357 Lever Action Suggestions
- Thread starter Kcur
- Start date
The new Uberti 1873 I bought was VERY disappointing internally. Function wise and externally its beautiful. But I found it quite upsetting to pay almost 2 grand for a base firearm only to discover seized rusted in place screws, orange rust films on all the blued internal parts, absolutely ZERO deburring on the elevator and receiver. Along with a poorly chamfered chamber that scratched the hell out of cartridges being loaded into battery. Literally Type 81s, SVT 40s and SKS rifles sport better internal finishing.
I ended up fixing these issues myself as Stoeger basically told me to f off.
Since then, with the issues corrected, the rifle has quickly become a favorite. Super slick, reliable and accurate (like 3moa with .38spl, I suspect tighter fitting .357 could eek out more).
I often contemplate how satisfied I would've been going with a Miroku instead. I ultimately went with a Uberti because of aftermarket part support.
I've handled the 1854s and the Ruger 1894SBL. Their actions can't match the toggle link 1873 style in terms of speed and smoothness. But it is nice to have solid optic mounting capability and a stronger action that can handle full bore hunting loads.
I ended up fixing these issues myself as Stoeger basically told me to f off.
Since then, with the issues corrected, the rifle has quickly become a favorite. Super slick, reliable and accurate (like 3moa with .38spl, I suspect tighter fitting .357 could eek out more).
I often contemplate how satisfied I would've been going with a Miroku instead. I ultimately went with a Uberti because of aftermarket part support.
I've handled the 1854s and the Ruger 1894SBL. Their actions can't match the toggle link 1873 style in terms of speed and smoothness. But it is nice to have solid optic mounting capability and a stronger action that can handle full bore hunting loads.
Henry levers are good. When I was looking into a lever in .44mag, or .357, I found the Henry had the smoothest action and best trigger out of the box. Reasonable prices and there are lots of add on options if you go that way. You also have a model choice in loading side gate or tube.
P.
P.
Insanity Required
CGN Regular
- Location
- Edmonton ish
Suprised no one has mentioned the Rossi R92. Wife has one works great goes bang every time. Little stiff to start but a couple trips to the range and a couple sessions of just working the action while watching tv smoothed her up. I have used it for 3 gun and cowboy with no problem.
I am not much of a lever guy but every R92 I have ever owned was so brutal on brass, I sold them off. The cases would come out split, separated or at the least swollen to the point the brass was only suitable as scrap. I would blame QC but to have the same issue across 3 different guns chambered for 3 different cartridges... Not cool.
Doc Rainbow
CGN Regular
- Location
- Beautiful B.C.
Me too. I've got a souped up Winchester Miroku 1873 case-hardened short rifle in 357 magnum/38 special . I like it very much!
Thunderhog
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- East Kootneys
Because it's a Rossi!....
See post #25.
Some Rossi's are okay, most are junk.....
Very little to no warranty support.....
So don't be surprised, I would not recommend a Rossi to a Liberal, let alone a Conservative!....
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From what I've heard, since covid. Uberti quality really down with lots of Monday/Friday guns. Actually maybe only good guns made on Wednesday would be better description?
Atleast with Uberti a guy can buy parts for them. With Winchester/miroku, you can't buy any parts.
Rossis used to be really hit or miss. The ones I've handled in shops in the last 3-4 years have shown a significant improvement in fit and finish.
If you buy one I recommend you handle it in person before making the purchase, make sure nothing's amiss and try cycling some dummy rounds.
My 16" stainless .44 M92 is the last rifle I'd ever sell.
Thunderhog
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- East Kootneys
Unfortunately, most gun shops will not allow one to cycle dummy rounds!......
OP has already made his purchase.
FWIW I'd go with a Miroku 1892. People keep saying they are expensive, but they aren't that much more than a Rossi, especially used. The fit, finish and function is superb.
1892 over 1873 for a carry gun, 1873 over 1892 for a range gun.
FWIW I'd go with a Miroku 1892. People keep saying they are expensive, but they aren't that much more than a Rossi, especially used. The fit, finish and function is superb.
1892 over 1873 for a carry gun, 1873 over 1892 for a range gun.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Interesting, I have 3 R92's (357, 44 mag, 454 Casul) and buddies have at least 3 or 4 more and we've seen none of the issues you speak of.
A quick Google search will show it is a very common issue that goes back for decades. I actually owned 4 throughout the years. 3 of the affected guns were newer CBC made rifles. Calling Rossi as a Canadian to ask about the issue will lead to almost comically frustrating conversations. Fit and finish is decent for the price but I can't seem to get one of the "good" Rossis. I am done trying at this point.
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Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I'll take your word on it and I can't blame you for being done with them.
I checked with some shirt tail relatives of mine and they have 3 Ranchhands in 45 between them and they report no ruined brass either.
I checked with some shirt tail relatives of mine and they have 3 Ranchhands in 45 between them and they report no ruined brass either.
for .38SPL yes, but when I shoot 357 in mine, it's seems to really stress the action - so much so, I now tend to stay with .38's. 357 is better suited to the 92 action, IMHO.
Hmmm, haven’t noticed any signs of stress but will check next time out.
I got a Canuck wrangler Trail Boss 12" brl. it came with the short stock that I did not like so I had an old Rem. 760 stock cut 3.5 inches off and spliced it on. Looks ok and fits me perfectly. I have put about 100 + 38 Special and 100+ 357 through it not one hiccup. So far so good. Would like to get rid of the big loop lever and get a standard one but no luck yet, so if anyone knows where I can get one please let me know.
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