Rossi R92 45 Colt Review

[RPRNY]

First, an admission. I am a well documented Rossi hater. Years ago, I briefly possessed a used R92 in 357 Mag, and about 3 years ago I bought a .22lr / 410 combi gun for my then 9 year old son. I absolutely rubbished both of them and the 357 Mag R92 was gone very quickly. I am a pre-Remington Marlin guy, so this is difficult.

I recently moved to CO and decided I would like to give CAS a go. Thanks to some very good advice on here, I chose not to buy a Win M94 in 45 Colt a few weeks ago. Subsequently, in an apparent fit of madness, I decided to give Rossi's R92 in 45 Colt a try based on extensive,seemingly realistically positive reviews. I picked it up today and shot it this evening and wanted to share my impressions.

Paid $485 NIB 16.25" R92 blued 45LC

Cosmetic:

Wood is okay at best. One step above H&R pallet wood. However, it isn't finished bright red nor is it finished with some plastic spray. Metal: Bluing is very good, more black than blue but a good finish with no external blemishes or tool marks. Wood to metal fit: Okay at best. No obvious issues and stock to receiver fit is good. Fore end noticeably proud of metal on left side. Blued metal crescent butt plate okay but not excellent with some unsightly wood/metal fit. Sights are visually well aligned.

Summary: for the money a B, maybe B+

Feel:

Solid. Weight is sufficient for such a tiny rifle. Feels good in the hands. Sharp edges on hammer and loading gate not nice. Lever is fine. Slightly stiff as one would expect in new rifle but not very stiff. Tight in a good way, not too stiff.

For the money: B+

Performance:

Requires absolute assertive full out lever to actuate lifter. Lever throw seems appropriate, not too long, but a bit clunky and rough compared to a pre-Remington Marlin or a Miroku M94. Chambering was fine with 255 gr SWC cheapo CAS ammo. Sights are typical buckhorn and driftable front post. Shot about 1.0 " -1.5" left at 50 yards. Trigger was, by far, the best I have ever felt on a lever gun. No grit. Travel comparable to mid-range modern bolt guns - really exceptional for a lever gun. Was only able to shoot at 50 yards (indoor range). Once I acclimated to the sights, shot a tight 6 shot group at 50 yards. Extrapolating, I would say 2 MOA. Quite impressed.

For the money: A

The trigger is remarkable for a lever gun. Cosmetically, you get about what you pay for, though extrnal finish and bluing are very good. Performance-wise, I would say it's a value for money proposition. Would I recommend it to wives looking for the special birthday present for your man? If you are on a budget, yes. If not, I'd look at the Italians. Would I recommend it for a work/trail gun ? Yes. For CAS? Seems so but time will tell.

Did I mention the trigger?

 

[cpt-t]

RPRNY: I have been shooting a SS M92 Rossi, with a 20 inch round barrel, in 45LC for the last 10 to 12 years at least. I bought it to CAS shoot and have shot it probabley a 1000 + times with out any problems at all. The rifle was stiff to cycle at first but after a couple of 100 rounds, it just smoothed right up. Mine has allways had a very light trigger pull. The stock is a very dark brown with black lines running thru it, but it fits the rifle well. I also hunt with this little rifle and use it as a carry rifle when out walking around, and because of this I have shot alot of Small Game and even a few Coyotes and Pigs with it. I reload one 45LC load and use it for both my lever rifles and pistols. IMHO my Rossi M92 has served me well, and I like shooting and carrying it. I have really enjoyed this little rifle and truley feel lucky to own it. Good Luck To You:
ken

 

[MCgunner]

I don't shoot CAS, bought the .357 92 25 years ago for a "brush rifle". I have killed one deer at 80 yards with it. It's a great shooter, though, and with light .38 handloads it has taken some squirrels. I think the wood is nice, oil rubbed finish and appears to be walnut, but not any sort of spectacular grain or anything. I do like the old school oil rubbed finish, though. The bluing has held up quite well, too. I get about 4 MOA out of it at 100 yards with hot .357s and 3 MOA with light .38s at 50 yards (1.5" groups), so it appears your's is a better shooter than mine.

 

[Cump]

I recently found a good deal on a stainless 92 in 357, 20 in. Love it. Cycles a variety of 357 profiles and weights. And can shoot cans at 50 yards all day long.

Took it down and reassembled to learn how to do it. Curious about the internet advice to stone internals. Mine didn't need it. Fit and finish is good (including wood). Also decided against swapping springs to "slick" the action. It works as is -- and I wonder how many complaints about the m92 come from after the DIY action job.

 

[bannockburn]

RPRNY

I picked up my Rossi M92 in .45 Colt a couple of years ago, used but LNIB. Wood to metal and overall fit and finish were excellent. Initial functioning was a bit stiff and gritty but has smoothed out over time. The trigger is surprisingly light and crisp and sights are quick and easy to acquire. Overall one very handy little carbine.

 

[tark]

I have a Rossi full length , octagon barreled rifle. It is long and heavy for the cartridge (45 COLT) that it shoots, but it holds 14 rounds in the mag and that long, heavy barrel gives good accuracy. It holds about three inches at 100 yards with my favorite handload. I have shot a couple of thousand rounds through it and the action is now butter smooth. The trigger is light and breaks cleanly at four pounds. There is a bit of travel but it isn't excessive.

I got the gun in trade for a rolling block in 43 Spanish. It was a bad trade, value wise but I haven't regretted it. I really like the gun.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

My M92 was bought in 1995 before the silly safety. It has served me on horseback, shooting blanks for wild west reenactments, deer hunting and personal protection. It goes with me in my jeep and sets by the front door at night for the occasional coyote. It is .45 LC and shoots Hornady Leverevolution, jacketed softpoints, cowboy loads and BP loads equally well. I was foolish back in 1997 and traded it off.I never found a rifle that would point shoot for me like that one, so I went back to the guy and took a beating buying and begging it back, but I have no regrets. The stock cracked on the horse, but has been repaired.

With a 50yard group like the OP is showing, I would think it is a fine rifle.