of herself long before her most memorable shots.
Black from head to toe, the only color that breaks up the RS22’s countenance are the fiber optic sights. The forward and rear sights themselves are simple, effective and don’t require the use of your friend’s sweaty penny unholstered from his local bank’s change purse. The polymer stock and palm checkering points make a statement without trying too hard for what the rifle is. All these features make the MSRP of $189.99 in tandem with the legacy of the name, a noble choice.
Setup, Performance, and My Daughter
The gravity of this range day didn’t hit me until I sat my girl on an ammunition can in front of me and oriented her downrange. She peacefully tucked back into my chest as I began talking to her about the rules of firearm safety with choice insights from my father-in-law, attentive and relaxed nearby. She asked questions, giggled sporadically and flowed into pangs of seriousness when either of her elders provided emphasis.
When I reached for the rifle beside us, something about the cicadas’ deafening chirping centered me on how nervous I actually was. I held my girl, her instruction and my past in my arms. I swallowed and began to speak again, stepping off some precipice.
While my daughter didn’t have the patience or handiness for shouldering the RS22’s 13-inch length of pull right out of the gate, one of the things that I continue to appreciate about the rifle apart from its appearance is its slender profile. The stock is shaped such that a pair of young and inexperienced hands could control the wrist of the stock and manipulate the trigger—and she did; her tenderness fused with confidence.
At the faintest touch of the pad against her chest, she squirmed. I paused at her discomfort and whispered with candor, “You’re such a big girl and I’m so so proud of you.” With a quick nuzzle from her because that’s what unicorns do, she rested her trigger finger outside of the well and stood by to “send it.” Discarding the instruction on proper sight alignment for her first session, we opted for aiming the barrel as accurately as necessary. At my direction, she dropped her finger onto the trigger. “Pull” I said. And gently, she did.
Splash, Out. Good Effects.
The RS22 made a demure pop through the mic of our headphones and the rifle bumped against her but I don’t think she noticed. I’m not sure she knew to notice anything in particular and frankly, that’s OK with me. I think she just took it in. Surely, she’ll be my age someday … and feeling with wide brushstrokes will take more of a deliberate effort. I’m just glad I could join her for that safe moment in not having to notice anything other than our togetherness.
We collected ourselves and recocked for a couple more shots. She loaded the RS22’s single magazine for the first time with ease and I gently cupped her hand as she locked it into place. With the retort of two more shots, my daughter’s attention began to wane. Listening and care began to ebb away and I lifted her off and away from the ammo can. She ran with a predictable jubilee to her granny and mother who had just arrived behind the firing line. I let her go. One of many times I should, I suppose. She’s 6. I’d say there’s plenty of time for more but am at a loss on how to mark the end of the sentence,
The RS22’s bolt smoothly retracted at my hand’s request, showed me it’s “clear” status and was encased for the ride home. Its visage didn’t plead for more rangetime. It appeared to quietly and confidently acknowledge that good morning for what it was and has since been at rest, waiting for that next time.
Good effects on target. That’s what my forward observers used to say. There were many things that came together that morning with my daughter but the RS22 played no small role in the good effects achieved. It showed up, performed and didn’t distract from what was best and true.
It was an especially good morning to be a father. It’s an especially good afternoon to be a father, to remember and to write. And, I suppose in some small way, the child in me feels a little warmer too.
Ian Richardson Bio
Ian Richardson is a devoted father, husband and English teacher in Missouri. He was an infantryman in the U.S. Army and remains a staunch advocate for gun rights and outdoor pursuits.
As an English teacher, Ian has a love for tying in literature to real-world situations and passions, often incorporating his own experiences as a father and husband to enrich old stories.
Ian enjoys the company of his wife and 3 young children and enjoys the prospect of passing on a deep understanding of nature, marksmanship and the craft of hunting.
Ian continues to contribute to the ‘Women’s Outdoor News’ network, has written for ‘Shooting Illustrated’ and has done content creation for many firearm and outdoor-focused companies.
