Rossi 92 Barrel Length

[OKSaddletramp]

I want to get a Rossi 92 in .357 this year with my income tax refund. I'm currently torn between the 20 inch and 16 inch models. I already own a 92 in .44 with a 20 inch barrel, and it has been my favorite rifle for over 30 years. How does the 16 inch barrel handle compared to the 20? I'm sure there won't be much difference in accuracy between the two; I'm more concerned with ballance and "feel". The only 16 inch lever gun I've ever handled before was a Winchester "Trapper" many years ago, and it just didn't feel right in my hands. Is the 92 any better?

This will be primarily a plinker shooting cast under 158 gr.

[pietro]

.

IMO (YMMV), a 16" bbl makes the M92 no plinker or target rifle - but does exhibit exemplary handling as a hunting gun.

(I've two 16" Big Loop carbines, .45 & .357, but have swapped out the issue big loop levers for standard loops.)


.

[Airman Basic]

The 16 balances better for me, but the trade-off is mag capacity. You need the 20 if you contemplate cowboy action shooting.

[Mtnfolk75]

As I have said in other threads, I thought buying the 16" Rossi 92' in 357 Mag was a mistake. But after about 19 months of carrying, shooting and handling the 16", I think I made the right choice. Go for it, I think you will be surprised with the utility of the 16".

[mnewcomb59]

The 16 inch is shorter than a red ryder BB gun. It's great compact firepower for a truck gun, for a scabbard on ATV/horse, house gun, or for a ground blind.

Sometimes I wish I got the 20 inch so 38s shoot "22 quiet" instead of "barely louder than 22".

[seaboltm]

I have a 16" 357 Rossi and a 20 " 45 Colt Rossi. The 16" Rossi is easier to handle. And just plain fun. That said, my 45 Colt Rossi is going no where. Both of mine are pre-safety models. The 357 is older and can be cycled with one finger, no modifications to the rifle. I did have a 26" octagon 357 Rossi. Accurate but very, very heavy. Sold it.

[OKSaddletramp]

Well, fun is exactly what I'm going for, here. My "working" gun is my 20" M92 in .44. That carbine is scary accurate; more accurate than most full size bolt guns I've owned. I guess I'll try the 16" .357 when I get my refund.

[blackpowder man]

Yep, the 16" is a great size. LOP is alittle short, but that is fixable. I love my stainless 16" rossi in .45 colt. Only thing wrong is how long I waited to get one. It is a really handy size. You'll enjoy it.

[jmort]

I have the 16" very handy

[pirkfan]

I agree with the 16", I have a 357 in 16 inch and a 45 colt in 20 inch, and the 357 is just more fun. The utility of a two cartridge gun is great too. 38 special is my new 22 rimfire (since we're still having trouble getting 22 lr cartridges), and yet the 357 packs a wallop.

[.30Calibre]

Have two 16" Rossi 92's carbines in .38/.357 and one 20" bbl .38/.357 rifle length.
As said above, the 16" carbines are light, handy and to me just seem to point easier than their full length counterpart. Between these three Rossi's 92's on the rack, the carbines always get taken out on the line first. Of the two carbines, I prefer the stainless over the blued, but the carbines really are well balanced.