Rossi rifles can be a bit rough around the edges. Certainly, older ones were. But, with some careful polishing of the internals and spring replacement( Especially a lighter ejector spring), these rifles can be made to run very fast and smooth. The rifles are sturdy, reliable and accurate.
I like mine.
As mentioned in a previous post, QC has definitely improved on the latest models. Prices on new rifles have gone up substantially, too. Which was bound to happen. Still, as a good, basic lever action rifle, Rossi is hard to beat.
The dreaded 'Marlin jam' is an ongoing problem with these otherwise good rifles. Most of the fault seems to develop from wear to the underside of the cartridge carrier(can also be called a cartridge lifter), by the sharp leading edge of the lever cam. Over time and use, this contact wears a groove into the carrier's underside.
As a result: the carrier drops lower and lower. Until it is so low that it allows another round to intrude into the action....jamming it up solid.
The easy cure: Replace the carrier. A more long term fix: Insert a hard steel strip into the bottom of the carrier, upon which the lever cam rides.
It bears mentioning that, Rossi 1892's feature a solid steel carrier. So over time, wear is very minimal, at best. Most double feeds I've observed, came from loose or mis-adjusted (usually too much curvature) loading gates. The Rossi loading gate forms an active part of the cartridge retention system. Should double feeds occur, simply readjust the loading gate's shape slightly. Or, replace it.
Henry cartridge lifters are also made from solid steel.
Other Marlin jamming issues result from too-short cartridges. .44 Mag down to .44 Special. .357 down to .38 Special, etc. This fix requires simply adjusting cartridge overall length for proper function.
Then, keep all the screws tight. Particularly the loading gate screw and lever pivot screw. Most shooters include a small tool kit in their shooting bag, for just this purpose.
It bears mentioning that, no lever action I've encountered was totally free of minor issues....like loosening screws, etc. But with careful attention to screws, plus other regular maintenance, these rifles will run smoothly and trouble free, for the rifle owner's lifetime and beyond.
Al
ps: Calmcat: You may have already done so, but if not....check out the Ellwood Epps site. Some Rossi rifles are featured. Including used ones. May be worth a look. A good way to compare prices with other makes, too...including Marlin, Henry and so on.