Rossi or Chiappa

I don't have any experience with a Rossi. But I've owned a few Chiappa's and Winchester 1892's. As well as some Henry's.

This is all subjective and based on my own experience, a limited sample size.

I had one Chiappa Alaskan, it had a lot of slop in the lever, it locked up, didn't feel tight though. The second one I had was much better. Still had some slop in the lever, the lock up was much better. Both had smooth actions, and nice triggers. I kept the better one, and sold the other. Mine has a 12" octagonal barrel with the chrome finish, and black rubberized stock, Skinner sights, pic rail, and it's in 357. I can hit a 8" gong at 100 yards with no issues.

I've also had a few Winchester 1892's, trappers, deluxe trappers, short carbines, etc in 357 as well. All of these were Japanese Miroku guns. These were by far much nicer, and had better quality. They all locked up tight, had no slop in the levers. The case hardened ones were gorgeous. I really didn't like the Buckhorn sights on them, but that's personal preference. They also have a safety. I think the browning 92 are the same as these, just no safety.

I've had a few Henry lever guns, but only have a long Rangers express now. It's in 223, and not a 1892 pattern, so not exactly apples to apples. And none of the Henry's I had were in 357 either.

The chiappa is nicer and more smooth, but the Henry locks up better and has less slop. The Winchester is nicer than both. Never had any issues with any of the rifles that weren't user induced.

I don't have any experience with the Rossi, so can't comment on them. If we get the nicer models with the octagonal barrels here like they do stateside, I wouldn't hesitate to grab one.
 
Rossi are great, blued or stainless. LOP is on the shorter side though.

If the take-down feature matters, Chiappa Take-Down Alaskan. Some say bore machining quality isn't the greatest on Chiappas.
 
If you’re talking about the new production Rossi guns both are solid choices, the Chiappa will have better fit and finish and be smoother out of the box. More configurations available if you’re looking for a specific set of features with the Chiappa, trigger on the Chiappa will likely be better out of the box as well

The Rossi will probably save you a few bucks but will have that silly bolt safety.

A new production Winchester will be overall nicer than either but will cost you a bit more, also those have an additional safety as well.
 
Don't write off Miroku Winchester, they do come up and the base model 1892s are very well priced (about $1300).

And they're much, much nicer than the competition.
 
I had bought a Rossi 92 at one time. 16” barrel in 44. Made in Brazil. It’s really lightweight at 5-1/2lbs
Nothing to complain about. Like someone else mentioned about the safety, just don’t use it, a half #### of the hammer does the same job.
That safety switch works, it allows the hammer to still drop if you pull the trigger when the hammer is fully cocked, but it stops really short of going bang. I just prefer the old fashioned way with the half cocked hammer.
 
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Neither, they are knock offs. Some later years are pretty good but you see a real variety of stock qualities. Actions can be real hit or miss as well. The Rossi's seem to have a better reputation. Considering the crazy prices they go for now I would just buy the actual ones they are based on.
 
marlin58 said:
Neither, they are knock offs. Some later years are pretty good but you see a real variety of stock qualities. Actions can be real hit or miss as well. The Rossi's seem to have a better reputation. Considering the crazy prices they go for now I would just buy the actual ones they are based on.
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Aren't they all repros or knock offs now? No one makes an "original". (If a guy wants a new rifle)
Of the choices given in original post, I'd go Rossi, no question.
 
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