And would appreciate your input. It is chambered in 45 LC and has a 16 inch barrel. Yes, I know that most people are going to recommend a 12 or 20 gauge barrel pump shotgun, but that makes it that much harder to maneuver around corners in the house. I suppose over penetration of sheet rock walls is a concern for the short rifle, but so would be buckshot loads from a 12 gauge pump. I am considering this gun due to high crime in the nearby town (including home invasions) and want something effective, but at the same time a "long gun" that can't be called an "assault rifle", for the simple reason that even in a home invasion scenario a prosecutor is likely to capitalize on the fact that you used an AR or Ak and use the bad press those weapons have received to paint you in a bad light. I am just looking for input on this choice of weapon from the forum members. Your thoughts, anyone?

I believe Jeff Cooper once wrote that a pistol caliber lever gun would make an excellent home defense weapon in those jurisdictions that frown on handguns. Personally, I'd want something cheaper to practice with, like one chambered in .357, but if you are willing to put in the time needed to get proficient with it, I wouldn't argue against it.

I keep a Rossi .357 with shells in a holder on the stock handy. Not sure I would pick it over a handgun, though, for bumps in the night. It would be my "gall-back" while waiting for the cavalry.

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Because of the metric system?

That sounds reasonable to me. Thanks for your input Scott.

I have a Rossi 92 in .357, and although I don't rely on it for home defense, I wouldn't feel undergunned if I did.

I keep a M92 .357 behind the bedroom door, loaded with 158 gr. .38 SWC. They really fly out of a 16" barrel, light recoil, low flash.

It's my PC HD.

I live in Boulder, I figure it's more PC to defend my home with a lever gun than an evil looking black gun.

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SWCA #2817

My reasoning over a handgun is the extra power imparted by the longer barrel- longer, but not so long as to be an impediment to moving around from one room to another, if need be. I have read figures at "ballistics by the inch" at nearly 800 fp for some loads in this caliber. And then lighter loads can be used for less penetration hazard, if wanted. I was considering a Marlin auto rifle in 9mm instead, but it was snapped up before I could get it and they don't make them anymore. I do like lever guns though.

A handgun is much more practical anytime you must move through your home(such as you have family members in separate rooms) due to the ability to effectively use it one handed and it's maneuverability(navigating corners, weapon retention, unseen threats, operating doors, light switches). A long gun can be a good option for when you have taken up a fixed position(designated "safe room" etc.), but even then, consider the angles you have to work with(firing from your specific cover location)band the likelihood of needing to go mobile based on the layout of your home. If committing to a long gun, I myself would prefer a rifle or shotgun using true rifle/cartridges for their far greater power and/or capacity offered than a lever action revolver caliber carbine. The Rossi would likely work in most scenarios, but I'd honestly feel better armed and prepared with a quick handling high-capacity semi-automatic handgun.

I have a Rossi in .357. I have never thought of it as a home SD gun for various reasons. Although the gun is accurate and simple to use, it can not be used with one hand, it is very slow to load, and it doesn't hold very many rounds. I rely on my handguns for my first choice of home defense, then my Mossi 12 gauge, followed by my AR. My last choice would be the Rossi. Even my Remington Nylon 66 in 22LR would see use before the Rossi.

My Rossi is fun to shoot, dependable, very accurate and has it's place as a range and hunting rifle, but not as a home SD weapon. Just my $0.02....

I have a Rossi in 357. It is in the safe but I would not hesitate to use it for home defense.That is one of the reasons I bought it .I thought it would look more non threatning to gun phobes if I ever had to use it.By the way I have had it since late 80s and I believe Col Coopers writing gave me the idea

Every firearm I own above .22LR is kept loaded with SD rounds. My Rossi 92 in .357 is always loaded with 158 JSP for HD. It would only be my first choice for black bear, the 12GA is first for two-legged threats.

I was looking at the gun you describe until I priced 45LC ammo, and saw the very limited selection. If you don't reload, I would get the .357. If your determined to go 45LC, there is also a Rossi in .454 Casull that gives you the option of high pressure hunting rounds along with the 45LC.

One benefit to a pistol caliber from a carbine barrel for HD, is that it is much quieter than from a handgun, and the ballistic properties are improved. May not be best for close quarters work but the crescent buttplates are pointy and sharp enough to be deadly.

YMMV, but I pour ammo through that lever action .357. I love shooting it, as do my friends and relatives, and employees and patrons at the gun club.

I agree with your reasoning, but prefer the handgun for the repeating capability. If I had to hunker down in my bedroom, the Rossi would be putting .357 JSPs through the drywall. It's also nice to have the ammo compatibility. The .38s in the speedstrips work in all the guns in a pinch.

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Because of the metric system?

If you're worried about appearances using a lever action is walking right into the cowboy gambit. Have you considered a Mini-14 or M1 Carbine or similar? I don't care for either compared to an AR, but they offer the wood stock look and are semi-auto with detachable box magazines and will be easier to shoot. The Mini-14 is also a rifle caliber.

I do not believe pistol bullets gain much from a carbine, but a rifle caliber is a big step up in wounding potential compared to a pistol caliber carbine and should strongly be considered.

I have put only a few rounds through a lever action. A Winchester 94 in .44 Magnum. I found it to be harder to load than a shotgun, had poorer sights than an EBR or combat shotgun, and it took a brisk stroke to ensure a clean cycle. I also found that the magnum rounds had more recoil than expected, but specials were more enjoyable and you could stuff an extra one in the tube.

The .357 Magnum is a great choice if one wants a pistol caliber carbine for self defense. On average, the 18 inch barrel doubles the power of .38 special and .357 magnum rounds, with very little recoil, no flash, basically the ease and handling of a big .22 magnum, with the power of a 24 inch barrel .223. The effect of a flat nosed, 158 grain jacketed soft point, full power .357 magnum load out of the carbine is absolutely destructive. You can get around 1850 fps out of a 158 grain bullet, around 1,200 ft lbs. of energy, and the bullets tend to deliver it beautifully into many objects, and especially tissue. As has been stated, I have better choices with my large arsenal, but I wouldn't feel a tiny bit out gunned if all I had was my Winchester 94 AE, knowing how lethal it is with full power rounds.

The .44 Magnum in pistol carbine doesn't have the same percentage on average upgrade in power like the .357 does, more around 60% ballpark increase instead of around 100% for the smaller magnum, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone who would doubt the killing power of a .44 Magnum rifle. The 45LC? That is another story, I suppose. Its a fine caliber for a pistol carbine, alright, but in self defense in a non auto loading long gun? I don't doubt a full house .357 Magnum, or a 44 Magnum, because they are extremely capable of stopping a fight with one center mass shot with the kind of carnage they can cause, but the lower power standard .45LC, even with the longer barrel, may not have that kind of ability.

Yes, suggesting a .223 or 30 carbine auto loader instead is good advice, but to stay more on OP's point, I think that although a pistol lever action carbine isn't the best choice, its certainly far from the worst, and far better than a handgun. If its a gun you enjoy shooting, something you use competitively and have become accustomed and well adjusted to, become "one with the gun", or find that you can more easily handle a pistol carbine, perhaps its a good choice. I still would suggest perhaps the more powerful magnum cartridges instead. If you can't shoot more than one round at a time without mechanical cycling, try to stick to a cartridge that finishes the job in one hit.

Don't worry about "black guns" giving you a bad time in a self defense situation's aftermath. The situation, not your gun or ammunition, is the problem. Lots of talk about how bullet and gun selection are potential problems, yet few cases are presented to prove the point.

Woodsman22: If you choose to use a clone of the Winchester Model 1892 for home defense, have a real, trade-school trained, gunsmith do the necessary smoothing and slicking. The goal is to produce a smoothly functioning carbine with a 4 pound to 5 pound trigger, topped with sight suited to rapid use in reduced light. All traditional-style lever actions need professional help: just ask any seriously competitive Cowboy Action Shooter for detailed explanation. Better yet, shoot an out-of-the-box carbine alongside a properly slicked up unit. Forget about short-action conversions and light triggers: a negligent discharge can cause such trouble you can't even imagine. As far as the cartridge, factory loads topped with jacketed hollow-point bullets in .357 Magnum, .44 magnum or .45 Colt will work just fine for home defense. For defense purposes, I'd prefer a Holographic sight or a red dot: good ones, no cheap junk. A peep sight with a big ghost ring rear and a large flat-faced bead front sight will work in low light if you have young eyes: I don't. And then get some training and do some regular practice. Good luck!

" As far as the cartridge, factory loads topped with jacketed hollow-point bullets in .357 Magnum, .44 magnum or .45 Colt will work just fine for home defense."

That is what I was thinking.Yes, the 45 LC is more expensive than others, but I can always gear up to reload them. I appreciate everyone's input here to my question and can see the issue from several sides.

VOOB:

"If you're worried about appearances using a lever action is walking right into the cowboy gambit. Have you considered a Mini-14 or M1 Carbine or similar? I don't care for either compared to an AR, but they offer the wood stock look and are semi-auto with detachable box magazines and will be easier to shoot. The Mini-14 is also a rifle caliber."

Yes I have thought about the M1 Carbine and as a matter of fact it was the first gun I considered, but the prices for a good one are ...well a little bit out of my range at this point in time. Same for the Mini-14 which I agree is a very nice rifle. I have never cared for the AR's. Never liked the looks of them and I remember they were getting guys killed in Vietnam (yeah, I know they have ironed out the problems with them to a good degree, but I still don't trust them) and well the AK's though they are as reliable as can be still have that "image" that the media stuck them with. I guess I am saying that I want something a little more effective than a pistol but which is still not a battle rifle. That is the reason that I mentioned the Ruger PC9 in my OP. They are hard to find now though and mags are not readily available for them either. Then I thought about that 9mm folding Kel-Tec, but I had a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol in the past and got rid of it soon after- very unimpressive workmanship, to put it nicely. Ah well ; the search continues.

I have a .45 like you describe and it would make a good defense gun. Yes there are better options but it will do the job. ( I prefer a 12 gauge and there is a pistol handy)

My best fried for years kept a Ruger .44 auto carbine (his normal dear hunting gun) close by and loaded if problems occurred. Its small, light, fast firing but only holds five shots and the Rossi holds more and with the right ammo would be a reasonable protector!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

SKS rifles and carbines remain relatively inexpensive. Ammunition is cheaper and they are faster to load. Were I to get a lever action carbine, I would look for one in .30-30.

I have a Marlin 20" in 45 Colt. I have considered prepping it for HD, but for now it's unloaded in the safe.

It holds 9 rnds in the magazine, and with one in the chamber it gives you 10 shots.

I looked into HD ammo for it and decided to try Federal 225 gr Semi-wadcutter hollow point.

This is essentially a 45 Colt version of the old FBI load and is quite mild and probably would over penetrate less that the 45 Colt hunting rounds.

It's shown on the ballistics by the inch web site as one of the ones they tested.

I'm a revolver and lever action guy myself. I also have a 16" Marlin 30-30 which would do the job, but it only holds 5 shots in the magazine.

Perhaps the Ranch Hand would be a better choice? Seems like a mix of longer barrel, but easier to handle, especially with one hand (at least while shooting)???

I will presume the OP has thought thru his handgun vs long gun issues, and discuss long guns.

*To me* , leverguns are fast handling, and capable of making rapid hits, if it is similar for the OP (or anyone else considering) , then procede with consideration for HD.

.45 Colt ammunition comes in several power levels, worst case is at least as good as .45acp hardball, up thru potent hunting performance ( hint- modern M92 clones are at least capable of handling "Ruger Only" loads, some opinions considerably higher). SASS loads will give mouse fart recoil if recoil sensitivity is an issue for family members.

M92 clones are not suited to conventional mounting of optics, but either gold bead, or fiber optic will give fast acquisition at defensive distances.

16in bbl will minimize length, at expense of magazine capacity. A 20in bbl M92 clone is still much lighter and handier than an 18-20in shotgun, and have 10-ish rd capacity. Evaluate your personal priorities.

A Rossi is usually not as smooth as other M92 clones that cost about twice as much. Evaluate specific rifle in your hands if it is adaquately smooth. Worst case the price difference will pay for action job, with plenty left over.

Also to the op.Check out Steves gunz in Texas he is the Rossi guru he makes a wonderful drop in peep sight that replaces that ungainly safety Rossi puts on its new 92s

"16in bbl will minimize length, at expense of magazine capacity. A 20in bbl M92 clone is still much lighter and handier than an 18-20in shotgun, and have 10-ish rd capacity. Evaluate your personal priorities.

A Rossi is usually not as smooth as other M92 clones that cost about twice as much. Evaluate specific rifle in your hands if it is adaquately smooth. Worst case the price difference will pay for action job, with plenty left over."

Bigfoot;

Yes, I have been checking out the defense loads for 45 LC and it seems there are adequate options out there. I am going to take your advice to try a regular length Rossi 92 and compare the feel to the 16 inch version. I do know that these rifles do not compare to say a Miroku Winchester made version, but they also don't carry the $1200.00 price tag either! The price concern is partly due to the fact that after you use the gun in any self-defense/HD situation, you have to hand it over to the police. I have to wonder what the odds are of getting that Miroku Winchester back from the evidence locker after all is said and done? If a less expensive piece will do the same job, then it seems common sense to me to buy that instead (absolutely NO disrespect intended!). As to mounting optics, well I won't need them for my intended purpose. I am too old and disabled at this point to hunt. Thanks for your input, all of which is appreciated from everyone.

Shell 627:

Thanks! I remembered having seen a website dealing with Rossi gunsmithing and couldn't remember where. Now you reminded me and I will check it out. The peep sight replacement for the safety sounds good, but I wonder about the liability aspect of removing a manufacturer safety (the courts will use anything to nail you).
I am probably going to go for the Rossi in some form, but if crime around here gets bad enough then I will just have to consider moving to a safer place.

I don't believe anyone has ever felt "undergunned" with .45Colt. As you you've seen thay are options for loads as hot as desired. Another interesting option is loading down, specifically .45 Schofield generally allows you to load 10 in a carbine that only holds 9 of .45Colt.

Get one and enjoy it, it'll do the job if called on.

Stevesgunz also sells 92's already slicked-up. He also sells a DVD explaining the modifications he does and packages it with a SS mag follower and ejector spring (brass goes into orbit with OEM spring) for $58, if you want to slick it yourself. He was also helpful with phone support. Can be as smooth as any other 92 with a little work. On round barrels, there are scope base mounting holes under the dovetailed rear sight, but the bases are currently in short supply.

The .45 Colt is an excellent home defense round, especially with a JHP bullet moving at high velocity, or maybe one of the Buffalo Bore loads.

That said, I'm not sure shooting at inside-the-home distances with a longer barrel would give you extra power that would be really important.

And although you might not see a 16- or 20-inch barrel as an impediment to movement inside a house or apartment, keep in mind that you're gonna have a receiver and stock attached to that barrel...both of which will increase the overall length of the gun. And if I'm not mistaken, the gun is required by law to be longer than 26-inches.

I think a S&W Model 25 would be an outstanding home defense weapon.

Actually, you didn't mention the PC9. Several posters with far more experience than I with lever guns have posted, so defer to them on operating them. Kel-Tec is claiming they will release M&P magazine compatible Sub-2000's next year, but they don't really offer anything other than folding. Ruger offered a semi-auto .44 carbine (10/22 on steroids) and the 96/44 (a lever action 10/22 on steroids.) The Marlin Camp 9 and 45 are also potential candidates.

Most of the alternatives that are coming to my mind are evil black rifle-ish, shotgun-ish, and/or expensive. I'm not much help.

Kinetic energy is not a valid method of assessing wound ballistics. With that kind of velocity gain I'd be concerned that bullets developed for pistols would be over-driven and fail.


DocGKR posted a couple of interesting things worth reading in this context:
.44 Magnum General Purpose Loads
Home Defense Long Guns

I have the Rossi 92 in 454 Casull. I think it's the best overall caliber, as I can develop loads using Casull cases from standard .45LC data all the way to high end 454 Casull loads.
I don't recommend this rifle for HD, as I prefer a handgun for that service.
I do keep it loaded and handy for the occasional mtn lions that pass through.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

A lever gun with the hammer back is much like a single action revolver in that it is just a hair away from firing. Would not want to be in a SD situation with that in my hands. Even if all was justifiable with the necessity to shoot to prevent one's own death or grave bodily harm be prepared to put out 6 figures to defend a shark lawyer who will try to portray it as an accidental shooting. Then hand the jury one by one your firearm to see how easy it was to fire off a shot.

I'd be more inclined to go with a .44 Magnum Cimarron.

It'd go perfectly with a Smith 29 or a Ruger Redhawk.

Just to put a number to that statement, my year old Rossi .357 has a consistent 4.0 LB trigger, from the factory.

In handguns, no, in rifles, yes. Since handguns cannot create hydrostatic shock, differences in energy only really affect potential performance by offering more potential to cause expansion and penetration, but in the end, testing is what finally makes the determination. However, once you get to higher power rounds, energy becomes extremely important. The difference between a .357 Magnum revolver fired round and one from an 18 inch rifle barrel is not comparable, they are of such massive difference that they are in different categories. The rifle doubles the energy, and creates enough to cause hydrostatic shock. Where the revolver will punch a hole in small animals and cement blocks, the rifle will blow them up or crush them.

If you've actually killed things with a .357 Magnum rifle and pistol, you'd understand that huge differences between them. This is what makes the .38/.357 such an interesting case in terms of terminal ballistics; we can go from 150 ft.lbs of energy in snub nosed .38 light loads to 1200 ft.lbs in a hot rifle load, we can see some rounds so weak they cannot deform soft lead hollow points well, all the way to solid nose jacketed soft points having explosive crushing force within tissues.

Its very common to see mistakes from one type of analysis applied to another. This is what caused the huge problem with early wound ballistics research, which assumed temporary cavities in handgun loads was the most important means of stoppage, and this was based on the effects of high power rifles. This, of course, was proven to be wrong, so handgun rounds are only judged by the end bullet, and the crush cavity is based on actual physical crush from the bullet itself. However, the opposite is also true, in terms of people familiar with handgun terminal ballistics only, applying the concept that no shock exists to high power rifles, which is completely wrong in and of itself. High power rounds crush more tissue from permanent stretch cavitation in many cases than what the bullet itself crushes. Anyone who's pulled a pile of mush out of a deer from a .30-06 hit knows this to be true, or watching a gopher explode from being hit with a 25-06. It was wrong to conclude that handguns created permanent stretch cavities; its also wrong to conclude that higher power rounds don't.

So, I will disagree strongly with your assertion, and from first hand experience with these weapons. The longer barrel and higher resultant velocities and energies put the carbine in a completely different category of damage and stopping ability over the handgun.

Since when are people so worried about being "PC" when defending their lives or the lives of their family, I'm going to use whatever gives me the most advantage over the bad guy.

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Forged From Freedom

I keep a Winchester 94 trapper chambered in 44mag handy at the ranch.

Also, have a re-production '73 short rifle chambered in 45 Long Colt hanging on the elk antler above my bunk....



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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

So explain to me how a lever gun with a cocked hammer is any different from a M&P pistol or a semi-auto rifle such as my M&P 15, both of which always have a round in the chamber ready to fire? If you are so worried about lawyers and juries then maybe you should be carrying pepper spray, but then that might even get you into legal trouble, especially in the State where you are living. Or better yet don't have any weapons and just rely on 911. Here in Arizona we have the Castle Doctrine and the last thought in protecting myself or my family is the fear of a "Shark" Lawyer or a jury.

OP is/was talking home invasion..........

IIRC woodsman22 also mentioned his age..... as an issue

The stories I hear about home invasion ..... start out 1 of 2 ways;
Homeowner answers the door and is rushed by multiple attackers
Attackers just kick the door in.

If Home invasion is a real threat are you going to be able to deploy a lever action long gun against these kinds of attack? Are you going to go to the door with a long gun in hand?

As a "backup" gun in the bedroom...... a lever gun would be GTG. I have a Winchester Trapper in .357..... great gun for a lot of things.... but not my first choice against home invasion.

For a back up/fort up bedroom gun..........

Right now, for me a Mossburg Youth model 20 gauge does that duty.

While sacrificing capacity I "settled"(in my current low threat enviornment) on a 510 Mini Super Bantam (3+1) 18.5" barrel,full stock,nicely placed safety, short stroke forearm, OA length 34" (AR length), with a fiber optic front sight and 5 extra rounds on the butt.......about $300.......... and the wife or boys can hunt with it........

Lee, I am simply expressing my opinion and concern that someone may find themselves in a heap of trouble in a justifiable self defense shooting. I'm an old SASS shooter with many thousands of rounds through a pistol calibre lever gun. Now mine was slicked up so perhaps the trigger pull was lighter than stock. Personally I would prefer a heavier trigger and one with some takeup before my shot goes off in a SD scenario. Perhaps read up on how and why Massad Ayoob cautions against using single action revolvers for self defense. He installs NY-1 triggers in all his SD Glocks to up the trigger pull to 8lbs. I have done the same to my carry G27. In addition every revolver he owns for SD he has the hammer spur ground off as well as the single action cocking notch on the hammer. Granted a lighter trigger pull is a single action pistol over a cocked lever gun. However lawyers know that going after you with an accidental shooting charge has huge potential for them. Your homeowners liability coverage will likely have more money that you personally are able to pay off. Stay safe. Dan.

Adequate self defense sights have been addressed, but I didn't see anyone post anything about weapons mounted lights. For home defense, these are just as essential as anything else discussed. They help you identify your potential threat as well as temporarily blind them or put them off-balance. Trying to wield a handheld light during an armed encounter with a long gun for self protection can be done with practice, but remember in the middle of the night when you're barely waking up. If nothing is already available, look for a way to attach a short pic rail to the forend and clamp on a TRL or similar.

If it good enough for Lucas McCain, it's good enough for me.

Actually, cast me as another advocate for handguns over long guns for home defense.

I am aware that the rules change once rifle velocities are reached. My understanding is that the temporary cavity becomes a significant wounding factor around 2000 fps. For rounds that do meet those velocities bullet design is still a controlling variable so tissue simulant or controlled animal testing is still required to assess wound ballistics. .357 from a rifle is going faster than I realized and there are loads near or slightly above 2000 fps.

I'm going to stand by my earlier statement, but admit I underestimated the velocity and therefore could be underestimating the effectiveness of .357 from a rifle.

I have hunted w/ .357 rifle, talked with others who have, and Brian Pearce has tested/ written on these from hunting viewpoint.

The issue IS bullet performance at 1700-1900 fps. While there are some good choices (presuming controlled expansion is the goal) , performance at 1200-1400fps is no predictor of behavior at 1700+fps. Non-expanding bullets from .357 rifle have penetration in game measured in feet, not inches. Lightly constructed jhp's will explode on groundhogs. ( To loosely paraphrase Mr Pearce, full power handloads, with proper 158gr bullets will equal or excede 150gr .30-30 on game.)
But for SD , my wild guesses would be either .38+P to have similar impact vel to mid range .357 fron revolver, or mid range .357 to aproximate full .357 from revolver. But even these aproaches are best with at least a chronograph, and hopefully also some impact testing.

Conversely a downloaded big bore rifle is very simple load selection. CAS level loads will equal SAAMI level loads from revolver, and have rat fart recoil. SAAMI level loads will aproach Ruger only loads from revolver, probably still be within design velocity envelope of of premium SD bullets, and have moderate recoil.

Added : The above is refering to .45Colt lever guns, but same concept applies to .44spl and mid range .44mag in .44mag lever guns.

Further added : The trigger weight issue is no different for a lever gun than for pump or semi shotgun, or semiauto rifles. Don't set up an ultra light trigger, but "normal" 4-5lb letoff will be as legally defensible as any common long gun.

Everything is going to depend on the style of your house, size and what it was built out of. But generally speaking a big slow moving bullet will penetrate much deeper than a fast light bullet. HD 223 ammo has been show to stop in dry wall while handgun calibers keep moving.

If I was worried what gun the media finds offense then I'd defend myself with a musket or a slingshot

In a little late on this one, but . . . .

I consider my two Rossi 92 Clones to be very viable HD weapons. Both are 16 inch Trappers, one in .357 and one in .45 Colt. I hand load for .45 and have several thousand pieces of brass. I have probably fired 750 rounds in the .45, and it has slicked up considerably just through use. Starting this time of year, I take the .45 with me to my job at the gun/pawn shop. I load the magazine with 8 rounds of 250 grain swc over 9 grains of Unique. I don't keep one in the chamber. I put the Trapper in an inconspicuous but quickly accessible place. Of course I am carrying a handgun, usually a 1911 Commander. I have an extra mag for the 1911. I figure if things get dicey, I can at least keep up a hell of a racket with the two .45s.

Seriously, I am very familiar with both types of guns, and have a lot of confidence in my abilities with the little lever gun, especially at those ranges. If you have never handled the little 92 clone with that length barrel, you would be amazed at how handy it is.

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Georgia On My Mind

They have the power and accuracy to "stop the fight". If you are adept at handling them, then they are a good choice.

Yep-a 16 inch in 357 with a red dot in the scout position. No mags-10 shots-woman-kid=ok. Taffin said if he had 1 choice in a Center Fire Rifle it would be a lever gun in 357-I agree.

To put it simply: a Model 92? Sure, why not?
And as was mentioned, keep the Ranch Hand in mind as well. With a 12" barrel, it's a little more "handy" around the house.

Not one single photo in this thread!

This is my Rossi 92. It's not my "bump in the night" gun, but with 8+1 .357 Magnum rounds, I wouldn't feel under-gunned with it. The 16" barrel makes it the handiest of all my lever actions, and would maneuver around corners with no problem.

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Oh my... Very nice photo.