357/ 38 rifle????

[tcrocker]

I'm thinking of getting a 357/38 rifle. Now the problems I can't find one localy to look at so I need some input. I'm looking for a rifle to use as a hunting gun / survivle rifle. I like the looks of the Rossi Puma R92 with the octagon barrels, I love the matal forend cap. I know the round barrels would be lighter but the octagon just has something about it. And then there is the new Ruger M77 357 bolt gun. Eny one have eny of these guns your input would be great.:redneck:

[Bodydoc447]

I have a couple of older Marlin 1894C models in .357 that my wife and I love. I don't have a 92 is any caliber so I can't give a comparison. I bought the Ruger .357 bolt gun as a hunting/utility rifle. I absolutely love it. My son took it hog hunting last month but we didn't see any. It does take some work to find the right loads for it, like any rifle, but it is enjoyable work. I finally settled on a 180 gr GC FN from a previous group buy over L'il Gun. It will reliably get 1.5" and that is what I was looking for. Several others on this forum have these rifles and are also working on loads. Mine just did not like SWCs at all. In .38 special, I have a couple of good loads with 125 RNFP and the old Lyman 358311 RN. For whatever reason, the 77 lays them right in there. I expect you will be grinning ear to ear with either of your choices if the 92 is as much fun as my Marlins are.

Doc

[williamwaco]

I have a '92 but if it had been available at he time. I am pretty sure I would have botten the Ruger.
I looked at the rugger 44 but just didn't want the .44.

[tcrocker]

I just looked at Winchester's web sight and they are offering the 92 in what they are calling a short but it has a 20" barrel. Nice looking gun though.

[Poygan]

I bought a used Rossi '92 a few weeks ago. Still experimenting with loads as it doesn't like to feed the .357s too well but the .38s will load smoothly. From what I've read, some won't handle the .38s but will the .357s, so YMMV. I likes the looks of it quite well so will take the time to work up good loads for it.

My friend is looking for one but they aren't too common around here.

[Lonegun1894]

I have the round barrel version of the Rossi 92 .357, and it feeds .38s and .357s, but seems quite a bit more accurate with .357s. I get 1.5-4" @ 100 with .357s, depending on light, weather, and just plain what kind of day i'm having. The .38s arent nearly as good with 3" being my best group so far, but 5-6" being normal for my rifle, and a few 7-8"s here and there. But to be honest, I have spent time working up a load for the .357s, but not the .38s, so I'm sure it will improve once I get that finished. I have not had a chance to fire the octagon barrelled bersion, but handled one and it was heavier, but seemed to hang on target better. I personally got this rifle with the same intentions as you, and love it. I really dont think I am handicapped at all by the lighter profile barrel for this purpose and the light overall weight is a blessing when carrying it all day. Let us know what you choose.

[excess650]

I've owned at least one Marlin 1894c since I bought my first(new) back in 1982. With 18.5" of barrel and a receiver sight its very light and handy. I bought a 2nd (used) several years ago, bought another(new) before Marlin moved, and bought a 16-1/4" 1894CP(used) since then. I also manage to get one of the Browning 1885 Low Walls in 357, so I guess that I like 'em.:holysheep

The 357 is a really efficent cartridge in a carbine length barrel. Mine do well with the Saeco #354 over H110 or 2400. The previous owner of the 1894CP shot several whitetails with the 358429 over 2400.

[2571]

Bought oct barrel rossi 92. Immediately sent it off for a tune job. Got it back. Shoulda bought Winchester instead of fooling around with the Rossi for about the same money (purchase & tunejob).

Rossi 92 famous for liking .38 /hating .357 & vice versa. Few guys claim their Rossi will eat anything.

Buy Winchester instead of the Brazillian Rossi.

[gbrown]

I bought a Rossi 92 in stainless about 15 years ago(new), round, 20 inch barrel, and it is a lot of fun. Never had problems with feed, .38 or .357. Shoots fairly accurately, not going to get quarter sized groups with it, but a good hog gun. It's fun to shoot and light to carry in the woods. Would not argue with 2571, Winchester is superior. Would make this comment--if you are looking for a tack driver, this is not it, don't think a Winchester would be, either. Just a fun weapon to send rounds downrange.

[Janoosh]

Rossi M92, 38/357, circa 1985... Feeds everything except wadcutters seated flush. Seat the wadcutter out further, and it will feed everything. NO tune up. NO special parts. Is it a tack driver at 100yds, with the stock iron sights, and me being 59? Not by a long shot. 4"-6" at 100yds with my handloads. Buuuut, at 50yds... Benched and double bagged (front and rear, benchrest style), YES. Do I shoot that way? Heck NO. Its my plinker, survival, plate banger, just having fun today, go to gun. Easy to load for, and the amount of different Boolits/bullets is staggering.

[357Mag]

TC -

Howdy !

Have you given any thought to use of something like Marlin M-336 XLR in .35Rem ?

These are stainless w/ laminate stocks, albeit... their barrels are round.

With such a rifle, you could load-down .35Rem to carbine-like velocities, or....
load full-tilt ammo for when it might be needed. The latter, you can't do w/ a handgun-cartridge shootin' carbine..

My XLR is fabulously acurate, with a marvelous trigger.
The barrel broke-in w/ one shot, and I clean it w/o even having to use a brush !
( Mine was made in CT ).

Many shooters have opted for an H & H SB2 in .357Mag or .357Max; as their idea of a survival gun. I had one n .357Max, and it ( that particular carbine ) did not shoot worth a hoot; no matter what I tried ( @ 100yd ).

With regards,
357Mag

[357Mag]

Correction -

" H & R "

Regards,
357Mag

[pietro]

I bought a new Braztech/Rossi .357/.38 Model 92 BigLoop 16" Carbine about 5 years ago, updated it by replacing the bolt-top lawyer safety with a flat plug so I could install a low-mounted Williams 5D receiver peep sight, which zeroed using the issue front sight.

I've shot/used it w/o issue, and have switched out the BigLoop for a standard lever, enhancing the handling for me. (YMMV)

Ditto, the barrel config - as I like it's RB just fine, but YMMV.

The M92 is a LOT lighter than my .35 Marlin 336, and just as handy as my Winchester Model 94 Trapper - which must have something to do with the 16" barrel on both.

.

[phonejack]

Rossi,357,SS,24"octogon barrel, shoots and functions great.