Rossi 92 vs Marlin 1894

Mattj4867 · January 23, 2018, 09:18 PM

Hi all. I’ve been looking for a lever gun in 44mag and can’t decide which would be a better buy. Both of these companie’s customer service and quality have been questionable lately. The Rossi is $50-$100 cheaper than the marlin. I like both designs equally. Which company would you go with?

Targa · January 23, 2018, 09:27 PM

I have no experience with the Marlin but my Rossi has been excellent. A little rough around the edges but well built and has smoothed out nicely with use.

shootniron · January 23, 2018, 09:43 PM

I have both...I prefer the Rossi (Winchester styled action).

Charlie98 · January 23, 2018, 10:39 PM

I'd take the Marlin everyday, and twice on Sunday... although I would search for a true JM stamped Marlin, not a Remington Marlin.

YankeeIronSights · January 23, 2018, 11:00 PM

I owned both and traded them. I now own a Winchester 1873 in .357.

If I had to choose one, the JM stamped Marlin would be my first choice. Built by the original gunsmiths, it is very easy to clean. Just remove one screw and the bolt comes off for easy maintenance. These rifles are reliable and accurate.

The Rossi has a 50/50 reputation, when it comes to reliability. Mine worked well. It is accurate. However, you must dismantle many components in order to clean it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Targa · January 23, 2018, 11:14 PM

Quote:

However, you must dismantle many components in order to clean it.

No doubt about that^^^. I break mine down for a thorough cleaning once a year, other than that I just clean the barrel, shoot some CLP on the bolt, cycle it, clean the areas I can reach.

3Crows · January 23, 2018, 11:16 PM

Whatever:

It shoots through the same hole more often than not. Eats everything from BB 430 grain +P to my home load Trail Boss subsonics and shoots them all well as I am the limiting factor, not the rifle. And it is a Remington owned Marlin. And it is beautiful. And it is the smoothest cycling Marlin I have ever owned of many since I came of age in the 60s.

3C

Hawg · January 23, 2018, 11:28 PM

Rossi 92 hands down.

Pathfinder45 · January 24, 2018, 02:38 AM

Handle them both before you choose. Keep in mind, that on this site, many would say that the best choice is to get both.

PatientWolf · January 24, 2018, 06:21 AM

I'd look for a used Browning B92, but then you'd have that permanent smile on your face.

zipspyder · January 24, 2018, 09:14 AM

Rossi 92 all the way.

444 · January 24, 2018, 11:01 AM

I don't know anything about the Rossi. I don't know if I have ever seen one.

I have however purchased two Marlin 1895 lever guns within the last two years and I can't see any issue with them at all. I have also messed around with a couple other purchased within the last year and don't see any issue with them either. Based solely on the very few rifles I have handled, I am leaning toward these Marlin quality issues being internet drama. And FWIW, I own several Marlin rifles that I have owned for 15 or 20 years to compare the new ones against.

jaysouth · January 24, 2018, 11:39 AM

If you need optics, get the marlin. If you are sensitive to recoil, the curved metal butt plate on the Rossi will not be your friend.

If your gun will be exposed to rain, mud, moisture, the rossi is very difficult to disassemble and clean properly. But it looks cooler.

cjwils · January 24, 2018, 12:30 PM

If you like high pressure ammo, the Marlin is stronger than the Rossi.

Pathfinder45 · January 24, 2018, 02:49 PM

About this:

Quote:

If you like high pressure ammo, the Marlin is stronger than the Rossi.

I was under the impression that the opposite is true, but what do I know?

Here is a link to an article by Paco Kelly at Leverguns: http://www.leverguns.com/articles/pa...ltlevergun.htm

I know it is more specifically about those rifles in 45 Colt, however, there is pertinent content concerning these various models.

zipspyder · January 24, 2018, 02:59 PM

My Rossi 92 - 45 Colt is built on a 454 casull frame so it can take any pressures a Marlin can take. If people feel the need to put a lot of ++P rounds through their lever guns then they are better served to buy the next caliber up or a magnum.

dgludwig · January 24, 2018, 05:12 PM

[QUOTE] I'd look for a used Browning B92,...

Same here, PatientWolf, but they are a mite more pricey; even used ones.

shootniron · January 24, 2018, 05:22 PM

Quote:

If you like high pressure ammo, the Marlin is stronger than the Rossi.

Sorry, my friend...you are WRONG.

The Rossi is stronger than the Marlin.

The Rossi has been chambered in .454 Casull...the Marlin receiver will not stand up to .454.

Next time you look at a Rossi...look down on the top of the action and notice those 2 big locking lugs behind the bolt.

wild willy · January 24, 2018, 05:24 PM

I have several Marlin pistol caliber guns and I like them but I would have no problem buying a Rossi.Handle them both buy which one you like better unless you plan on scoping it then buy a Marlin.The Rossi ( Winchester 92) is a stronger action than the Marlin 94.

smee78 · January 24, 2018, 05:44 PM

I have owned both in 45C and they are equally fun guns. Like it has been mentioned, if putting optics on your gun then I would go with the Marlin. The Rossi has a curved hard but plate that may be hard on your shoulder if shooting heavy loads and is harder to put a scope on.

zipspyder · January 24, 2018, 05:53 PM

They are both awesome lever guns. Aesthetically the Rossi's and Winchester's are more my style but that's a personal opinion. The only issue I have with my Rossi is taking it apart is a nightmare doing the lever/ejector pin. Or rather putting it together again is. I did that once when replacing the springs with a cowboy action kit. Marlin is much easier.

Pathfinder45 · January 24, 2018, 06:39 PM

The Marlin is a very strong gun, much, much stronger than an 1873 Winchester. However, the 1892 Winchester is stronger yet, but with hot loads, it has a reputation of killing on both ends.

COSteve · January 24, 2018, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pathfinder45

The Marlin is a very strong gun, much, much stronger than an 1873 Winchester. However, the 1892 Winchester is stronger yet, but with hot loads, it has a reputation of killing on both ends.

By that he means that because the leverguns are usually light with a small, hard buttstock, if you shoot real heavy loads (like a 454 Casull) in the Rossi, the recoil can be punishing.

I have 2 Rossi 357mag leverguns; a 24"oct bbl rifle and a 20" rd bbl carbine and I only shoot full power 158grn 357mag loads in them producing close to 2,000fps MV. Even though the rifles a compact and light weight, the recoil with my heavy 357mag loads is considered by many to be fairly light. Notably lighter than a Winchester '94 shooting a standard commercial 150grn rd.

Heck, my 110lb, 5' 0" wife loves shooting my carbine.

Pathfinder45 · January 24, 2018, 07:34 PM

Since the gun under consideration would be a 44 Magnum, it will kick harder than a 357 Magnum. Nothing than a slip-on recoil-pad can't remedy, though.

zipspyder · January 25, 2018, 09:36 AM

This has probably been stated already many times but if any of you who enjoy shooting + P loads in your lever guns but the recoil is a little stout just purchase a cheap 6mm thick mouse-pad in your favorite color (mine is black), cut to fit the the butt plate and glue/tape the cloth side to the butt plate. Really cheap and easy recoil pad.

January 23, 2018, 09:18 PM	#1
Mattj4867 Member Join Date: January 17, 2017 Posts: 85	Rossi 92 vs Marlin 1894 Hi all. I’ve been looking for a lever gun in 44mag and can’t decide which would be a better buy. Both of these companie’s customer service and quality have been questionable lately. The Rossi is $50-$100 cheaper than the marlin. I like both designs equally. Which company would you go with?

January 23, 2018, 10:39 PM	#4
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	I'd take the Marlin everyday, and twice on Sunday... although I would search for a true JM stamped Marlin, not a Remington Marlin. __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

January 24, 2018, 11:01 AM	#12
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	I don't know anything about the Rossi. I don't know if I have ever seen one. I have however purchased two Marlin 1895 lever guns within the last two years and I can't see any issue with them at all. I have also messed around with a couple other purchased within the last year and don't see any issue with them either. Based solely on the very few rifles I have handled, I am leaning toward these Marlin quality issues being internet drama. And FWIW, I own several Marlin rifles that I have owned for 15 or 20 years to compare the new ones against. __________________ You know the rest. In the books you have read How the British Regulars fired and fled, How the farmers gave them ball for ball, From behind each fence and farmyard wall, Chasing the redcoats down the lane, Then crossing the fields to emerge again Under the trees at the turn of the road, And only pausing to fire and load.

January 24, 2018, 02:59 PM	#16
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	My Rossi 92 - 45 Colt is built on a 454 casull frame so it can take any pressures a Marlin can take. If people feel the need to put a lot of ++P rounds through their lever guns then they are better served to buy the next caliber up or a magnum. Last edited by zipspyder; January 24, 2018 at 05:15 PM.

January 24, 2018, 05:12 PM	#17
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	[QUOTE] I'd look for a used Browning B92,... Same here, PatientWolf, but they are a mite more pricey; even used ones. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

January 23, 2018, 09:27 PM	#2
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	I have no experience with the Marlin but my Rossi has been excellent. A little rough around the edges but well built and has smoothed out nicely with use.

January 23, 2018, 09:43 PM	#3
shootniron Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,599	I have both...I prefer the Rossi (Winchester styled action).

January 23, 2018, 11:00 PM	#5
YankeeIronSights Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 261	I owned both and traded them. I now own a Winchester 1873 in .357. If I had to choose one, the JM stamped Marlin would be my first choice. Built by the original gunsmiths, it is very easy to clean. Just remove one screw and the bolt comes off for easy maintenance. These rifles are reliable and accurate. The Rossi has a 50/50 reputation, when it comes to reliability. Mine worked well. It is accurate. However, you must dismantle many components in order to clean it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

January 23, 2018, 11:16 PM	#7
3Crows Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2017 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 220	Whatever: It shoots through the same hole more often than not. Eats everything from BB 430 grain +P to my home load Trail Boss subsonics and shoots them all well as I am the limiting factor, not the rifle. And it is a Remington owned Marlin. And it is beautiful. And it is the smoothest cycling Marlin I have ever owned of many since I came of age in the 60s. 3C

January 23, 2018, 11:28 PM	#8
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,189	Rossi 92 hands down.

January 24, 2018, 02:38 AM	#9
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Handle them both before you choose. Keep in mind, that on this site, many would say that the best choice is to get both.

January 24, 2018, 06:21 AM	#10
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 947	I'd look for a used Browning B92, but then you'd have that permanent smile on your face.

January 24, 2018, 09:14 AM	#11
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	Rossi 92 all the way.

January 24, 2018, 11:39 AM	#13
jaysouth Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2001 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 787	If you need optics, get the marlin. If you are sensitive to recoil, the curved metal butt plate on the Rossi will not be your friend. If your gun will be exposed to rain, mud, moisture, the rossi is very difficult to disassemble and clean properly. But it looks cooler.

January 24, 2018, 12:30 PM	#14
cjwils Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2010 Location: Washington state Posts: 401	If you like high pressure ammo, the Marlin is stronger than the Rossi.

January 24, 2018, 05:24 PM	#19
wild willy Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2006 Posts: 404	I have several Marlin pistol caliber guns and I like them but I would have no problem buying a Rossi.Handle them both buy which one you like better unless you plan on scoping it then buy a Marlin.The Rossi ( Winchester 92) is a stronger action than the Marlin 94.

January 24, 2018, 05:44 PM	#20
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I have owned both in 45C and they are equally fun guns. Like it has been mentioned, if putting optics on your gun then I would go with the Marlin. The Rossi has a curved hard but plate that may be hard on your shoulder if shooting heavy loads and is harder to put a scope on. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

January 24, 2018, 05:53 PM	#21
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	They are both awesome lever guns. Aesthetically the Rossi's and Winchester's are more my style but that's a personal opinion. The only issue I have with my Rossi is taking it apart is a nightmare doing the lever/ejector pin. Or rather putting it together again is. I did that once when replacing the springs with a cowboy action kit. Marlin is much easier.

January 24, 2018, 06:39 PM	#22
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	The Marlin is a very strong gun, much, much stronger than an 1873 Winchester. However, the 1892 Winchester is stronger yet, but with hot loads, it has a reputation of killing on both ends.

January 24, 2018, 07:34 PM	#24
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Since the gun under consideration would be a 44 Magnum, it will kick harder than a 357 Magnum. Nothing than a slip-on recoil-pad can't remedy, though.

January 25, 2018, 09:36 AM	#25
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	This has probably been stated already many times but if any of you who enjoy shooting + P loads in your lever guns but the recoil is a little stout just purchase a cheap 6mm thick mouse-pad in your favorite color (mine is black), cut to fit the the butt plate and glue/tape the cloth side to the butt plate. Really cheap and easy recoil pad.