My first Rossi rifle

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pawncop

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I acquired a Rossi brand, Rio Bravo, .22 caliber, lever action rifle yesterday from a nearby pawnshop for $300.00 OTD. It appears to be in very good condition, it feeds properly, ejects without issue, just need to get to the range.

It has buckhorn sights, which is a first for me. Lightweight, seems easy to handle.

Any experiences to share?
 
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I have a Rossi .357 M92 lever action with 20" Barrel. I cycled the action about 500 times while watching tv and burnished the trigger by pressing on the cocked hammer and pulling the trigger (unloaded of course). I shoot mostly .38s out of it and its a ton of fun and everyone loves shooting it. My men's group from church were shooting all my guns at a hunting resort range and they all enjoyed the AR-15s but liked the Rossi better. We were trying to hit a brick size rock on a dirt hill 200 yards away and had to aim about 8 feet above the target. Guys were occasionally hitting the rock but coming darn close to it about every time, and most had rarely shot a gun.
 
Yep, I have an old Rossi "Puma" .357 saddle ring carbine. You know, the one with the snarling puma medallion inlaid in the receiver (I popped it out and glued in a commemorative quarter for Colorado - looks much better to me). Absolutely industrial strength little rifle and after slicking it up it's possibly the most fun of any of my rifles. Accurate, light and easy to handle with the 20" barrel. Plus it has plenty of old west mojo. Wouldn't part with it. Have to assume your .22 will be equally fun. Let us know . . .
 
My first and only is a Rossi 62, copy of a Winchester 62, a pump .22. It shoots a little high, but is reliable and accurate enough for me. I love it; would rather have a Winchester but can't afford one.
 
I own only one (22 pump rifle) and it's a pretty descent gun. When they first started importing them they had their share of problems but now I think they have ironed all that out and for the money are good rifles.

I still think I'd pass on their handguns - but they might have improved as well.
 
Haven't had experience with the Rossi .22 lever gun, but I have a Rossi model 1892 in .45 Colt. It's stainless steel, and I had it bead-blasted. It's got a 16-inch barrel and is perfect as a saddle gun or a truck gun. I think you'll really enjoy yours. Mine has been a great little gun.
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I have this Rossi Model 92 SRC - it's one of my favorite lever actions. The .357/.38 Special chambering is perfect for this gun - recoil is very manageable, and the power is considerable. It's a very accurate gun. This one was made before they started tacking that ridiculous "safety thingy" on top of the breechblock. This one remains just as John Moses Browning designed it.

John


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I have never owned a Rossi. They look nice but have always stuck with the older pre Remington Marlins as they are reliable and easy to clean and work on.
 
My 1892 in 357 is Very reliable. The action was OK when new but was not slick and smooth. I put in a Steve’s spring kit, stoned & polished the innards. I also shortened the magazine spring 5” and rounded the losing gate to make loading easier and safer. Great gun and very accurate. I hope you enjoy your’s as much as I have mine.
 
I remember a case form a few years ago when someone on another forum was upset because the company would not send them replacement parts so they could repair a rifle. I also remember that many said getting one repaired by the factory was hit and miss with a lot of wait time and unrepaired rifles and revolvers being returned as fixed. Has anyone had that problem or has it gotten better. I have no first hand knowledge of any problems.
 
Well, took the rifle out to the range and I am very pleased with the rifle’s performance. Shot it with the open, buckhorn sights at 50 yards. The groups were decent enough with Federal, 36 grain, jacketed hollow point rounds.

Based upon today’s experience, I can recommend this rifle.
 
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