Rossi Big Loop - I hate it!!

[Claven2]

Finally got to the point I can no longer put up with that huge monstrosity of a loop on my Rossi Ranch Hand. After 2 years of looking for a source for spare Rossi small-loop levers, I'm giving up and taking matters into my own hands - lol.

Pics speak for themselves. Have to fill a couple small pits, sand and prep for bluing, but this will work!

Donor lever is from a roached post-64 Winchester 94 lever I had lying around.

 

[rocklobster]

Well done, looks alot more functional. I never did understand the large loops, seems like they would slow down your cycle time and bang the knuckles.

 

[Porschemann]

Loop handle

Did you consider just cutting the loop in the middle, reform it, tig back together and go from there? It's a way easier job and quicker to do than swapping handles and cutting the back of two units in half to make one.

 

[stubblejumper]

Well done, looks alot more functional. I never did understand the large loops, seems like they would slow down your cycle time and bang the knuckles.

I agree, I will never own a rifle with a big loop.

 

[icelink]

Wow nice job! Beautifully done! You must of really hated it lol

 

[Curly1]

I think the big loop came from the old Chuck Conners TV show where he used a big loop mares leg, not really practical, but, it sold a lot of toy guns in the day. Nice job on the refit.

 

[tipper]

I like the big loop. Not a fan of the little one on the henry .22 here

 

[Trinimon]

Nice job. I've never been crazy about the big loops as well.

Did the big loop come about from cowboys wanting one to fit their thick gloved hands?

 

[Mr.Rigpig]

I put a Wild West guns big loop on my 45-70 marlin guide gun due to the fact that during hunting season around here it's cold and gloved hands didn't fit in the normal lever. I kept the original so that means best of both worlds. It's only 1 screw.....

 

[Claven2]

I've done by cutting and re-bending before. It's hard to forge a correct Winchester profile and also keep everything straight/flat. Either way you have to make at least one weld.

 

[Claven2]

I put a Wild West guns big loop on my 45-70 marlin guide gun due to the fact that during hunting season around here it's cold and gloved hands didn't fit in the normal lever. I kept the original so that means best of both worlds. It's only 1 screw.....

Great idea but you can't get loose levers from Rossi.

 

[Mr.Rigpig]

Great idea but you can't get loose levers from Rossi.

I know, I've looked for one for my full stocked ranch hand. I was just pointing out a practical side to the big loop.

Also of note is that the big loop on the ranch hand is ridiculously big, very easy to understand why someone would want a normal lever.

 

[ruffbird]

When the Rossi ranch hand is sold with the small lever, I will purchase one! Heck, come to think of it, I won't even buy a rifle unless it comes with iron sights....JMHO & choice!

 

[stubblejumper]

I know, I've looked for one for my full stocked ranch hand. I was just pointing out a practical side to the big loop.

Also of note is that the big loop on the ranch hand is ridiculously big, very easy to understand why someone would want a normal lever.

I can see some advantage to a slightly larger than stock loop, but not for a ridiculously large loop as installed on some rifles.

 

[Can-down]

They don't look nice and they are a bit bulkier, but the shape of the big loops on the Ranchhand is more comfortable then a small loop because you can push your fingers down and forward into the curve when you cycle the action. The other positive is you can use it as a pistol grip by resting your fingers on the outside of the lever and this allows a more comfortable relaxed wrist position. You can still cycle the action from the outside position simply by wrapping your fingers around the inside of the loop while your hand is on the outside.

Bottom line is the huge loop has grown on me with use and the only downside is the look and the extra bulk. If I had welding skills I'd consider making it a bit smaller but not as small as a typical winchester.

 

[madashell]

Great job !!

The big looped is retarded. Can't stand it.

I think completed rifle before and after pics are in order to get the real feel of it !

 

[eatredmeat157]

So you can flip load it like the terminator... Come on, guys!

 

[sheep100]

That's why I sold my Ranch Hand. It look cool at first but not practical and the regular lever for the Rossi 92 is impossible to find. Good job on the welding.

 

[Claven2]

I'll post pics when I'm done. This Ranch hand was already slicked, but I'm now re-stocking it in black walnut with a full length carbine stock, and I'm rebelling the whole gun. The prep was awful by the way. Rossi, I think, does a lot of the fit/finish of the receiver on a belt sander. The receiver flats were all wobbly once I took the blue off, I had to flat file all the flats to get it close to Winchester-shaped - lol.

Good dependable guns, but no so good on the aesthetics as-delivered.

 

[TDizzle]

So you can flip load it like the terminator... Come on, guys!

Exactly, now you won't be able to do the sweet twirling one-handed reload!! Way less cool.