.357 lever

[Janos Dracwlya]

I have a stainless Rossi Model 92 that I bought in 1998 or 1999 for Cowboy Action Shooting. It was very lightly used when I bought it, and the action was still a bit gritty. It was not a problem, however. I started CAS in 2000, and, about a year after that, I was at a match where I ended up sharing with another shooter whose Winchester 92 had broken it's carrier. After shooting it for a couple of stages, he asked me who had slicked the action for me; I had to tell him that no one had - it was just from using it in target practice and matches (and not that many of those - I only shot about half a dozen a year).

Now, to the gun's one problem. It doesn't like wadcutters, nor does it like most semi-wadcutters, except for Zero brand (smaller shoulder on them), though if you work the lever very forcefully, SWC's will work. Everything else, though, it shoots just fine, .38 or .357 magnum. For a long time it was my go-to rifle for home defense.

If I ever sell my CAS guns - since I'm no longer active in the sport - the Rossi will be the one I keep.

 

[david58]

Maybe its not that Win and Marlin rally want to insult each other to death, but maybe the simple desire to be right?

Seems that any of the rifles mentioned will do the job adequately, with minor differences in appearance or maybe some difference in range performance. All that would be up to the shopper (OP) to decide whilst he has his hands on the guns.

Admittedly an Marlin guy, I'll also admit it's because I grew up from a wee little one shooting Marlin 39's, and might have shot 10 rounds from a Winchester, ever. Simply personal preference, and shy of very high pressure rounds, I think that's where it comes down for the most part on this thread, too.

 

[oldfool]

well, I own both the LSI/Rossi Puma 92 and the Marlin 1894C and love 'em both
ain't nothing wrong with Henry either, all good
OP needs to pick 'em up, throw to shoulder, and work the actions for himself, because they all feel a bit different, and that's the only real tie breaker that matters

obliged to say though that Craig C is on target
amongst the really really serious hard core lever gun afficionados, the Browning/Miroku '92 in 357 is, no kidding, legendary
(color me envious, legendary = not cheap)

PS
and Browning/Miroku really did make a late run of the "Winchester" labeled 9422M Legacy in 22WMR
my son-in-law has one, only because he got to it before I did
likewise 'to die for' as you might well expect

 

[oldfool]

just curious.. the Winchester name showing some signs of life again
who makes their current lever actions - FN/Browning/Miroku, or somebody just licensed to use the name ?

prices look like FN/Browning/Miroku
Morgan Utah sound like Browning

 

[DirtyHarry31]

I wanted a rifle to go with my my all around guns to keep for my truck, hiking or camping. My combo for all these is a Rossi Stainless 357 with a 20" barrel, my S&W 686 4" barrel, and my backup a S&W 360 M&P in 357 mag. 357 mag is the way to go. Ammo is cheap (38 specials), easy to handle, get to shoot alot more to be ready if SHTF. Your wife or kids could shoot without the recoil. Rossi are inexpensive but is very reliable. There is a guy named Steve who can provide all you need for your Rossi on the internet under Steve's Gunz. Bottom line is pick what you like but you do not need to spend the money on an expensive level action to get great results. Lots of people love the Rossi/Puma '92. As for the "357" for hunting, here's a link to some stats:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=47&t=298138
The reason you have the gun is to shoot it, why spend all that money on an expensive one when you could have one for 1/2 - 2/3 the cost. Get the all stainless one, it's well worth it and real easy to take care of. Just my .02 .

 

[Maverick223]

For a pistol caliber lever gun I like the Marlin better, though the IMI Timberwolf deserves a look if you are willing to consider pumps.

 

[MCMXI]

Your Redhawk is safe to 50,000psi, your Marlin is NOT safe for those. The 1892 is.

You make a good point. My Super Redhawk is chambered for the .45 Colt and .454 Casull so it stands to reason that it's good to the SAAMI .454 Casull spec of 50,000 CUP which clearly my '94 isn't.

 

[lebowski]

I'm pretty sure none of my local gun stores have the '92 in stock, so looking at them both in person likely isn't an option.

Is the general consensus that the '92 has a better fit & finish?