NCLEO89

I'm thinking about giving Rossi lever actions a try. If I get one, it will be a stainless .44 Mag carbine. If anyone can tell me if these rifles are worth it, please let me know. Specifically, does the .44 Mag model feed JHPs okay, and also, does it reliably feed .44 Specials? Thanks for any help.

Spike12

I've only examined one Rossi and I was seriously underwhelmed. The finish was pretty good but the way the parts fit together was pretty poor, JMO.

bwinters

I have had a Rossi 44 mag carbine for a few years and it goes bang every time and it is accurate enough. The rifle is very light and the gun leaves a bruise when I shoot more than 150 rounds at a time. It does not hurt but it leaves a bruise.

TMB

The Rossi is a copy of the model 92 Winchester I have one in 45 Colt its blued fit & finish is good. I have a Marlin 94 & a Browning 92 in 44mag if I can find some 44special hollow points I'll try them & see if they feed if they do in the Browning they should in a Rossi.

Sr40ken

I have a '92 in .357..........LOVE IT!!!!!

NCLEO89

TMB: Thanks; I'll be looking for your results.

TMB

I found 4 CCI Blazer 44 special hollow points I mostly shoot lead semi wad cutters in my 44special. I loaded six semi wad cutters then four hollow points they all cycled in both carbines. I didnt shoot just cycled them through pointed in safe direction at the hill behind the house.

NCLEO89

TMB: Wow, that was fast! Thank you for checking into that for me.

kiwihunter

Whilst i have nothing against Rossi....Wait and spend a little more on a Marlin...you will be glad you did i have used both and the Marlin is twice the gun.

NCLEO89

Kiwihunter: Actually, I did try Marlin. I had a gorgeous 1894SS that proved to be completely unreliable; it would hopelessly jam up with factory hollow point ammo. Nothing that I did [keeping it clean, making sure that I was working the lever with enthusiasm] would make a difference. Even sending it back to Marlin didn't help. But thanks just the same for posting, though.

okami515

have just about their complete line of 92's, just missing the elusive 41mag, and they all shoot great. the 357 will shoot 38's, the 44mag -44spl, and the 454casul- 45colt. My niece even used the 454 using 45colts to kill her deer last fall.

TMB

No problem wanted to see just got lucky and found some only shoot specials in my Bull Dog sights are regulated for 240gr lead load.

I looked on Marlin forum about feed problems seems its a timing problem sounded like its hit& miss some are off some are'nt but it also sounded like a pretty easy fix if you like the look & feel of Marlin better they have fatter wood & a flatter butt thats better for heavy 44 mag loads. I like the looks & feel of my Browning & Rossi 92s better the Marlin is just easier on the shoulder.

NCLEO89

Thanks again, TMB. You'd think that my sending it back to Marlin would have solved the issue, but no such luck. I'm always leery of guns that people describe as "with just a little work from a good gunsmith, they're perfect!". I like my guns to be dead-on reliable as they come from the factory, ya know? I can see customizing your pet 10/22 or AR out the wazoo; entire industries have evolved around those rifles for just that purpose. But, to me, you shouldn't have to spend extra money just to get a gun to perform as it should.

Benemorte

While that would be ideal, it just does not work that way. There will always be a "best" and always a "worst", and a ton of gray in between.

Rossi falls very close to the "worst" category in my opinion, if not THE worst. I am always open to any suggestions to prove me otherwise however.

TMB

I would'nt say Rossi is worst what are you comparing it to.