Looking for some opinions on a new rifle...Rossi 92 357

[jbrentd]

For no particular reason, I've been wanting a lever gun for some time and I was drawn to the ones chambered in 357/38. I finally acted on the urge this week and called my LGS, but they couldn't get their hands on any to order. So, I went to searching on the interwebs. I found some on Summit Gun Broker for a good price and went with them. I've never ordered from them, but have heard about them before. Anyone had any experience with them...good or bad?

Now to my questions. It doesn't seem like this gun is "New", as it was advertised. There are marks on the loading gate and the action shows signs of being shot a bit. Barrel looks good and there are no scratches or dings in the wood. I can live with all of that as it's going to happen soon enough when I start shooting it. But there are two spots right behind the hammer that I noticed a little rust on this morning when I was looking at it more closely. I didn't get a picture of the rust prior to wiping it down with an oily rag.

The price on the receipt ($419) was about $25 less than what was advertised...maybe he was taking this stuff into account. Just wondering if I'm being a bit too picky or not?

 

[aviator41]

Not only has it been shot, it's not been cleaned (at least not very well) Are you going to shoot factory or reloads? Going price for that rifle in the cowboy world is about $400 listed in used condition. Pre-safety Rossi's in 357 are going for closer to $450, but yours certainly has the safety on the bolt.

As far as the spots on the tang - that's all up to you. I wouldn't let them bother me, especially if you're going to shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[jbrentd]

Not only has it been shot, it's not been cleaned (at least not very well) Are you going to shoot factory or reloads? Going price for that rifle in the cowboy world is about $400 listed in used condition. Pre-safety Rossi's in 357 are going for closer to $450, but yours certainly has the safety on the bolt.

As far as the spots on the tang - that's all up to you. I wouldn't let them bother me, especially if you're going to shoot it and enjoy it.

I don't currently reload for pistols...just shotshells. So, factory loads for now. I will definitely shoot and enjoy this one.

I have some LRN 38 special on hand. Are there any issues with the round nose? Or should I only shoot flat nose or hollow points?

 

[aviator41]

I don't currently reload for pistols...just shotshells. So, factory loads for now. I will definitely shoot and enjoy this one.

I have some LRN 38 special on hand. Are there any issues with the round nose? Or should I only shoot flat nose or hollow points?

RN is actually better than FN as long as it's lead. just no SP! If you have trouble shooting factory 38's, try 357's. Rossi's are OAL sensitive and factory 38's may not be long enough to prevent problems. I had to load 38's very long (1.51) to get it to feed reliably.

 

[jbrentd]

Gave this one a good cleaning yesterday. I have to say the reassembly is going to take some practice before I can do it quickly.

I still find it odd that this gun was placed back in the plastic bag in its original box, as if it were BNIB.

RN is actually better than FN as long as it's lead. just no SP! If you have trouble shooting factory 38's, try 357's. Rossi's are OAL sensitive and factory 38's may not be long enough to prevent problems. I had to load 38's very long (1.51) to get it to feed reliably.

Thanks. Is there a list of which bullet styles are a no go? I would have thought soft points were okay.

 

[aviator41]

The only spire point's that would be safe are Hornady Lever Evolutions with their VERY soft tips. As a general rule, sharply tipped ammo is a no-go in lever action rifles as they can cause mag tube chain firing.

Round nose, flat nose, hollow points are all okay assuming the feed reliably.

 

[jbrentd]

Gotcha, thanks. I think I'm good to go with all of my ammo.

 

[jbrentd]

Haven't had much time to get this out to the range, but I have done a little work to it. Installed the Lees Gunsmithing spring kit. As most of the reviews say, it really improves the action and ejection. However, I didn't like how light the trigger pull was...about half a pound. It didn't pass the bump test when I hit the butt stick against the carpet. So, I put the original trigger leaf spring back in. I can live with a 3# trigger.

Also added a Marbles tang sight and Lyman front sight. I figured I could benefit from the longer sight radius and improved sight picture. I think these items were the first discounted parts I've purchased from Brownells with my C&R license.

 

[65ny]

I've always had good experiences with Summit, but I've only bought used items. I like your rifle and those sights look great.

 

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Damn! That thing's purty!