As the title says, I'd like a rifle that shoots .38/.357 to go with my S&W 586 (I'm a fan of having a handgun and a rifle that eats the same diet). I would prefer a lever action, you know, cause they're cool and fun. What are my options in the $500 +/- range? I prefer new and commonly available, and will pay more if need be.
.38/.357 Rifles... What's commonly available? Preferably lever action.
- Thread starter WRH
- Start date
I shoot a H&R Handi in .357 reamed to Maximum... Epps just got in five... Only two left... If you can abandon the lever action desire... And go for a single shot ($280), then you better jump on one fast, they are hard to find in Canada.
The Rossi is a nice gun. But it's a touch over your price limit at $599 new. SFRC has/had a few in stock since I just ordered one for a shooting buddy that isn't set up for online purchases. If you jump quick you might just get one of that batch. At this price they are the cheapest option you can get.
Note that because they are popular with the budget minded cowboy shooting folks that when batches of these Rossis come in they do not stay around for long. And the batches seem to be rather well spaced out for delivery. So if you think you want one soon do NOT sit around pondering your place in the universe. Leap now!!
Some have found that they operate but may not be as smooth as possible out of the box. But a bit of slicking up work can produce a rifle that is super smooth and reliable. And even if you pay a smith to do the basic slicking up work you'll still be into it for less than pretty much any other option out there.
The next step up and a lot more expensive are the Marlins and Armi Sport/Chiappa.
The Marlins, especially the older pre "Marlington" or "Remlin" takeover guns, are nice. But the models that have their "microgroove" barrels can be difficult to tune up for cast bullets. It's not impossible but it does require some testing and research. Expect to pay $800 for a basic older used one and up from that for a slicked up cowboy action tuned Marlin. They ARE really nice though.
The Armi Sport/Chiappa guns I don't suggest at all. They look great on the outside. But I've had a personal run in with poor design and shoddy work on the insides with one of their flintlocks and personally know a few folks that have had issues. On top of that I've talked with a smith that shudders in fear every time someone brings in one of the Armi Sport/Chiappa guns for work. It would appear that they put too much of their production efforts into the eye candy on the outside and not enough attention to making the insides correctly.
From there you may find a Winchester or two around. But come prepared with lots of folding cash. They don't come cheap.
Marstar also carries the Chapparal line. I've never seen one or know of anyone that has one. So I can't really comment other than their revolvers I've seen were a touch dull and lifeless in connection with the exterior finish.
Uberti does make some nice lever guns. But they are WAY over your stated $500 budget.
So all in all if funds are a little tight I'd suggest the Rossi. Then make it really a smile'er by putting a bit of money into it to have a smith slick it up to a mid level cowboy action state. The resulting rifle will be slick as snot and a delight to cycle with a light trigger pull.
I've had some folks try my slicked up Rossi and state that they wanted one. Their balloon deflated a little when I mentioned what I'd done to mine to get it to that state. But they cheered up again when I mentioned the price of the rifle and follow up work to get it to that condition.
Note that because they are popular with the budget minded cowboy shooting folks that when batches of these Rossis come in they do not stay around for long. And the batches seem to be rather well spaced out for delivery. So if you think you want one soon do NOT sit around pondering your place in the universe. Leap now!!
Some have found that they operate but may not be as smooth as possible out of the box. But a bit of slicking up work can produce a rifle that is super smooth and reliable. And even if you pay a smith to do the basic slicking up work you'll still be into it for less than pretty much any other option out there.
The next step up and a lot more expensive are the Marlins and Armi Sport/Chiappa.
The Marlins, especially the older pre "Marlington" or "Remlin" takeover guns, are nice. But the models that have their "microgroove" barrels can be difficult to tune up for cast bullets. It's not impossible but it does require some testing and research. Expect to pay $800 for a basic older used one and up from that for a slicked up cowboy action tuned Marlin. They ARE really nice though.
The Armi Sport/Chiappa guns I don't suggest at all. They look great on the outside. But I've had a personal run in with poor design and shoddy work on the insides with one of their flintlocks and personally know a few folks that have had issues. On top of that I've talked with a smith that shudders in fear every time someone brings in one of the Armi Sport/Chiappa guns for work. It would appear that they put too much of their production efforts into the eye candy on the outside and not enough attention to making the insides correctly.
From there you may find a Winchester or two around. But come prepared with lots of folding cash. They don't come cheap.
Marstar also carries the Chapparal line. I've never seen one or know of anyone that has one. So I can't really comment other than their revolvers I've seen were a touch dull and lifeless in connection with the exterior finish.
Uberti does make some nice lever guns. But they are WAY over your stated $500 budget.
So all in all if funds are a little tight I'd suggest the Rossi. Then make it really a smile'er by putting a bit of money into it to have a smith slick it up to a mid level cowboy action state. The resulting rifle will be slick as snot and a delight to cycle with a light trigger pull.
I've had some folks try my slicked up Rossi and state that they wanted one. Their balloon deflated a little when I mentioned what I'd done to mine to get it to that state. But they cheered up again when I mentioned the price of the rifle and follow up work to get it to that condition.
freddyfour
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County, Ontario
In that price range Ross 92 is the way to go. Fun reliable and you don't mind beating them up a little cause your not spending $1000+ on it.
Thanks for the write-up BCRider, very informative. I will definitely look into the Rossi. I have the benefit of time here, so I'm in no real rush, but it's something I will be getting in the future. I have to let the wife cool down a bit after the 586 gets picked up this month. She almost crapped a brick when I accidentally left a receipt for a case of 9mm on the counter, lol.
I'm definitely not interested in single shot rifles... I can't find a compelling reason to own one. Maybe I'm missing something, but it can't do anything that a lever action can't do except run out of ammo faster?.
I'm definitely not interested in single shot rifles... I can't find a compelling reason to own one. Maybe I'm missing something, but it can't do anything that a lever action can't do except run out of ammo faster?.
The only other things I can think of to add about the Rossi's are that it's nice to inspect them in person or ask the right questions on the EE if you are buying sight unseen.
They are a bit like Norinco in that the quality control is a bit hit and miss. Most things can be dealt with minimal effort and cost but i the barrel is indexed poorly it's a pain in the a s s to deal with.
Nothing irritates me more then iron sights that are leaning off to one side!
I prefer the older Rossi 92's that don't have the silly safety on the bolt and if I was you I'd be looking for a used one on the EE.
$500 shipped should be doable of a nice used one and if the seller is honest you can get a good idea of how the gun funtions and if there are any feeding issues with certain types of ammo etc.
Most good sellers on the EE will allow a non shooting inspection period but it's best to ask all the right questions and get good pictures before you commit!
They are a bit like Norinco in that the quality control is a bit hit and miss. Most things can be dealt with minimal effort and cost but i the barrel is indexed poorly it's a pain in the a s s to deal with.
Nothing irritates me more then iron sights that are leaning off to one side!
I prefer the older Rossi 92's that don't have the silly safety on the bolt and if I was you I'd be looking for a used one on the EE.
$500 shipped should be doable of a nice used one and if the seller is honest you can get a good idea of how the gun funtions and if there are any feeding issues with certain types of ammo etc.
Most good sellers on the EE will allow a non shooting inspection period but it's best to ask all the right questions and get good pictures before you commit!
freddyfour
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County, Ontario
Not that I don't agree that Marlin is a better gun. But I am ony 5th Rossi and I have had nothing but good luck with everyone so far.
I just sold one on EE for less the $450 shipped and it was a great rifle.
Also another thing to think about is that the 92 action is one of the slickest and strongest out there. It is very light, nice to carry and points great. The Marlin will feel a tad clunkier and a bit heavier. In any case you should check them all out because they feel and work a little different.
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