Guns: The Poor Man's .357 Lever-Action - Rossi 92 review
Introduction: Zombies beware!
For some folks, lever-action rifles conjure up classic Westerns like "The Searchers" and "True Grit." For me, though, lever-actions are the quintessential zombie guns. After all, Ben used a Winchester 94 in the original "Night of the Living Dead," and Peter wasted marauding bikers wth a Savage 99 in "Dawn of the Dead." It was this undead nostalgia that prompted me to pick up the relatively inexpensive Rossi Model R92.
The Rossi 92 is a clone/reproduction of the Winchester 1892, a lever-action designed by John Moses Browning as a scaled-down version of the Winchester 1886. The Rossis have gone through various importers through the years - my Rossi 92, and all new Rossi 92s as of December 2010, are manufactured in Brazil by Taurus and imported by Braztech.
There are other options for those seeking a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum. The Marlin 1894C is popular, and the best choice for those who wish to mount a scope over the receiver. There's the Henry Big Boy, a tube-loading design that's considerably heavier than the Marlin and Rossi actions. You can also still buy an actual Winchester-branded '92; these are made in Miroku, Japan. If you're on a budget, though, the Rossi is about $150 cheaper (and easier to find at the moment) than the 1894C, and much cheaper than the Miroku '92s (which run close to the $1000 mark). Like most things, though, you get what you pay for...
First Impressions: Rough around the edges
I found the Rossi 92 to be a quick-handling little rifle, especially since I opted for the 16" trapper-style carbine; when held in one hand, the barrel doesn't even touch your shoetops, let alone the floor. The point of balance is right at the receiver, too, which is just about ideal for a long arm. The lever-action also makes the gun thin and slim compared to big, bulky semiautomatic carbines like the AR and AK.
Despite this handiness, I noticed several areas where the Taurus/Rossi factory cut corners on the gun. Unlike the real-deal Winchesters, the Rossis have plain flat fore-ends and crude-looking barrel bands. Unsurprisingly, mystery hardwood is used throughout. On the positive side, the finish on the barrel and receiver is serviceable, and I found the adjustable semi-buckhorn sights to be clear and simple to use.
The Action: More hitches than a trailer park
I had heard from anecdotal reports that some Rossi actions were smoother than others. I must have gotten one of the rough ones, because my example had noticeable hitching, especially near the end of the down-stroke (when the next cartridge is lifted into position to be fed into the chamber). A rough action is not only less fun to shoot, it detracts from reliability and messes up your sight alignment when you cycle in another round.
The Rossi 92s come with the top-mount safety that everybody seems to hate. It isn't the most positive safety I've ever used, but it didn't really bother me, especially since the other controls on the gun worked fine. I thought my rifle's trigger was pretty crisp, and I didn't detect any major ergonomic problems with the hammer or the lever.
Range Report: Isn't this thing chambered in .357 Magnum?
After inspecting and cleaning the rifle, I took the Rossi 92 out and put it through its paces. As an initial observation, the rifle kicks more than you'd expect with .357 loads. The long barrel allows the bullets to develop several hundred feet per second more velocity compared to a handgun, so typical 158 grain loads can reach muzzle velocities of 1700 fps or more (roughly 1000 foot-pounds of muzzle energy).
First, the good news - I found that the Rossi readily fed all manner of .38 Special cartridges, including my own handloads (158 grain LRN, 158 grain LSWC, and 125 grain JHP bullets) as well as Remington 125 grain SJHP. Accuracy wise, I regularly shot 3" groups at 50 yards with my .38 Special handloads (seated, but not in a mechanical rest).
The bad news? The Rossi 92 was very, very picky about feeding .357 Magnum cartridges. In fact, Remington 158 grain SJHP simply would not feed in the gun, even after decreasing COAL with reloading equipment. The round would jam into the top of the chamber when you tried to close the action. Here's an illustration:
Shorter .357s with a more rounded bullet shape seemed to do better (though there was still the odd fail-to-feed). On the right is the Remington 125 grain SJSWC, which fed okay; on the left is the Remington 158 grain load that simply could not be cycled through the gun:
Second Range Report: And there was much rejoicing
Taurus guns have a reputation for inconsistent quality control - one gun might be a complete basket case, while the one right next to it is unfailingly reliable. Wanting to test this theory out, I returned the Rossi 92 at my local gun shop and obtained a replacement. Immediately I could tell that the new gun's action was slicker and tighter - even the shell carrier angle looked different. I headed to the range again with high hopes.
Hallelujah! The second Rossi 92 worked fine with several types of .357 Magnum, including the Remington 158 grainers that were literally impossible to feed in the first one. I only shot about 50 rounds through the second Rossi, so the jury's still out on whether or not it's reliable enough to bet your life on in a fight. For me, it's certainly good enough for low-level cowboy action shooting and range fun.
Conclusion
Can I recommend the Rossi 92? Well, yes and no. After shooting both Rossi 92s, I really can't even believe they were made on the same assembly line, much less that they were identical examples of the same model.
That is, if you get a good Rossi 92, it will probably do everything a lever-action .357 can be expected to do, especially considering the price. If you slick it up and get it tuned by a good gunsmith, it might even work for serious cowboy action competitions and self-defense. If you get a lemon, though, like I did, you'll definitely have to send it back in. In short, pick your poison, pay your money, and have fun popping some zombie brains...
posted by Mulliga @ 9:36 PM
57 comments
57 Comments:
Good post! Thanks for sharing your impressions!
Thanks, James. I had a hard time finding a neutral review on this particular rifle, so I'm hoping this helps somebody out.
I have had a Rossi 92 in .357 for about five years or so. Mine is glass smooth and shoots great. I have had NO trouble with feeding. SWC's no problem. The butt pad fit is rough to be sure but otherwise it's made well. I used it for CAS for three years. It's now my defense carbine for the vehicle when things would call for it. I would definitely buy another. I love mine.
Kansas Scout - thanks for the comment! There are definitely good ones out there. If anyone reading this is considering one, I recommend going to a gun shop and physically working the action to make sure it cycles smoothly.
One side note I forgot in the review - my second Rossi, though reliable, slightly dings up the case mouths (the first one literally destroyed them to the point of being unusable, so the level of damage is probably correlated to action smoothness/overall reliability). Something to consider if you handload.
I have seen rossi lever actions and wondered about them. Your post was most informative and helpful. Very well writen!
I recently got a Rossi and had the exact same problem. It would not cycle any .357 rounds at all. 38 special went through ok but tried a few different factory .357 and all of them hit the top edge of the barrel and did not even look like they would work. Took it back to the gun shop and they tried to polish it up a bit but no luck. Waiting to see what they can do for me.
I decided to try cowboy shooting and purchased a Rossi new from Cabela's (Sept 2011). The extractor would not hook on the round that was loaded in the barrel - repair number one. The ejector would not consitently kick out empties - repair two. The action was very difficult, so I replaced the springs with an aftermarket set and polished rough spot on the ejector - repair number three and four. One average, 3 cartridges per match are thrown up and out of the gun instead of feeding into the chamber - repair number five that is not completed yet. Overall I got one of the lemons, but every repair puts is one step closer to being an awesome and smooth running gun. I am starting to see the light at then end of the tunnel.
Thanks for the comment, LFL - quite helpful. If at all possible, I recommend buying Rossi/Taurus guns from an outfit like Davidson's. They have a no-questions-asked warranty where you can simply send in the offensive gun and get a whole new one. It sorta insulates you from spotty QC, because if you get a bad one, you can send it back for one that is good (or close enough to good that it can be tinkered to work okay).
I must've gotten one of the good ones. No trouble feeding; when wearing ear protection could hardly tell when a .38 fired. Did find I had to be "firm" when racking the lever.
I just bought a Rossi 92 an hour ago, so Im keeping my fingers crossed. The actions feel very smooth thus far, but we shall see...
Thanks for all the great comments/reviews!
I have a new m92 and I took it apart and cleaned it. It was more difficult to reassemble than most others I have taken apart. The parts were difficult to align until I got the small tapered alignment tool. I recommend that if you are not patient and mechanically handy that you get someone else to do this for you.
I felt that my rifle was pretty smooth out of the box. Upon taking it apart, I noticed some shavings/turnings and burs on several parts. I cleaned off all the parts and picked off the burs with the end of a very small screwdriver. The places that had burs were not perfectly smooth but next time I will have something ready to polish the rough spots. I lubricated with white lithium grease and reassembled the rifle. I worked the action and it was alot more smooth. I have not had the opportunity to shoot it yet.
Thanks for the comment, 9:23 AM. I haven't gotten mine apart yet, since in my experience, the older a gun design is, the harder it is to take apart. I might send it off to a gunsmith with experience in working with cowboy action firearms.
Two years ago I bought a 20 inch Rossi in .357. To date I have not experienced any issues. The action also seems to be getting smoother with use. I would estimate that I have put 300 rounds through with a 75/25 mix of 38s and 357. Very happy with it. If your eyes are not what they once were try the Skinner rear sights.
I have had two Rossi Model 92s in .357 Magnum. The first was a 24-inch octagonal barrel that had a smooth action, strong ejection, fed most cartridgesand was very accurate. The second was a 16-inch round barre. The action wibn't even function unless the screws the lever pivots on are left finger loose. It's very finicky about .357 rounds that it will feed, and the front sight dovetail was cut at a canted angle, not straight across the barrel. Many times the last cartridge will not eject but simply hang up in the receiver. In short, Rossi now suffers the inconsistant qaulity control I have experienced with Taurus ever since the mid-1980s.
I recently bought a Rossi 92 lever-action 357. It simply WILL NOT chamber a 357 round... not even close. I did get it to chamber 38 special rounds, but it was very rough. I am extremely disappointed with it.
Own 3 Rossi 92s ....357Mag....44Mag....454Casull/45LC. great guns.....very accurate.....love'em !!
At Rossi like Taurus the new guns roll off the assembly line and are thrown into a box without a second look or thought.
Quality control is non existent.
It's pot luck what you'll get when you open the box.
Hand pick your Rossi off a rack where you can check it over before purchase.
Never buy a Rossi by mail order sight unseen.......they'll send you the junker rejects and returns....bin there dun that.....never again.
I WILL NOT own a Rossi anything. They are Poor quality and a joke. I will spend the extra dollars to have a GOOD gun.
I had two Rossi's in .357mag, both had issues (the second one cam e already broken, sent it back to Rossi on my dime, waited 8 weeks for it to be returned, sold it three days later), mostly failure to feed. The parts are not high quality, Rossi-USA only gets one shipment of replacement parts per month--this fact alone made me see the second. In the end you get what you paid for--Rossi/Tarus not worth the money or the aggrevation...look else where..
I purchased a Rossi92 in stainless steel over the weekend through Davidsons... It will eject the shells(357 mag remingtons in 125 gr sjsp and sjhp)fine, but when chambering or rather trying to chamber the next round, it hangs up and will not allow the round to chamber... I'm going to send this one back and hope my next one is much better. If not? I'll never purchase another firearm through Davidsons...
To my comment listed above.. I purchased mine for my backpack for when i go up to Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, etc.. That's also why I got it in stainless steel.. I only want one type of ammo to carry and I thought this would make a very good complement to my revolver... It "CANNOT" hang up like that though... I see alot of individuals are having the same issue with theirs... And that's completely unacceptable... I really wanted a Marlin 1894css, but as many of you already seem to know, kind of hard to come by right now... This one here is a good lookin lever action carbine, but it has to be 100% functional. Not halfassed in any way.. It's a firearm and a tool for me, not a toy... It better work..
How much is one in good shape cost
I've been shooting lever action guns for years and have several and have shot several. No gun right out of the box should have the problems the Rossis do. It simply is a case of poor quality control. My advise is you're better off buying a Henry or Winchester. The Henry's aren't much more than the Rossis, but the Winchester are even pricier. However, I've shot literally thousands of rounds through each over the years without a single hitch. That's right, not one repair needed for either. In short, I want to use my rifles for shooting, no matter what type of ammo. I don't want to spend time getting them fixed. Pay more and get a better rifle.
My Rossi came with a manufacturers defect. The firing pin doesn’t hit the primer hard enough to fire every round. Rossi doesn’t sell repair parts. I search the Internet and found many other Rossi owners with the same problem. I called Rossi USA. The only way I can get it fixed is to ship the rifle and pay Rossi almost as much as a new rifle costs. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ROSSI!!!!!
Great review. Checked it over well at the gun shop, especially the action. Confirmed with the salesman any problem would be the shops problem. Took it out for the field test with fiocchi 125 gr. SJSP mags and 125 gr. remington FMJ specials. Performed outstanding, I am very pleased!
I've had my 92 for 3 months and have had no issues. It shoots reloads with no issues and I find the quality to be really good. The only thing I have had to do is Dremmel the sharp edges the lever loop had so that it quit cutting my hand. After 15 minutes of sanding, this is a rifle I could shoot all day.
Just bought a Rossi Puma M92 stainless steel, Octagon barrel, .357/38 special cal. Will not get my hands on it for about a week or so. I can't wait to see how it runs.
I bought a Rossi .44 mag. which I use with .44 special rounds as the mag is too much punishment for me the only problem I have had is with the sights, couldn't get the thing to shoot any lower with the factory sights so had a taller front sight installed works good now.
I've had my Rossi .38/.357 for a few months and it will digest any .38, but has problems with .357's. My brother bought the same exact rifle, and his handles both .38 and .357 flawlessly. I am going to carefully look both of them over carefully to see what the difference is.
I think this is an old thread so I don't know if this will catch any followup comments, but here we go.
Has anyone heard of the Taurus made Rossi 92s having a manufacturing defect in which the hammer seem to be out of line with the barrel and sights?
I have had my Rossi 92 44 mag for 2 months and 300 rounds of my reloads and no chambering issues, just wish I find a scope that will work easier
I have a 20" Octagon in 357.
Somewhat finicky in what it will feed, especially the 180 gran RNFPs I hoped to shoot out of it.
358429 and 358156 seem to feed fine once ya figure out OAL and seem to be accurate with some loads I had on hand and developed for the gun.
I have no plans to shoot any jacketed rounds out of the gun.
Have had a Rossi 92 short barrel for 20 years and no problems. I did have a smith go through it for a tune when I bought it. Sometimes it won't load .38 specs because some rounds must have a bigger rim case and hang up on the loader entrance. It's my daughters favorite gun when I feed it 357 mags.
I have a Rossi 92 in .454, 20" barrel. Accuracy is average with Ruger-only .45 Colt loads, (335 lead), not as good with hot .454 loads, 300 grain jacketed bullet. It won't feed .454 with the 335 lead bullet, feeds everything else ok. The edges of the chamber are sharp and case mouths show small nicks after feeding. Action is smooth enough. It appears there is a flaw in the rifling about six inches from the end of the barrel. .454 loads are equal to 45-70 factory ammo. Pretty good bear protection since it feeds well, but not accurate enough for serious hunting.
I have a 454 20 inch barrel I shot mine right out of the box at 50 yds and put second bullet through same hole tube for loading was really dirty cleaned the whole gun nasty in side metal shavings shot 100rds and no problems feeding or ejecting smooth gun I love mine can have it when you pry it from my cold hands
I recently purchased a rossi 92 .357 it is a smooth and nice shooting gun shot every round fine except the short blazer .38 but they are quite a bit shorter than regular. 38
I recently purchased a rossi 92 .357 and had issues feeding .357 mags. but not 38 specials. After trying various brands of .357, I bought several boxes of Herters from Cabela. They just sail thru the rifle like greased lighting. Not one hitch. So bought 10 more boxes! Will post a video on this and other detailing of the rifle on youtube soon.
Really interesting to see everyone's experiences - thanks for sharing!
I am currently testing a Miroku-made Winchester 92 - sort of the "Rich Man's Lever-Action .357." I'll put up a review on the blog when I'm done.
I too recently bought a Rossi .357 blued 20 inch here in Australia cost $800.00, only by luck I did not get a lemon, no Marlins or Winchesters availabe in Oz at this moment. The accuracy very good 3 leaf clover at 50 metres with 158 grain, but I wonder about the long term use.
Cheers
Dave
I have a Rossi 16" 92 in .44 magnum. Its a great little carbine, never any feed problems and smooth to cycle. I have used factory 240g & hand loaded 240's, no problems at all. I refinished the woodwork with Scandinavian oil and she looks just right. My only issue was with the sights. They shot 2 feet high at 50 yards, out of the box. I rebuilt the fore sight and now it will shoot 6" groups on the money at 100y, over a rest.
Amongst my hunting mates, its called 'The Jack Russel Terrier' ......small dog, big bite! Cost me less that $800 here in Australia.
I would like a 24" in .357 magnum next.
My Rossi 92 is recent, shoots and
Ejects flawlessly, so we'll in fact that it is one of my favorite rifles. I got the big loop model for the Rifleman action. Awesome lever action, would feel very confident as a personal protection piece.
THANK YOU! I'VE BEEN CONTIMPLATING GETTING ONE OF THESE FOR YEARS JUST TO HAVE AROUND THE PROPERTY AND YOUR HONEST UNBIASED OPINION WILL SURELY HELP IN MY DECISION PURCHASING ONE. THANKS AGAIN BOB
I bought a stainless with the octagonal barrel. 50 rounds later the rifle failed. The lever wouldn't repeat into the chamber. I called Florida and explained,and they had me pay a bench fee of $35 and sent me digital postage for shipping. So far customer service is acceptable. We will see if the workmanship matches up.
i have a 454 Rossi put a scope on it great shooting and hitting the mark! till i thought my scope was loose (cross hairs were crooked } till i relieved the barrel was loose ...like it came unscrewed . Wondering if any one else had this problem? also is it as easy as tighting it up ?
I bought a 92 .357 and have taken it shooting twice, maybe 100 rounds. It chambered my Blazer .357 without problem, 158 gr., and is extremely accurate. In actuality I love this gun. It is the 16" which I could carry all day, it so light, and short, it is a walkers delight for me. But these poses make me wary of buying another, which I planned to do. There are some good pointers here so if I do purchase it won't be mail order.
I bought a Rossi 92 in 357/38. This rifle had no problems chambering 38 rounds but would not chamber any 357 rounds. I sent my rifle back to Rossi twice. They were not helpful AT ALL. They replaced a part the first time and the second time said they fired 357 rounds through the weapon with no problems. In short, they just sent the rifle back to me and now I have a rifle that only chambers 38 rounds. What is real surprising, when I told them that this is a common problem with this rifle, they acted surprised and perplexed. What a joke, I told them about all the reviews on their rifle and that THIS IS A COMMON problem. Again, they acted surprised. I will never buy a Rossi firearm again!!
Agree
I have a rossi in 45 colt. It is a great gun smooth no problems at all. My friend got the 357 and had all kinds of problems with 357 ammo , but had no trouble with 38 specials. I haven't herd of anybody having trouble with the 45 colt rifles.Unless you really need the 357 I would go with the 45 colt. I have used mine for 5 years doing cowboy action and never had any problems.The rifle is light and fast (20" barrel holds 10 rounds for cowboy action) and plenty accurate.
I have had excellent results after firing 105 rounds of remington umc 38 special fmj rounds at 75 to 100 yards. At times a bit stiff to reload, but reloaded and fed/fired/ejected all of the rounds without a hitch.Shot accurrately too. The fit and finish good throughout, but the action felt a little rough. I am thinking of having another in stainless steel for all weather use. Fortunately, I can do precision metal work if need be and get it right.
Henry sounds like the next stop on the list, yet far more expensive.
Always get a kick out of the the poor man's this or that in titles, as if all people who buys these cannot afford a more expensive one. I have a large collection, many collectibles worth thousands, and many less expensive models too. I buy models I want that I think I can get at a good value. While I have many revolvers, pistols, bolts, pumps, etc, on the lever front, I have multiple models, all price ranges, including Marlins, Winchesters, Henrys, Brownings, Ithacas, Erma Werke, etc.
I just picked up a stainless 16" Trapper version of Rossi's m92 in 357. I got a blem from KY. I bought it not because it was all I could afford, but it seemed like a tremendous value at just over $400 new. I also liked how short & light it was compared to most of my other levers, and the stainless finish seemed like a good addition.
Having owned Taurus & Rossi handguns, I have first hand experience with their hit and miss QC. If you get a good one, it is a great value, but they definitely put out some duds. Anyway, I took the gamble & think I won big.
I picked it up and took it to the range yesterday. I cannot find any blemishes (good it & finish), it feeds and extracts 357s perfectly. I tried several bullet types, brands, and weights. The action is smooth and tight. The trigger is crisp, and I'm fine with the sites. Accuracy was solid at 70 feet, as far as I could go in the indoor range. I didn't try any 38s because I do not run 38s in any of my 357 rifles or handguns, as they gunk up the chambers & the ballistics out of a long barrel aren;t even close to 357. I use 38s in my 38s. I feel like I scored big, got a great value on my new stainless 16" Rossi. Love the balance & weight. Should be great for field use, especially with brush, etc.
Bought M,92 Rossi with 24 in oct bbl looking for a peep sight and globe for front anyone have any suggestions ?
I own several rifles in different price ranges, up to $1500 20 years ago, and this one is the lowest priced one. But I thought it might be a good idea to have a rifle/handgun combo in a matching caliber Just picked up my Rossi 92. Tested the action and had no hiccups with .38, 158gr SJHP. It circles smooth as butter and the trigger breaks right about at three pounds, but no .357s at hand yet.
Time will tell.
So far, I had no problems with Taurus products. I bought my very first handgun 20+years ago as a second hand and which I still own, is a model 82. It used to be my duty sidearm for five years and gave me no problems ever, though I've put about 3800 rounds through it... It is still true to point of aim after al those practice and re-qualifications.
I bought a Rossi m 92 with 24 inch oct bbl and I have had no problems out of it with 38s or 357 ammo I'm very satisfied with it the ,357 shoot better out at 100 to 150 yards I'm looking to put a marble Tang sight on rear and globe on the front I would recommend this gun to anyone have not had any problems at all out of it.
I'm looking and looking trying to get my hands on one,I'm looking for 357mag with stainless barrel! but everywhere there are sold out!
12:53 AM, while this is obviously a very tough time to purchase a firearm, I think the Rossi leverguns weren't terribly common even before the pandemic, especially the stainless models.
I purchased mine from Davidson's Gallery of Guns, but nowadays one would probably have to find one from some old-timer at a gun show or through an online auction site.
Why can’t I find pictures of a 92 with scrolling?
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