Marlin VS. Rossi Lever, worth price difference?

[Jhp147]

Soliciting opinions for a friend who asked: I haven't looked at either (I'm a handgun type), but a friend of mine in Belgium is looking at a Rossi Model 92 and a Marlin "Cowboy Gun," some type of lever action similar to a Mdl. 92 Winchester, probably recently released for the CAS craze. The Marlin is $900 U.S. dollars, the Rossi $500. He wants it in .44 Mag. He was wondering if he would be satisfied with the Rossi qualilty and performance, or if he should bite the bullet and pop for the Marlin. I told him that I have heard that Rossi is putting out a much better quality than they had in years past, but couldn't say for sure. I think he wants the gun more just "to have" than to shoot, and he is a bit a western lore fanatic. Any input will be sent to him, thank you.

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Shamans emerge whenever certain needs remain unanswered...Mark Levy

 

[Jhp147]

btt

 

[Jack Straw]

If he wants a gun to shoot he would be just as satisfied with the Rossi. If he just wants to have a gun because he is a western history buff, he should probably get the Marlin since they are from that time period. For that matter though, he might want to look for an original Winchester or even an older Marlin.

Of course, if his heart is set on .44Mag then he will have to get a newer gun. Does he have some practical reason for wanting it in .44Mag? (ie..hunting, availability of ammo, availability of reloading components etc..)

To my way of thinking, if he wants a shooter he should be satisfied with either one. If he wants to own "a piece of history" then he should try to find an original gun. It would probably be more satisfying to his sense of history.

I went through the same thing a few years ago. I too love western history and I couldn't decide if I wanted spend a big chunk of money on a Colt Single Action Army, or spend about one fourth of the money and get a clone or Ruger Vaquero. Ultimately it was worth it to get the Colt.

FWIW
Jack