Rossi M92 .357 16 inch vs. 20 inch barrel?
- Thread starter DavidB2
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Depends if you're getting one for looks, or functionality. The big loop levers bring back memories of John Wayne or The Rifleman, but in reality, I've never cocked my lever actions by swinging them around by the lever. In .357, I think either barrel length is fine, the 16" is lighter and more compact to carry, and the 20" has a longer sighting radius for using iron sights, which might make it easier to hit with at longer ranges. I've never shot a pistol calibre rifle at over 100 yards anyway, myself.
I would get the 16". Why would you need a rifle-length barrel for a pistol caliber? You'll still be getting a huge increase in velocity out of a 16" barrel and it will be much more handy. Also, I would only get the big loop if you plan on shooting it with heavy gloves on. Very few people need this feature, so I would skip it.
BCRider
Member
Unless you have massive hands or plan on shooting it with winter gloves on I'd suggest the small regular loop. The big loop gun offers too much room and thus more movement of the hand is needed to cycle the action. It also means your fingers will be moving faster when the backs of them slams into the metal when cycling the gun quickly.
Note that the 16 inch model does not have a long enough magazine tube to hold more than around 8 rounds of .357. It doesn't hold 10 rounds of .38Spl either or I would have bought the 16 inch model for my Cowboy Action shooting. The 20 inch version easily holds 10 rounds of the magnum and around 11 or 12 of .38Spl.
Remember that there's some really good guides to be found on the web for slicking up and adjusting the action. And apparently someone makes a spring kit to replace most of the too strong springs found in the action which does a lot towards slicking up the works. MOST of the slicking up is simply removing the burrs from sharp edges and polishing up a few spots that rub against each other. Unless you're a total metal working klutz or insist on using a Dremel with grinding stones you should be able to do much of this fairly simple detail work yourself.
Note that the 16 inch model does not have a long enough magazine tube to hold more than around 8 rounds of .357. It doesn't hold 10 rounds of .38Spl either or I would have bought the 16 inch model for my Cowboy Action shooting. The 20 inch version easily holds 10 rounds of the magnum and around 11 or 12 of .38Spl.
Remember that there's some really good guides to be found on the web for slicking up and adjusting the action. And apparently someone makes a spring kit to replace most of the too strong springs found in the action which does a lot towards slicking up the works. MOST of the slicking up is simply removing the burrs from sharp edges and polishing up a few spots that rub against each other. Unless you're a total metal working klutz or insist on using a Dremel with grinding stones you should be able to do much of this fairly simple detail work yourself.
wriggly
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"Most" of the slicking up of a Rossi action is in replacing the stock ejector spring with one of Nate Kiowa Jones' (aka Steve Young) aftermarket springs.
All the rest is secondary. The single biggest improvement comes from changing out that one little spring.
All the rest is secondary. The single biggest improvement comes from changing out that one little spring.
BCRider
Member
Agreed.
Along with that I lost a lot of the "gritty feeling" by removing the many burrs from the ejector and the area of the bolt where the ejector slides.
It's funny how so much of the feel of the action on a '92 is related to the ejector.
Along with that I lost a lot of the "gritty feeling" by removing the many burrs from the ejector and the area of the bolt where the ejector slides.
It's funny how so much of the feel of the action on a '92 is related to the ejector.
Leadbutt
Member
I ran for years a 16" version set up as my truck gun, easier to get in and out with and every thing I could find at the time, the 16" tube gave all you could get out of the 357 in a rifle, large loop is a play thing the best one to use is a "glove" loop
RPRNY
Member
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=289156629
Before you go Rossi 357, take a look on GB at the number of Marlin 336 30-30 selling for under $400. The one above is a pre-safety 1980 that will sell for $375 or less. There are several others up at the moment with see under rings and scopes in various conditions. I'm no Rossi hater, but these are just better rifles.
Before you go Rossi 357, take a look on GB at the number of Marlin 336 30-30 selling for under $400. The one above is a pre-safety 1980 that will sell for $375 or less. There are several others up at the moment with see under rings and scopes in various conditions. I'm no Rossi hater, but these are just better rifles.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
If he's asking for a very compact, extremely slim and light .357 Magnum carbine, then suggesting the much larger, heavier and .30-30 chambered Marlin seems like a strange response.
I've multiple Marlin lever guns in the case, and based on the R92s I've seen, I'd be hesitant to call them significantly "better rifles." They're just different rifles that serve different needs.
Float Pilot
Member
I have owned both barrel lengths in Rossi m-92s in 357 mag.
The 20 inch gave me 100 fps more velocity with warm 125 grain loads and was slightly more accurate due to the longer sight radius.
The 16 inch was more handy in tight brush and a little lighter.
The 20 inch gave me 100 fps more velocity with warm 125 grain loads and was slightly more accurate due to the longer sight radius.
The 16 inch was more handy in tight brush and a little lighter.
bannockburn
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I have a Rossi Model 92 with the 16" barrel and the large loop, but mine is in .45LC. I really like the overall handiness and compact size of the shorter barrel. As for the large loop lever, I don't have much need or use for it but since I bought this gun used I really don't mind it all that much.
RPRNY
Member
THR - we'll agree to disagree on Rossi quality.
This thread follows a previous one by the OP in which he was seeking advice on which caliber lever gun to purchase, admittedly focused on pistol calibers. In my view, the 30-30 meets his recoil parameters and adds versatility. A pre-safety Marlin 336 in 30-30 for under $400 (IMHO) beats a new R92 every time...
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Normally, I'd agree. The R92s I've handled very recently really knocked my socks off. Would have lost a lot of money betting they couldn't make a gun that nice.
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