Rossi M92 - How bad/good are they really?

Hanzo581 said:

Guess I can stop looking for octagon barreled or case hardened color versions, apparently they don't make them anymore according to their 2017 catalog. Hell, I don't even see any 24" barrel anything.

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How about the used market?

Hanzo581 said:

I have this weird hang up where I don't buy used firearms. I know I know.

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Different strokes. Some of my favorites were not available new or were out of my price range. Some of the used stuff is far better than the new examples (Marlins, for example).

Hanzo581 said:

No doubt, I am sure I am missing out on a lot.

I guess what's going to happen is I am going to have to just bite the bullet and spend the extra on a Winchester.

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I've shot the Winchester, seems like a longer stroke and a noticeably heavier gun. The Rossi size and weight is one of it's nice attributes.

I have 3 Rossi's all .357, one is a 24" stainless octagon, another is a case hardened 20" octagon, and the first one I bought was a 20" stainless round barrel. Ammo for .357 is readily available and inexpensive it makes sense to buy that caliber. The 20" octagon has been my problem child, it took the most work to get smoothed out and feeding dependable. Last fall I filled my deer tags with the 20" round gun. They are a lot of fun to shoot.

I don't know whether 357 rifles are particularly expensive or had to make, but it seems like they are either semi-out of production (Rossi, Marlin) or on the pricey end (Henry, Winchester, Uberti). I think if you keep your eyes open on gunbroker you will probably find one come up, although you might have to be flexible on exact configuration. If you ever have a need to scope it, bear in mind that the octagon barrels do not work with scopes.

Oddly enough, I tried some lead bullet 38 reloads in mine today and the issues with sticky feeding seemed to just go away compared to the cheap plated plinking fare I had bought to use with this rifle. Fun to stuff 10 rounds in it and fire away.

I own two rossi 92's in 45 colt with 16in barrels and I just love these one is large loop the other in regular loop they are a lot of fun!! I recommend the 45 colt's

Hanzo581 said:

I have no intention to ever scope it.

So strange about the .357/.38, I mean, that has to be a super common/popular caliber.

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Agree fully. I guess you can either wait, pay up for a Winchester, or reconsider the 45LC Rossi, which seems to be more available.

Hanzo581 said:

This all stems from me already having a Blackhawk in .357, I want to match calibers. Guess I could swap the revolver.

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I just called a gun shop in Franklin, TN that I browse occasionally and they have one blued new .38/.357 M92 on hand with a 20" barrel. Price is $599, a bit high but hen's teeth aren't plentiful and are hard to find. Their phone number is 615-599-5562, hours of operation are T-F 10-6, Saturday 9-4, closed Sunday and Monday. They will ship it to your FFL.

I called Braztech and was told by the rep that the 24" octagonal barrel models were discontinued in 2016. The guy I spoke with said he wanted one also but even with working there he couldn't get one for himself. He also thought it was surprising that Rossi stopped making that model. Oh well, if you have a 24" model price will only go up.

Hanzo581 said:

That's awesome. I appreciate it. I will have to give them a call. Do they have a website by chance?

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Yes they do, www.franklingunshop.com but it doesn't list their inventory as they claim to have over 6,000 guns in stock. This is a big store and in a very high income area of the greater Nashville area so their prices reflect that demographic. You're welcome, glad to help.

Hanzo581 said:

So I am kind of torn. The shipping is $30 for the rifle, then I'll need to pay my FFL another $30 for the transfer, so I am looking at around $660 for this rifle. I mean is this like a unicorn in this caliber or you think they'll make more? I wish I knew more about Rossi/BrazTech's production habits. There's just something that rubs me the wrong way about coming out over MSRP for a gun.

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At those prices you could about buy a Henry in 357.

Don't know that I'd pay that much for one ($660), but I do have a blued 24" in .38/.357 that I love to shoot. I've had it for several years and have never had any feeding issues at all. After a little use, it runs as smooth as butter and is surprisingly accurate.

Hanzo581 said:

If the Henry's were side gate loading this case would be open and shut.

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Eh, its not all its cracked up to be. I have plenty of fun shooting a Marlin 39A without the benefit of a loading gate.

I've been considering a Rossi 92 as well and plan to see what my lgs has in stock tomorrow... If they have an extra one I'll let you know
To each their own, but my attitude in your situation would be to exercise patience - it'll happen when it happens. One day what you want will be there in the config you want and at a fair price.
Those Winchesters look nice but I don't think I could stomach plunking down that much dough for one

Hanzo581 said:

Yeah, I have a Marlin Model 60, it's a fine gun but I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed the cumbersome reloading when compared to other options. Just not my thing.

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Understood, just suggesting that there are alternatives and the lack of a loading gate isn't the end of the world. Then again, I am a patient person...