I Had No Idea Rossi Was Making These

44caliberkid · February 3, 2024, 11:03 AM

https://rossiusa.com/rifles/lever-ac...0-30-win-20-in

A Marlin clone 30-30. I saw two at the gun show last night. Satin finished metal but very nice wood. Also comes with black polymer furniture. Price was $750. The dealer had a lot of Rossi rifles in all the different configurations. Everything looked nice. I ended up buying a 22 Magnum semi-auto, because I didn’t have one.

stagpanther · February 3, 2024, 11:40 AM

I still wouldn't pay anything over $500 for one of their lever guns (having done so twice already)--they just aren't real-world quality IMO. I downloaded the manual and it looks to me like they still use the same rinky-dink magazine tube cap screw and single forearm band bolt to hold the tube and forearm in place in the receiver. I've actually had the mag tube and spring/follower chase after the bullet when fired.

44caliberkid · February 3, 2024, 01:46 PM

My only experience with them is with my Rossi 92, 44-40. I bought it used from a cowboy action shooter who used it for several seasons and have just shot it recreationally since then, but no problems. It does have some really ugly stained mystery wood for stock though.

stagpanther · February 3, 2024, 01:51 PM

Quote:

It does have some really ugly stained mystery wood for stock though.

It's basically the equivalent of balsa wood.

Bill DeShivs · February 3, 2024, 01:56 PM

I doubt it's as soft as balsa wood.

stagpanther · February 3, 2024, 07:55 PM

Quote:

I doubt it's as soft as balsa wood.

The two older ones I have are maybe not as soft as balsa wood--but they are certainly softer than any other wood I've ever seen on a firearm--it's probably some kind of Brazilian wood that's easy to machine. Maybe the "new generation" Rossis use better wood. I noticed that Braztech is now located in GA--hopefully that's an improvement. Used to be that if you were missing just one part you'd have to send the whole firearm to Brazil to get fixed and it was a toss of the dice when you got it back.

taylorce1 · February 4, 2024, 08:44 AM

Nice looking rifle, but I still prefer M94 in .30-30 for some reason. I do miss the Marlin I had in .35 Rem, people thought I was crazy when I mounted an RDS on it.

bamaranger · February 5, 2024, 11:18 PM

I've got a Garand stock made from mahogany. Could Rossi use mahogany or have a source?

bamaranger · February 5, 2024, 11:20 PM

A goggle machine check indicates mahogany is indeed found in Mexico and Brazil.

Pumpkin · February 6, 2024, 12:42 AM

Looks like the same wood CZ uses on their cheaper.22’s. Definitely not walnut.

stagpanther · February 6, 2024, 03:03 AM

I think of my rossi 92's as charming little lever carbines, sort of like Chevy Vegas--mechanically not engineered well but still endearing in their own way if you're into home hobbying tinkering. I don't know what the new ones are made of--but my two have forearms made of soft wood that have compressed down and have issues being retained in the barrel band single screw arrangement. None of this is going to make sense to you until you get one and take it apart and put it together to see the issues for yourself. At 4 to 5 hundred dollars I don't mind messing with them--getting up there in price that competes with American made ones--forget it, wouldn't even consider it, but that's just me and like I said I don't know if they finally got smart and revamped how they build them (I doubt it, but would welcome being convinced otherwise).

Pumpkin · February 6, 2024, 06:29 AM

Wouldn’t a 2.0 Ecotech be sweet in an old Vega hatch. Like a baby Z-28.

FrankenMauser · February 6, 2024, 10:30 AM

Now there's the option for another Marlin 1894 clone, the S&W 1854, rather than a Rossi 92. And, perhaps within the next year, also 336-derived offerings from Aero Precision and Palmetto State Armory. (Yes, you read that correctly. Everyone is getting in on the Marlin clone game now, even AR companies.)

stagpanther · February 6, 2024, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Wouldn’t a 2.0 Ecotech be sweet in an old Vega hatch. Like a baby Z-28.

Friend had one (Vega) in high school and he somehow dropped a small block V8 into it. I got arrested in SC coming back from spring break driving it going a tad bit over the speed limit in what I thought was the middle of nowhere.

I had my own 69 Chevelle SS but seized the engine and stupidly sold it for next to nothing rather than replace the engine.

jmr40 · February 6, 2024, 06:36 PM

That's one ugly stick of wood on the one in the link. Not just the wood, but the stock styling. Says walnut stained hardwood in the description.

I've never owned one, but the Rossi rifles I've seen at gun shows didn't do anything for me. I do like the shorter mag tube though.

Buckeye! · February 14, 2024, 05:48 PM

The wood Rossi uses for the R92 is Açoita-Cavalo (Luehea divaricata), "horse whipper" in a direct translation.

stagpanther · February 14, 2024, 07:24 PM

Quote:

The wood Rossi uses for the R92 is Açoita-Cavalo (Luehea divaricata), "horse whipper" in a direct translation.

It is a distinctly light wood and does not have characteristics like a hardwood like walnut IMO. I hate the stuff cause it compresses easily.

USAF Ret · February 29, 2024, 10:06 PM

I got mine a few weeks ago. I watched the Ranger Point Precision video on the rifle. They helped with the upgrades. It is not an R92. It is a very nice rifle, especially for the money. My Leupold 2-7x33 will be here tomorrow, so hoping to have a range report with factory ammunition Saturday if the weather holds out.

stagpanther · March 5, 2024, 08:18 AM

To the OP-- mea culpa, I didn't know this is actually what you were referring and it doesn't appear to have anything in common with the 92's I've purchased. Although I paid only $400 for my Marlin 336 30-30 as the bow of Remington slipped beneath the waves--this rossi does catch my attention at that price--especially if their design and QC has improved any.

Miami_JBT · March 5, 2024, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stagpanther

I still wouldn't pay anything over $500 for one of their lever guns (having done so twice already)--they just aren't real-world quality IMO. I downloaded the manual and it looks to me like they still use the same rinky-dink magazine tube cap screw and single forearm band bolt to hold the tube and forearm in place in the receiver. I've actually had the mag tube and spring/follower chase after the bullet when fired.

My Rossi R92 in .45 Colt is well made. Quality wood, great fitment, good bluing, smooth action, runs well.

stagpanther · March 6, 2024, 08:13 AM

Quote:

My Rossi R92 in .45 Colt is well made. Quality wood, great fitment, good bluing, smooth action, runs well.

I'd just like to hear from someone who has owned both the older Braztech/Puma 92's and the latest rossi 92's and say "heck yah, they got their poop together and they are much better made now." If it's the same thing--nope.

deadcoyote · March 8, 2024, 11:45 PM

So I owned a Rossi 92 and it was actually a heck of a shooter and ran fine. Got stolen in a burglary unfortunately. I didn’t replace it and had really considered getting this new r95 16.5” model but I waffled due to the $729 price when new. Then I saw the new Smith and Wesson 1854 and like the looks of it but those are $1350 at sportsman warehouse!!! This made me look at the r95 carbine again and now they’re $850. I’m hoping the aero one or the PSA will be a lil more affordable. I’m sure I can always buy one of those heinously ugly mossberg levers off a used rack for a good price.

44caliberkid · March 9, 2024, 11:30 AM

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_...wood+stock+5+1

Bud’s has the wood stocked R95 for $718. The rifle I’m talking about is a Marlin 336 clone in 30-30. I think it’s a good alternative for people who don’t want to spend $1300+ for a Ruger or S&W. Some how we got off onto the Winchester 1892 clones in pistol calibers. I have an older Rossi 92 in 44-40 that had an action job before I owned it and was used in CAS matches successfully by the previous owner. If you were going to have some kind of failure it would be in competition.

USAF Ret · March 9, 2024, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44caliberkid

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_...wood+stock+5+1

Bud’s has the wood stocked R95 for $718. The rifle I’m talking about is a Marlin 336 clone in 30-30. I think it’s a good alternative for people who don’t want to spend $1300+ for a Ruger or S&W. Some how we got off onto the Winchester 1892 clones in pistol calibers. I have an older Rossi 92 in 44-40 that had an action job before I owned it and was used in CAS matches successfully by the previous owner. If you were going to have some kind of failure it would be in competition.

I have my Rossi R95 in 30-30 ready for the range. Shooting tomorrow. Topped with a Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x33. Starting with factory loads. I will provide the data when I get back.

ThomasT · March 9, 2024, 07:03 PM

I looked one of these at Academy yesterday and it was a nice looking gun with a good looking wood stock. I liked the matt finish receiver. I didn't care for the rear sight with the tall horns on each side of the sight blade. Buds has these for $718 and I asked if they would price match and the guy behind the counter thought they would.

February 3, 2024, 11:03 AM	#1
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,104	I Had No Idea Rossi Was Making These https://rossiusa.com/rifles/lever-ac...0-30-win-20-in A Marlin clone 30-30. I saw two at the gun show last night. Satin finished metal but very nice wood. Also comes with black polymer furniture. Price was $750. The dealer had a lot of Rossi rifles in all the different configurations. Everything looked nice. I ended up buying a 22 Magnum semi-auto, because I didn’t have one. Last edited by 44caliberkid; February 3, 2024 at 01:42 PM.

February 3, 2024, 11:40 AM	#2
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,813	I still wouldn't pay anything over $500 for one of their lever guns (having done so twice already)--they just aren't real-world quality IMO. I downloaded the manual and it looks to me like they still use the same rinky-dink magazine tube cap screw and single forearm band bolt to hold the tube and forearm in place in the receiver. I've actually had the mag tube and spring/follower chase after the bullet when fired. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

February 3, 2024, 01:56 PM	#5
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,988	I doubt it's as soft as balsa wood. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 4, 2024, 08:44 AM	#7
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,250	Nice looking rifle, but I still prefer M94 in .30-30 for some reason. I do miss the Marlin I had in .35 Rem, people thought I was crazy when I mounted an RDS on it. __________________ NRA Life Member

February 5, 2024, 11:18 PM	#8
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,318	wood I've got a Garand stock made from mahogany. Could Rossi use mahogany or have a source?

February 3, 2024, 01:46 PM	#3
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,104	My only experience with them is with my Rossi 92, 44-40. I bought it used from a cowboy action shooter who used it for several seasons and have just shot it recreationally since then, but no problems. It does have some really ugly stained mystery wood for stock though.

February 5, 2024, 11:20 PM	#9
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,318	quick check A goggle machine check indicates mahogany is indeed found in Mexico and Brazil.

February 6, 2024, 12:42 AM	#10
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 433	Looks like the same wood CZ uses on their cheaper.22’s. Definitely not walnut.

February 6, 2024, 03:03 AM	#11
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,813	I think of my rossi 92's as charming little lever carbines, sort of like Chevy Vegas--mechanically not engineered well but still endearing in their own way if you're into home hobbying tinkering. I don't know what the new ones are made of--but my two have forearms made of soft wood that have compressed down and have issues being retained in the barrel band single screw arrangement. None of this is going to make sense to you until you get one and take it apart and put it together to see the issues for yourself. At 4 to 5 hundred dollars I don't mind messing with them--getting up there in price that competes with American made ones--forget it, wouldn't even consider it, but that's just me and like I said I don't know if they finally got smart and revamped how they build them (I doubt it, but would welcome being convinced otherwise). __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

February 6, 2024, 06:29 AM	#12
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 433	Wouldn’t a 2.0 Ecotech be sweet in an old Vega hatch. Like a baby Z-28.

February 6, 2024, 10:30 AM	#13
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,427	Now there's the option for another Marlin 1894 clone, the S&W 1854, rather than a Rossi 92. And, perhaps within the next year, also 336-derived offerings from Aero Precision and Palmetto State Armory. (Yes, you read that correctly. Everyone is getting in on the Marlin clone game now, even AR companies.) __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

February 6, 2024, 06:36 PM	#15
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,812	That's one ugly stick of wood on the one in the link. Not just the wood, but the stock styling. Says walnut stained hardwood in the description. I've never owned one, but the Rossi rifles I've seen at gun shows didn't do anything for me. I do like the shorter mag tube though. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

February 29, 2024, 10:06 PM	#18
USAF Ret Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2017 Posts: 809	I got mine a few weeks ago. I watched the Ranger Point Precision video on the rifle. They helped with the upgrades. It is not an R92. It is a very nice rifle, especially for the money. My Leupold 2-7x33 will be here tomorrow, so hoping to have a range report with factory ammunition Saturday if the weather holds out.

March 5, 2024, 08:18 AM	#19
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,813	To the OP-- mea culpa, I didn't know this is actually what you were referring and it doesn't appear to have anything in common with the 92's I've purchased. Although I paid only $400 for my Marlin 336 30-30 as the bow of Remington slipped beneath the waves--this rossi does catch my attention at that price--especially if their design and QC has improved any. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

March 8, 2024, 11:45 PM	#22
deadcoyote Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2009 Location: northern CA Posts: 674	So I owned a Rossi 92 and it was actually a heck of a shooter and ran fine. Got stolen in a burglary unfortunately. I didn’t replace it and had really considered getting this new r95 16.5” model but I waffled due to the $729 price when new. Then I saw the new Smith and Wesson 1854 and like the looks of it but those are $1350 at sportsman warehouse!!! This made me look at the r95 carbine again and now they’re $850. I’m hoping the aero one or the PSA will be a lil more affordable. I’m sure I can always buy one of those heinously ugly mossberg levers off a used rack for a good price.

March 9, 2024, 11:30 AM	#23
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,104	https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_...wood+stock+5+1 Bud’s has the wood stocked R95 for $718. The rifle I’m talking about is a Marlin 336 clone in 30-30. I think it’s a good alternative for people who don’t want to spend $1300+ for a Ruger or S&W. Some how we got off onto the Winchester 1892 clones in pistol calibers. I have an older Rossi 92 in 44-40 that had an action job before I owned it and was used in CAS matches successfully by the previous owner. If you were going to have some kind of failure it would be in competition.

March 9, 2024, 07:03 PM	#25
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,754	I looked one of these at Academy yesterday and it was a nice looking gun with a good looking wood stock. I liked the matt finish receiver. I didn't care for the rear sight with the tall horns on each side of the sight blade. Buds has these for $718 and I asked if they would price match and the guy behind the counter thought they would.