(Please note that this is not intended to be confrontational)
Jim,
I don't/didn't need a pistol caliber carbine.
I do/did want one though. I have recieved a lot of hours of enjoyment from the money that I spent on my Trapper model in .44 magnum. I want to get a .38/.357 lever action for much the same reason. They make them, I like them, and I have the funds to buy one. I can't speak for anyone else on this, but in my case the reason I bought one is that it appealed to me. Cowboy Action is a bit expensive for my wallet vs the satisfaction gained,
at the moment. In the future, who knows? I really can't justify by any logical reason why I went with a .44Magnum instead of a .444Marlin or .45-70, both of which are superior to the .44 Mag. I don't use a rifle to hunt with, CAS is out of reach financially, and a lever action isn't the best bet for home use, so I can't give you any reason other than I wanted one. A lot of people buy, and some of them even shoot, the Class III guns that are out there for the same reason. I would love to own a Thompson SMG, rough finish, gritty trigger and all. I just can't justify the cost at the present time. For me, the pistol caliber is something I wanted, not needed. I agree with you for what you say about a useful thing. But useful and wanted usually mean a lot of $$ spent on the want side.
To all: As far as the Rossi's, here is their phine number if anyone cares to verify where they are made, and availability of the product:1-305-474-0401. I like the Rossi's enough to invest in a toll-free call, but not enough to spend a long distance call over it.
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CCW for Ohio action site.
http://www.ofcc.net