Which Rossi 92

[vbhunter]

I am about to order a Rossi 92 in .44 Mag as a companion to my Super Blackhawk, and have narrowed my choices down to two.  I either want the 16" round barrel with blued receiver, or the 20" octagonal barrel with the case hardened receiver.  I had a chance to handle the 16" model, and it felt really handy, but maybe a little too light.  I have not had a chance to handle the 20" octagon, but I like the way it looks.  I see that it is listed as about 1.5# heavier.  Has anyone held the 20" octagon model, and does it balance well, or is it "front heavy" like the 24" octagon model?  What is anyone's opinion/comparison between these?  Recoil or price difference is not an issue with me.

[yukondog]

I have the round barrel 20" I think, it handles and balance's well.What are your plans hunting or just plinking? I have the Puma and it's great for carring in the woods all day.

[vbhunter]

I have the round barrel 20" I think, it handles and balance's well.What are your plans hunting or just plinking? I have the Puma and it's great for carring in the woods all day.

Mostly just hunting.  I have handled the 20" round barrel model too, and it balanced well - better than the 16" IMO.  I just like the 16" because it's unique, and kind of a novelty.  I love the look of the 20" octagonal barrel with the case hardened receiver, but I was worried that it might be a little too front heavy with that oct. barrel.

[Graybeard]

I have the 20" round barrel .44 Magnum and 20" octagon .45 Colt. The .44 is too light for my shoulder but maybe after I recover from surgery of it that will change. I also have a 20" RB .357 that is really sweet. I've owned both 20" and 24" .45 Colt in the past and of them I prefer the 24". My RB 20" will likely be traded on a 24" eventually. Even hot loads in the .45 octagon aren't too much for my shoulder.

I just wish they came with rubber pads rather than curved steel.

[Rangr44]

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If you like the octagon barrel, I'd suggest getting the 20" octagon - then, if it's too heavy or nose heavy, it's not that big a deal to shorten it (and the magazine tube, too).

You could rough-shorten it to (say) 18", and finish the muzzle/crown if it's a "go", or shorten it again/further, if it's not quite right for you yet.


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[vbhunter]

I have the 20" round barrel .44 Magnum and 20" octagon .45 Colt. The .44 is too light for my shoulder but maybe after I recover from surgery of it that will change. I also have a 20" RB .357 that is really sweet. I've owned both 20" and 24" .45 Colt in the past and of them I prefer the 24". My RB 20" will likely be traded on a 24" eventually. Even hot loads in the .45 octagon aren't too much for my shoulder.

I just wish they came with rubber pads rather than curved steel.

Thanks.  Roger that on the curved steel buttplates.  They look "authentic" on a 92 reproduction, but they sure can be painful sometimes.

[vbhunter]

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If you like the octagon barrel, I'd suggest getting the 20" octagon - then, if it's too heavy or nose heavy, it's not that big a deal to shorten it (and the magazine tube, too).

You could rough-shorten it to (say) 18", and finish the muzzle/crown if it's a "go", or shorten it again/further, if it's not quite right for you yet.


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Thanks.  I have just about decided to get the 20" octagon/case hardened model if I can find one.  I called Rossi, and they are producing that model, but my local dealer hasn't had any luck finding one from any of his wholesalers.

[yukondog]

My 44 has the crescent butt plate and I put a limb saver slip on pad and it works great, the 454 has a recoil pad and it helps some,but with this light rifle the 454 at full load will rattle you teeth.

[oldhunter]

Before I bought, I held all combinations of the Rossi 92 and because I wanted a .357/.38, I decided on the 20" barrel.  Felt it balanced better and the additional 4" increased velocity a bit.  Very pleased with this rifle as it is quite accurate and was plenty enough for a 5 point at about 60 yards.  Also a favorite with grandchildren with recoil concerns.  Ammo cheaper than larger calibers and with an aftermarket peep sight that replaced the safety, fun gun to shoot.

[vbhunter]

Thanks for all your input guys.  I bought the 20" Octagonal barrel/case hardened model in .44 Mag from Buds sight unseen.  As soon as it comes in, I'll be ordering a rear peep, action kit, and instruction video from Steve's Gunz.  Can't wait use this coming deer season.  I already have a western holster rig for my Super Blackhawk, and I guess I might have to get me a cowboy hat, boots, and duster to complete the outfit! 

[Hairy Chest]

Thanks for all your input guys.  I bought the 20" Octagonal barrel/case hardened model in .44 Mag from Buds sight unseen.  As soon as it comes in, I'll be ordering a rear peep, action kit, and instruction video from Steve's Gunz.  Can't wait use this coming deer season.  I already have a western holster rig for my Super Blackhawk, and I guess I might have to get me a cowboy hat, boots, and duster to complete the outfit! 

For the curved butt a slip-on recoil pad with lace like Cabela's offers works wonders.  I eliminated the curve with folded newspaper and scotch tape, then slipped the pad over it. 

[vbhunter]

Thanks for all your input guys.  I bought the 20" Octagonal barrel/case hardened model in .44 Mag from Buds sight unseen.  As soon as it comes in, I'll be ordering a rear peep, action kit, and instruction video from Steve's Gunz.  Can't wait use this coming deer season.  I already have a western holster rig for my Super Blackhawk, and I guess I might have to get me a cowboy hat, boots, and duster to complete the outfit! 

For the curved butt a slip-on recoil pad with lace like Cabela's offers works wonders.  I eliminated the curve with folded newspaper and scotch tape, then slipped the pad over it.

Thanks.  I've been looking around at some of the lace on pads, and I'll check that one out too.