The goal of this series of posts is to detail the modifications I've made to this gun, because I have not found any such guide on the net. All aftermarket manufacturer part numbers and descriptions will be listed. I went through a lot of trial and error with this build, and I'd like to make it easier on folks who may be interested in various components of this setup.
Outline
Part I: General Info and Mods
Part II: Scope and Rings
Part III: Onboard ammo storage
Part IV: Buttplate quick release. Ideas?
The firearm: Rossi Matched Pair break action .22 long rifle and 20 gauge, in youth configuration (Rossi # S201220BS).
My goal for this gun is a backpacking survival gun, albeit a heavy backpacking survival gun. Nevertheless, this pair allows me 3" 20 gauge slugs for imminent threat dangerous game-type situations (Brenneke #SL-203M), as well as a host of .22 rounds and 20 gauge shotshells for small bird and game survival hunting (I especially like CCI CB 22 Long subsonics #0038, CCI 22LR Velocitor #0047 and Federal 20ga 2-3/4" #6 #H2026). I also like to have this around for shooting clays when someone needs a loner or when I want a change of pace from the 870. The 22" 20 gauge barrel is a fixed mod choke and I get good results with Federal 2-3/4" #8 Game and Target Load (Federal #GTL208). I also use this as a plinking rifle and with its heavy barrel I've found it functions pretty well as a target rifle too, so I've outfitted it accordingly with a Weaver 2.5-7x28mm Classic Rimfire scope (Weaver #849431). I'll describe the scope, rings, mount, hammer extension, etc. in detail in Part II. BTW, I called Rossi "customer service" and they stated that the .22 bbl twist is 1 in 16". They never seemed too sure when I called to ask about specifics so although this is a standard rifle twist, I'm taking this with a grain of salt.
Iron sights rifle bbl, front optic in focus:
Note, the hammer extension does not obscure the iron sights in the uncocked position.
Open sights shotgun bbl, front bead in focus, obscured by hammer:
!! Note, the hammer extension obscures the bead when the gun is uncocked.
Open sights shotgun bbl, front bead in focus:
!! Note, the hammer extension provides clear sight of the bead only when the gun is cocked.
I replaced the stock sling swivels with Uncle Mike’s Quick Detach swivels (Uncle Mike’s #14032). Had to drill out the swivel studs to widen the holes for the larger diameter QD swivels to fit into the studs. The idea was that if I had a sling mounted, I could detach the sling at either mount point in order to unscrew the forend swivel. I purchased a Butler Creek Comfort Stretch neoprene sling (Butler Creek #80013, returned), and I just wasn’t happy with the fit on this youth-size rifle. I'll be sticking with a basic 1" nylon sling or a home made paracord sling if the occasion arises that I want it on my shoulder.
On the butt of the gun I’ve added a Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad, size small (Sims #10546). Fits well and it's great for the recoil on the 20 gauge. In fact, I’d say that if you were to buy one thing for your youth-sized break action Rossi, to make it a Limbsaver slip-on. The difference is the 20 gauge goes from no fun to... well, fun. And it adds 1 inch to the length of pull, making it a bit for comfortable for non-youth users. Adjacent to this is an Uncle Mike’s neoprene 5 shell buttcuff (Uncle Mike's #8849-3), which I cut to size along its rear to fit next to the recoil pad, without one overlapping the other. This was performed using a razor blade. Also, I used an awl, heated red hot to sear a hole in the base of the buttcuff where the rear swivel stud screws into the stock.
More photos:
Outline
Part I: General Info and Mods
Part II: Scope and Rings
Part III: Onboard ammo storage
Part IV: Buttplate quick release. Ideas?
The firearm: Rossi Matched Pair break action .22 long rifle and 20 gauge, in youth configuration (Rossi # S201220BS).
My goal for this gun is a backpacking survival gun, albeit a heavy backpacking survival gun. Nevertheless, this pair allows me 3" 20 gauge slugs for imminent threat dangerous game-type situations (Brenneke #SL-203M), as well as a host of .22 rounds and 20 gauge shotshells for small bird and game survival hunting (I especially like CCI CB 22 Long subsonics #0038, CCI 22LR Velocitor #0047 and Federal 20ga 2-3/4" #6 #H2026). I also like to have this around for shooting clays when someone needs a loner or when I want a change of pace from the 870. The 22" 20 gauge barrel is a fixed mod choke and I get good results with Federal 2-3/4" #8 Game and Target Load (Federal #GTL208). I also use this as a plinking rifle and with its heavy barrel I've found it functions pretty well as a target rifle too, so I've outfitted it accordingly with a Weaver 2.5-7x28mm Classic Rimfire scope (Weaver #849431). I'll describe the scope, rings, mount, hammer extension, etc. in detail in Part II. BTW, I called Rossi "customer service" and they stated that the .22 bbl twist is 1 in 16". They never seemed too sure when I called to ask about specifics so although this is a standard rifle twist, I'm taking this with a grain of salt.
Iron sights rifle bbl, front optic in focus:
Note, the hammer extension does not obscure the iron sights in the uncocked position.
Open sights shotgun bbl, front bead in focus, obscured by hammer:
!! Note, the hammer extension obscures the bead when the gun is uncocked.
Open sights shotgun bbl, front bead in focus:
!! Note, the hammer extension provides clear sight of the bead only when the gun is cocked.
I replaced the stock sling swivels with Uncle Mike’s Quick Detach swivels (Uncle Mike’s #14032). Had to drill out the swivel studs to widen the holes for the larger diameter QD swivels to fit into the studs. The idea was that if I had a sling mounted, I could detach the sling at either mount point in order to unscrew the forend swivel. I purchased a Butler Creek Comfort Stretch neoprene sling (Butler Creek #80013, returned), and I just wasn’t happy with the fit on this youth-size rifle. I'll be sticking with a basic 1" nylon sling or a home made paracord sling if the occasion arises that I want it on my shoulder.
On the butt of the gun I’ve added a Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad, size small (Sims #10546). Fits well and it's great for the recoil on the 20 gauge. In fact, I’d say that if you were to buy one thing for your youth-sized break action Rossi, to make it a Limbsaver slip-on. The difference is the 20 gauge goes from no fun to... well, fun. And it adds 1 inch to the length of pull, making it a bit for comfortable for non-youth users. Adjacent to this is an Uncle Mike’s neoprene 5 shell buttcuff (Uncle Mike's #8849-3), which I cut to size along its rear to fit next to the recoil pad, without one overlapping the other. This was performed using a razor blade. Also, I used an awl, heated red hot to sear a hole in the base of the buttcuff where the rear swivel stud screws into the stock.
More photos: