357 lever action brands.

I feel like the quality of Rossi's have gone up but most of the price increase is likely inflation and the current popular trend for lever actions.
I've had older models that were very nice and some that were rough.

The Citadel's are a good deal right now if you like the modern parts (mlok handgaurd, synthetic stock, barel mounted peep and rail,threaded barrel) and some of the Heritage Manufacturing models as well, they are all made in Brazil likely at the same facility.

What caliber are you considering calmcat, and what is your intended use?
38 - 357 for plinking up to 50 yards .
 
38 - 357 for plinking up to 50 yards .
50 yards is child's play for 357 out of a rifle...

I went with Henry and have no regrets. I dressed it up cuz I like "tacticool" stuff but you don't have to. The Henry X models are great as they come. Problem is... the price has jumped significantly since I bought mine, due to the tarrifs.
 

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I've never owned a Rossi but know some who do and have heard little complaints about them.

I like Uberti/Taylor's and Co. cause I like the older style actions for plinking and whatnot.

I knew one guy who had a Henry that had some firing pin troubles that he eventually had to preplace.

I had a Marlin 1894 (80's) and liked it never a problem. I heard they can have a terrific jam but never seen it. I've have been jealous of a friends early 1900's 1894 that was re-barreled which he shot at some competitions.
 
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.
 
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scotteboy: Agree completely. Henry makes excellent rifles. With likely the best customer service in the industry. If one of these rifles fits a person's likes and budget, they are well worth purchasing. Great triggers in any I've shot, too.
FLHTCUI: Where quality matches price, I'd give the nod to Miroku-Winchester, too. Build quality and overall performance in these rifles is second to none. I regularly run a Winchester Model 1873 as an alternate main match rifle alongside my Uberti 73's, for cowboy action competition. Great performer!
 
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Calmcat: Just took another look at the Ellwood Epps site. Best buy: New, Miroku-Winchester 1892, chambered in .357 Mag. Listed for $ 1564. 99. This is a great price, for this rifle. If interested, definitely worth a look.
Note: There is also one chambered in .45 Colt, that may be worth looking over, too.

Al
 
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I’ve had a couple Marlins and a Rossi now.

The Rossi 92 are sweet, cheap, relatively good bang for buck, I didn’t find mine needed any slicking up but I’ve seen where some do.

My Marlin 1894 was sweet, it wasn’t even that old, and I’ll catch flack for this, but watch for a Remington era Marlin. Often times you can get them cheaper because there’s a stigma over them being lesser quality, I’ve owned a half dozen Remlin era rifles and I never noticed any lack of quality worth scoffing over.
 
Remington Marlins were definitely hit and miss. Most of the QC issues arose during the early part of the acquisition. Later production was reasonably good quality. With n a few lemons from time to time.
MosinMan's right....nothing worth scoffing at.
Though I really don't 'need' another lever action...I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, either. If the price was right. After giving the rifle a thorough inspection. Minor finish or other appearance flaws don't really concern me. Those can be easily corrected, in most cases. It's rifle function after all, that's really important.
That's why I also own a Rossi. They may not be the prettiest or best finished rifles in the world....but, they clean up well, with little effort. Plus, they work. And work well. Good value for the money, in my opinion.
Though at near the going price of a new Rossi these days, a new 1892 Miroku-Winchester would be an even better buy. Saw one on the Epps' site, for under $1600. That qualifies as a good deal, in my book.

Al
 
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I haven't had any issues in 2 years (300 rounds?) with the 44 mag Citadel lever action I bought. Depending on which side of the internet you look at. they are either rebranded Rossi's from the same factory or they are Armscor (Phillipines) manufactured

EDIT: Checked by Citadel, it is indeed made by CBC Brazil (ie: Rossi)
 
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I haven't had any issues in 2 years (300 rounds?) with the 44 mag Citadel lever action I bought. Depending on which side of the internet you look at. they are either rebranded Rossi's from the same factory or they are Armscor (Phillipines) manufactured
Does it not say on the gun where it's made?
The Heritage Manufacturing "Rossi's" have "Made By CBC Brazil" stamped on the barrel.
 
Does it not say on the gun where it's made?
The Heritage Manufacturing "Rossi's" have "Made By CBC Brazil" stamped on the barrel.

To be honest, I didn't check myself. I sat with my cuppa-coffee and Googled.
**Off to the basement**

Well, there it is. I'll edit my post above to reflect the fact my barrel also says "Made by CBC Brazil"
 
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