Rossi model 92 .38/.357 carbine feedback - Page 2

lizerdking · March 23, 2015, 09:51 PM

Love mine. Took two white tail with it last fall @ 50 yards open sight. They both dropped on the spot.

There's a trick to loading them, push the bullet just a bit into the loading gate and then use the next round to push it the rest of the way through, and leave that round sticking out a bit. Rinse and repeat.

Try for a pre safety model, at least that's what I hear.

rebs · March 24, 2015, 11:22 AM

I had read about the Rossi's not feeding both 38 and 357, that they will shoot one or the other reliably, is this true ?
I have looked at the Henry but its considerably more expensive than the Rossi, are they worth the extra cost in 38/357 caliber ?
I bought a new Henry golden boy 22 and it was perfect right out of the box excellent smooth action and extremely accurate. Would their 38/357 be of the same quality ?

kealil · March 24, 2015, 01:09 PM

I was worried about some of the negative press regarding this rifle. I am so happy I ignored it. I just got mine about 2 months ago. Great rifle out of the box. The rifle looks good. Serviceable but not heirloom quality. Action is slick out of the box. Pretty darn accurate. I am not a good judge since I am horrible with irons on any rifle let alone buckhorn sights. Super reliable. Feeds 357 mag, 38 special, and empty 357 cases flawlessly.

My only complaint is the lack of accommodations for current optics of any type. The only solution I’ve found is a side scope mount which I still haven’t been able to work properly. This is a small gripe though since I can shoot it without the optic but I prefer to shoot rifle with one.

Two words: GET IT!
More words: You won’t regret it!

skizzums · March 24, 2015, 01:43 PM

I got mine ordered from LGS about a year and half ago. LOVE IT!!! feeds everything reliably, accurate, quiet and just FUN!! I have no regrets, well maybe one, I wish I had went with the 16" instead of the 20". I have found that the anything over 16" actually starts to decline velocity, and although it already really light, lighter would be even better. people talked about needing "slicked up", I don't see the need, I can shoot it fast simple. I could go on for pages about how much I like, quite possibly my favorite gun....

stagpanther · March 28, 2015, 09:07 PM

My 16" 44 came with all kinds of issues and I almost heaved it into the dumpster, but I eventually figured out most of the problems and it can now pound the hottest loads I can load up into MOA at 100. It's now one of my favorite weapons of the many that I have. 4.8 lbs of kick-taming rifle--can't think of anything else quite like it. And yet another opportunity to post a gratuitous pic. : )

oley55 · April 6, 2015, 04:57 PM

the good, the not quite so good, and anything else you ever wanted to know about a Rossi 92 can be found here:

http://www.rossi-rifleman.com/viewforum.php?f=9

some can use a little tweaking, but for their low cost, pretty unreasonable to expect an absolutely perfect weapon.

I absolutely love my 24" octagon with case harden color receiver in 38/357. although a pretty big gun for banging around in a pichup's cab.

and I'm watching hard for a 44mag in matching configuration.

skizzums · April 6, 2015, 05:13 PM

who could throw this outta bed

I would like hear any negative feedback on someone that has bought a rossi in the last 2-3 years. I don't know what issues plagued them in the past, but everyone I talk to that owns a recent manufacture one seems to have a vey positive experience.

stagpanther · April 6, 2015, 07:04 PM

Well, I bought my about a year ago and it DEFINITELY had major issues (I have a lot of posts on that rossi forum BTW)--but as I said I fixed em all eventually.

Here are the issues with purchasing a rossi:

1. You're buying a braztec (Taurus) product--if ANYTHING goes wrong--even a screw breaking--you will have to box and send the entire weapon to Brazil for them to determine what they will or will not do.

2. They do have an earned reputation for unpolished action parts--for some people that's not an issue--for others that have used a Winchester or Marlin it often is.

3. My particular gun came with the magazine tube way over-torqued at the front barrel band--so much so the gun wouldn't group under 7" at 25 yds! It was obviously putting way too much pressure on the barrel. I machined down the barrel band to relieve the pressure--but when I did that the magazine cap screw would no longer engage the dimple in the barrel. Upon the first shot the magazine tube flew out of the receiver--that little cap screw is the only thing retaining the magazine tube to the receiver. I eventually epoxied the mag tube to the wood foregrip (junk wood anyway) which is in turn held by a much more robust screw in a slot in the barrel. You might think that simply getting a replacement screw would fix the problem--but that is easier said than done--they have their own proprietary thread pitch--and you're back to sending the whole weapon back to them.

4. Grip and stock woods can vary greatly--mostly junky soft wood with poor finishing these days; but occasionally someone gets lucky and gets some nice stuff.

After all that you would think I hate the gun--but I eventually got mine to shoot very well with the hottest 44 mag loads I can whip up--so I love what I made it into.

I think a rossi can be a great weapon once they can be jiggered into working right. I think it's pretty evident what you're potentially getting yourself into when you consider Steve has achieved immortality and a decent living by providing fixes for them.

I love mine--but realistically IMO it is way over-priced for all the trouble you may very well get into. I paid just under $600 for mine--real world value IMO for this kind of weapon is $375/425. I think the romantic image of the cowboy action image over-inflates it's popularity and price--but again--if you're willing to tough it out they can be made into great, fun shooters--just go into the deal with eyes open.

Auto5 · April 6, 2015, 07:53 PM

[QUOTE]I love mine--but realistically IMO it is way over-priced for all the trouble you may very well get into. I paid just under $600 for mine--real world value IMO for this kind of weapon is $375/425.[QUOTE]

$600.00? My 20" .44 cost less than $450.00, including tax and shipping.

A pause for the COZ · April 6, 2015, 08:08 PM

I like mine allot. I put a cheap shot gun scope on it and can pop clay pigeons all day long at 100 yard with 125gr loads.
Mine has a issue feeding 38 special. It will kick them back behind the lever.
I have to take it apart to remove the round. I am sure its just me short stroking it. I worry about slinging my brass out of reach. What can I say, I am a reloader.

No problems feeding 357mag length cases.
Should be just the ticket for those pesky coyotes.

Water-Man · April 6, 2015, 11:48 PM

http://www.mod94scoperail.com/

Here's an option for a scope mount on the M92.

skizzums · April 6, 2015, 11:54 PM

I ordered mine through my LGS, it was 530$ out the door for the 20" SS. I could of gotten cheaper online, but felt the 20$ more to have the GS deal with any shipping back is worth it. been great out of the box, yes the internals are not polished, but it runs smooth as is

stagpanther · April 7, 2015, 12:15 AM

I really do love my rossi, I was trying to be what I thought is objective. If you're not the kind of person that doesn't mind rolling up your sleeves and doing some work to get maximum potential out of a weapon--I would simply say it can be a toss of the dice whether you'll be happy or not with one.

Airman Basic · April 7, 2015, 04:17 AM

This Lee 140 grain works slick in 38 or 357 in my Rossi. Got the 6 holer which you will need as the Rossi does spit them out.

Targa · April 7, 2015, 08:08 AM

I absolutely love my 16" .44. Not as nice as my 74' Win 94 but it shouldn't be. The only thing I would have done differently is purchased the 16" in 357 and a 20" in .44. Hot .44 loads out of that 16" rifle certainly let you know your alive

.

COSteve · April 7, 2015, 10:51 AM

I have two 2009 Rossi 357mags I bought new. A 24" octagon bbl rifle and a 20" round bbl carbine. I went through both using Steve Young's $58 slick up kit and DvD, replacing the plastic mag follower and way too strong ejector spring as well as trimming the mag spring (to allow loading of extra rounds), lightening the trigger and loading gate springs and slicking up the internal rough edges. While I was at it, I also got his $19 bolt plug to remove the stupid bolt safety Rossi's lairs/lawyers talked them into using some years back.

Both have well over 3.5K rds through them now and both feed and cycle slick as snot as well as having nice, smooth triggers. Besides being fun as heck to shoot, they are both accurate as heck with my 158grn handloads as I added a tang sight, folding rear, and globe front sight to the rifle and shoot it at steel targets at 300yds. Off the bench, 8" steel plates at 200yds are dead every time with both the rifle and carbine.

Both mine feed both 38spl and 357mag well as long as the 38spl loads have an OAL close to 1.500" (normal 38spl OAL is 1.460" and 357mag is 1.580") as, like all leverguns, they are a bit sensitive to cartridge OAL. That's not an issue anymore as I've traded/sold all my 38spl brass and now shoot 357mag brass exclusively because it's easier to just cycle one size of brass rather than keep track of both types.

As I reload for all my calibers, I do for my Rossis too. I find that 357mag components are relatively cheap and plentiful and my plated 158grn bullet loads actually cost me less to make than buying bulk rate, cheap 22mag ammo so shooting costs are low and practice time is plentiful. Further, the 357mag round is very versatile out of a levergun as I can make light charge 357mag plinking/small varmint loads with 125grn bullets at 1000-1200fps all the way up to heavy, 180grn high velocity hunting loads. A popular deer hunting load is a 158grn bullet at 2150fps out of an 18" bbl levergun. That's enough for all but the largest deer at moderate ranges under 100yds.

All in all, my Rossis are favorites of mine and all those I take out shooting with me. They're light, compact, low recoil, accurate, and with both a carbine and a rifle, everyone finds one that fits them well. They are both a blast to shoot and great walking around pieces, especially with a pocket full of extra ammo to play with.

joneb · April 9, 2015, 09:44 PM

I have Rossi Model 92 and it is very accurate. The firing pin broke on mine and I did a garage fix that has been holding up so far. Other than that it's been a great rifle.

Emerson Biggies · April 10, 2015, 07:04 PM

Right out of the box from Bud's Gun Shop it looked beautiful. Unfortunately, when I tried to shoot it, nothing would chamber. The cartridges would attack the chamber at a sharp angle and tend to set the bullet back in the case. (factory rounds)
First trip to the factory repair.
Rifle came back with the same problem.
Second trip to the factory repair.
Gun came back with same problem and the right side of the receiver was oxidized as someone had turned a torch on it and probably got it red hot.
Third trip to factory repair. Gun works fine and receiver was apparently re-blued. The barrel looks like it had been replaced as there is a good looking feed ramp in it now that it did not have before all this trouble. Ramp rear sight returns to lower position after being fired all by itself. Automatic sight reset??

Hawg · April 10, 2015, 08:22 PM

I've had an Interarms Rossi in 44-40 for a number of years now and yes it was rough when I got it but I filled the action with white lithium grease and worked the snot out of it for a couple of hours and now you can run cartridges through it with one finger. I changed the rear sight to a Marbles full buckhorn I use as a ghost ring. Never had any kind of problem with it.

March 24, 2015, 01:09 PM	#28
kealil Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2011 Posts: 270	I was worried about some of the negative press regarding this rifle. I am so happy I ignored it. I just got mine about 2 months ago. Great rifle out of the box. The rifle looks good. Serviceable but not heirloom quality. Action is slick out of the box. Pretty darn accurate. I am not a good judge since I am horrible with irons on any rifle let alone buckhorn sights. Super reliable. Feeds 357 mag, 38 special, and empty 357 cases flawlessly. My only complaint is the lack of accommodations for current optics of any type. The only solution I’ve found is a side scope mount which I still haven’t been able to work properly. This is a small gripe though since I can shoot it without the optic but I prefer to shoot rifle with one. Two words: GET IT! More words: You won’t regret it! __________________ "A weapon without a name is nothing; Just another hunk of steel, wood, or what have you. A weapon with a name is more. It is a partner, a friend, and a comrade to the end"

March 24, 2015, 01:43 PM	#29
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	I got mine ordered from LGS about a year and half ago. LOVE IT!!! feeds everything reliably, accurate, quiet and just FUN!! I have no regrets, well maybe one, I wish I had went with the 16" instead of the 20". I have found that the anything over 16" actually starts to decline velocity, and although it already really light, lighter would be even better. people talked about needing "slicked up", I don't see the need, I can shoot it fast simple. I could go on for pages about how much I like, quite possibly my favorite gun.... __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

March 28, 2015, 09:07 PM	#30
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	My 16" 44 came with all kinds of issues and I almost heaved it into the dumpster, but I eventually figured out most of the problems and it can now pound the hottest loads I can load up into MOA at 100. It's now one of my *favorite* weapons of the many that I have. 4.8 lbs of kick-taming rifle--can't think of anything else quite like it. And yet another opportunity to post a gratuitous pic. : ) __________________ "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!*

April 6, 2015, 04:57 PM	#31
oley55 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2013 Location: JAX, FL Posts: 377	the good, the not quite so good, and anything else you ever wanted to know about a Rossi 92 can be found here: http://www.rossi-rifleman.com/viewforum.php?f=9 some can use a little tweaking, but for their low cost, pretty unreasonable to expect an absolutely perfect weapon. I absolutely love my 24" octagon with case harden color receiver in 38/357. although a pretty big gun for banging around in a pichup's cab. and I'm watching hard for a 44mag in matching configuration. __________________ “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.” ― Ronald Reagan Last edited by oley55; April 6, 2015 at 06:51 PM.

April 6, 2015, 05:13 PM	#32
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	who could throw this outta bed I would like hear any negative feedback on someone that has bought a rossi in the last 2-3 years. I don't know what issues plagued them in the past, but everyone I talk to that owns a recent manufacture one seems to have a vey positive experience. __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

March 23, 2015, 09:51 PM	#26
lizerdking Junior Member Join Date: March 23, 2015 Posts: 3	Love mine. Took two white tail with it last fall @ 50 yards open sight. They both dropped on the spot. There's a trick to loading them, push the bullet just a bit into the loading gate and then use the next round to push it the rest of the way through, and leave that round sticking out a bit. Rinse and repeat. Try for a pre safety model, at least that's what I hear.

March 24, 2015, 11:22 AM	#27
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	I had read about the Rossi's not feeding both 38 and 357, that they will shoot one or the other reliably, is this true ? I have looked at the Henry but its considerably more expensive than the Rossi, are they worth the extra cost in 38/357 caliber ? I bought a new Henry golden boy 22 and it was perfect right out of the box excellent smooth action and extremely accurate. Would their 38/357 be of the same quality ?

April 6, 2015, 07:04 PM	#33
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	Well, I bought my about a year ago and it DEFINITELY had major issues (I have a lot of posts on that rossi forum BTW)--but as I said I fixed em all eventually. Here are the issues with purchasing a rossi: 1. You're buying a braztec (Taurus) product--if ANYTHING goes wrong--even a screw breaking--you will have to box and send the entire weapon to Brazil for them to determine what they will or will not do. 2. They do have an earned reputation for unpolished action parts--for some people that's not an issue--for others that have used a Winchester or Marlin it often is. 3. My particular gun came with the magazine tube way over-torqued at the front barrel band--so much so the gun wouldn't group under 7" at 25 yds! It was obviously putting way too much pressure on the barrel. I machined down the barrel band to relieve the pressure--but when I did that the magazine cap screw would no longer engage the dimple in the barrel. Upon the first shot the magazine tube flew out of the receiver--that little cap screw is the only thing retaining the magazine tube to the receiver. I eventually epoxied the mag tube to the wood foregrip (junk wood anyway) which is in turn held by a much more robust screw in a slot in the barrel. You might think that simply getting a replacement screw would fix the problem--but that is easier said than done--they have their own proprietary thread pitch--and you're back to sending the whole weapon back to them. 4. Grip and stock woods can vary greatly--mostly junky soft wood with poor finishing these days; but occasionally someone gets lucky and gets some nice stuff. After all that you would think I hate the gun--but I eventually got mine to shoot very well with the hottest 44 mag loads I can whip up--so I love what I made it into. I think a rossi *can* be a great weapon once they can be jiggered into working right. I think it's pretty evident what you're potentially getting yourself into when you consider Steve has achieved immortality and a decent living by providing fixes for them. I love mine--but realistically IMO it is way over-priced for all the trouble you may very well get into. I paid just under $600 for mine--real world value IMO for this kind of weapon is $375/425. I think the romantic image of the cowboy action image over-inflates it's popularity and price--but again--if you're willing to tough it out they can be made into great, fun shooters--just go into the deal with eyes open. __________________ "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!* Last edited by stagpanther; April 6, 2015 at 07:12 PM.

April 6, 2015, 07:53 PM	#34
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	[QUOTE]I love mine--but realistically IMO it is way over-priced for all the trouble you may very well get into. I paid just under $600 for mine--real world value IMO for this kind of weapon is $375/425.[QUOTE] $600.00? My 20" .44 cost less than $450.00, including tax and shipping. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

April 6, 2015, 08:08 PM	#35
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	I like mine allot. I put a cheap shot gun scope on it and can pop clay pigeons all day long at 100 yard with 125gr loads. Mine has a issue feeding 38 special. It will kick them back behind the lever. I have to take it apart to remove the round. I am sure its just me short stroking it. I worry about slinging my brass out of reach. What can I say, I am a reloader. No problems feeding 357mag length cases. Should be just the ticket for those pesky coyotes.

April 6, 2015, 11:48 PM	#36
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	http://www.mod94scoperail.com/ Here's an option for a scope mount on the M92.

April 6, 2015, 11:54 PM	#37
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	I ordered mine through my LGS, it was 530$ out the door for the 20" SS. I could of gotten cheaper online, but felt the 20$ more to have the GS deal with any shipping back is worth it. been great out of the box, yes the internals are not polished, but it runs smooth as is __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

April 7, 2015, 12:15 AM	#38
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	I really do love my rossi, I was trying to be what I thought is objective. If you're not the kind of person that doesn't mind rolling up your sleeves and doing some work to get maximum potential out of a weapon--I would simply say it can be a toss of the dice whether you'll be happy or not with one. __________________ "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!*

April 7, 2015, 04:17 AM	#39
Airman Basic Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2013 Location: South of Interstate 20 Posts: 219	This Lee 140 grain works slick in 38 or 357 in my Rossi. Got the 6 holer which you will need as the Rossi does spit them out.

April 7, 2015, 08:08 AM	#40
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	I absolutely love my 16" .44. Not as nice as my 74' Win 94 but it shouldn't be. The only thing I would have done differently is purchased the 16" in 357 and a 20" in .44. Hot .44 loads out of that 16" rifle certainly let you know your alive .

April 7, 2015, 10:51 AM	#41
COSteve Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2009 Posts: 1,344	I have two 2009 Rossi 357mags I bought new. A 24" octagon bbl rifle and a 20" round bbl carbine. I went through both using Steve Young's $58 slick up kit and DvD, replacing the plastic mag follower and way too strong ejector spring as well as trimming the mag spring (to allow loading of extra rounds), lightening the trigger and loading gate springs and slicking up the internal rough edges. While I was at it, I also got his $19 bolt plug to remove the stupid bolt safety Rossi's lairs/lawyers talked them into using some years back. Both have well over 3.5K rds through them now and both feed and cycle slick as snot as well as having nice, smooth triggers. Besides being fun as heck to shoot, they are both accurate as heck with my 158grn handloads as I added a tang sight, folding rear, and globe front sight to the rifle and shoot it at steel targets at 300yds. Off the bench, 8" steel plates at 200yds are dead every time with both the rifle and carbine. Both mine feed both 38spl and 357mag well as long as the 38spl loads have an OAL close to 1.500" (normal 38spl OAL is 1.460" and 357mag is 1.580") as, like all leverguns, they are a bit sensitive to cartridge OAL. That's not an issue anymore as I've traded/sold all my 38spl brass and now shoot 357mag brass exclusively because it's easier to just cycle one size of brass rather than keep track of both types. As I reload for all my calibers, I do for my Rossis too. I find that 357mag components are relatively cheap and plentiful and my plated 158grn bullet loads actually cost me less to make than buying bulk rate, cheap 22mag ammo so shooting costs are low and practice time is plentiful. Further, the 357mag round is very versatile out of a levergun as I can make light charge 357mag plinking/small varmint loads with 125grn bullets at 1000-1200fps all the way up to heavy, 180grn high velocity hunting loads. A popular deer hunting load is a 158grn bullet at 2150fps out of an 18" bbl levergun. That's enough for all but the largest deer at moderate ranges under 100yds. All in all, my Rossis are favorites of mine and all those I take out shooting with me. They're light, compact, low recoil, accurate, and with both a carbine and a rifle, everyone finds one that fits them well. They are both a blast to shoot and great walking around pieces, especially with a pocket full of extra ammo to play with.

April 9, 2015, 09:44 PM	#42
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I have Rossi Model 92 and it is very accurate. The firing pin broke on mine and I did a garage fix that has been holding up so far. Other than that it's been a great rifle.

April 10, 2015, 07:04 PM	#43
Emerson Biggies Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2014 Posts: 163	Right out of the box from Bud's Gun Shop it looked beautiful. Unfortunately, when I tried to shoot it, nothing would chamber. The cartridges would attack the chamber at a sharp angle and tend to set the bullet back in the case. (factory rounds) First trip to the factory repair. Rifle came back with the same problem. Second trip to the factory repair. Gun came back with same problem and the right side of the receiver was oxidized as someone had turned a torch on it and probably got it red hot. Third trip to factory repair. Gun works fine and receiver was apparently re-blued. The barrel looks like it had been replaced as there is a good looking feed ramp in it now that it did not have before all this trouble. Ramp rear sight returns to lower position after being fired all by itself. Automatic sight reset??

April 10, 2015, 08:22 PM	#44
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	I've had an Interarms Rossi in 44-40 for a number of years now and yes it was rough when I got it but I filled the action with white lithium grease and worked the snot out of it for a couple of hours and now you can run cartridges through it with one finger. I changed the rear sight to a Marbles full buckhorn I use as a ghost ring. Never had any kind of problem with it.