Rossi Model 92 vs Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag?

[jtduncan]

We've talked about the Marlin 1894.

Was just at Wade's Guns in Bellevue WA and several shooters appeared to favor the 1894P ported in the 16.5 inch carbine.

More pleasurable shooting and they alleged that you really don't lose much velocity with the shorter barrel and the porting. I was thinking 20 inch barrel.

Well a fellow law professor and attorney is a cowboy action shooter and he just loves his Rossi "Puma" Model 92. Its a clone of the Winchester 1892.

I can buy a Rossi 92 for about $249 plus tax and a Marlin 1894 will run me $429 plus tax.

I've heard and handled the Wins and the Marlins and the Marlin appears sturider and ejects to the side.

I intend to use the 44 mag carbine 80 percent for target shooting at 75-125 yards and also for hog and deer hunting.

Who owns a Rossi carbine and what are your comments on them?

 

[Mk VII]

I have the Rossi, although in .357.
You get what you pay for, really. Some of the parts are obviously castings and some of the wood-to-metal fit is not great but it works, and keeps on working. It has most of the drawbacks of the original Browning design; disassembly is rather tricky and you wouldn't want to do it too often. It uses a coil spring and guide-rod rather than the original flat spring, otherwise follow instructions for the Winchester '92. You can withdraw the follower from the tube and load that way if you feel inclined, not that I often do. The sight picture is excellent and in the recent models the front sight blade is pinned in rather than solid with the band so you can replace it with a higher one if you feel the need. You could probably replace the rear sight with a Millett one if you wanted to.
The Armi San Marco '92 is better finished, but it costs more.

 

[Mk VII]

afterthought; fast ejection raises a lip on the case which has to be ironed out before you can reload the case; can't say if the .44 ones do this too.