Rossi 92's

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:06 am

I know I have asked this before...but I'm getting old...please explain the differences (if any) between the: EMF-Hartford, Braz-Tech/Rossi, Rossi, Puma Legacy and so forth. Is one better than another ?? I think I read that Taurus had bought Rossi ?? Are they gonna have their own 92 ?? Have a buddy who thinks the Braz-Tech/Rossi is the real deal but we wanted to know fron the experts...

jumbeaux

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:30 pm

Our own Leverguns posted this about the Rossi '92.

"Rossi started manufacturing their copy of the Winchester Model 92 some years ago, importing it through Interarms. There have been some changes since the late 1990's ..... From Rossi's FAQ on their website - "There is a new company, BrazTech, authorized to distribute Rossi firearms in North America. BrazTech was formed by the partnership of Rossi and Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc. and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. Previously, Rossi was distributed by Interarms of Alexandria, Virginia." (authors note - this now seems to have been removed from their site)

The guns produced since BrazTech took over feature a safety on top of the bolt. This safety is a firing pin block and allows the action to be cycled with the safety on.

Available in a variety of calibers the Rossi's have filled a niche in Cowboy Action Shooting. The old Winchesters command a pretty good price these days, even in poor condition. In addition, many of the Winchesters are "soft" ... with it being nearly impossible to get a Rockwell Hardness reading on them. The Rossi's on the other hand "Rockwell" pretty decently. The ones tested by Regan Nonneman recently (http://www.leveractions.com/) averaged out at a Rockwell Hardness of 20."

Time has passed and this is now dated information. Taurus acquired the manufacturing rights for the '92 last December so LSI is now having Chiappa of Italy make a version they call Pumas and no longer imports Rossi's. EMF sells Rossis, however, they have the following notice on their site.

Note: In December 2008, Rossi Firearms sold their 1892 rifle manufacturing to Taurus International. Taurus has declined to continue manufacturing the Hartford 1892's for EMF; therefore, as the current inventory of EMF Hartford Model 1892's is depleted, various models will no longer be available.

Taurus doesn't list any leverguns on their website so I don't know what to make of that. I can't find any mention of a model '92 on Navy Arms current site either so I'm not sure where they stand with their Rossis, likely the same as EMF.

Buds' Guns sells this 357 'Puma' which was imported by Rossi-BrazTech until their stock runs out. I bought this one. (Note: they have the pictures switched between the 20" carbine and 24" hex barreled one so the picture is wrong but the description is right.)

Bud's also sells this 357 'Puma' which was imported by Howa-Legacy until their stock runs out. (Same comment on picture as above.)

Bud's also sells this 357 'Puma' made by Chiappa and now imported by LSI. They state that this is the version they will sell going forward. Note the the huge price difference.

Confusing? You bet it is!! It looks to me like if you want a Rossi levergun you need to get one out of existing stocks and do it quickly.

Note: Our own Nate Kiowa Jones has some seen some problems with the Chiappa versions and says he's working with Chiappa to rectify them.

Hagler · Post by **Hagler** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:15 pm

Gents,

"Puma" is a name that Legacy Sports International (LSI) was using only for its Rossi '92 rifles. LSI is now calling the Chiappa-made guns, as well as, the PPS clone, a "Puma".

The only place to actually get a NEW Rossi '92, is from EMF ( www.emf-company.com ), or through a dealer that will order a Rossi from the Rossi catalog ( http://www.rossiusa.com/2009catalog/ ). The new Rossi '92s have "Made by Taurus" stamped on them, even though Rossi is prominently stamped on them.

Shawn

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:29 pm

Actually, your information is dated. See my comment above about EMF and as I said, if you want a Brazilian made Rossi-BrazTech version or a Howa-Legacy version, you can still get one at Bud's Guns (among others I'm sure) but only from existing stock.

That's interesting about Rossi's website(s). On http://www.rossiusa.com they don't even list a lever action rifle anymore and when I went to Taurus's website at http://www.taurususa.com/ and click 'Rossi Rifles' they take you back to the http://www.rossiusa.com website again.

They need to update their web listings as the only way you can tell that Rossi still makes leverguns is to look through their catalog. Also, I wonder who has them stocked because I searched a number of dealers and none mentioned the Rossi-Taurus version.

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 2:29 pm

My Rossi '92 (.44 Mag.) is an Interarms iteration, and since I've had this one only a relatively short while, it's still pretty rough, although it has been 'worked on' previously.

That said, it is definitely a shooter, holding to 'minute of rabbit' out to 150 - 175 yards, with a little elevation thrown in.

Had a minor (?) difficulty with it last week, when one of the tiny pins that holds the ejector spring bracket to the bottom of the bolt moved out just enough to tie the gun up for real....

had to do some seious disassembly to correct the problem. Hope it stays fixed for good, this time.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 3:25 pm

COSteve,

As I understand it, (& I could certainly be wrong), Braztech's the manufsacturer for Taurus; whereas Taylor's & Cimarron have been getting their '92 clones from Armi-Sport (now Chiappi-Sport), Puma simply being a tradename used by Interarms, now LSI. Finding an actual Rossi is likely to get harder.

From what I've read, glad that mine are Rossi's, not Arm- or Chiappi-Sport!

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 3:38 pm

Griff wrote: From what I've read, glad that mine are Rossi's, not Arm- or Chiappi-Sport!

Me too!

Hagler · Post by **Hagler** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:28 pm

COSteve wrote:Actually, your information is dated. See my comment above about EMF and as I said, if you want a Brazilian made Rossi-BrazTech version or a Howa-Legacy version, you can still get one at Bud's Guns (among others I'm sure) but only from existing stock.

That's interesting about Rossi's website(s). On http://www.rossiusa.com they don't even list a lever action rifle anymore and when I went to Taurus's website at http://www.taurususa.com/ and click 'Rossi Rifles' they take you back to the http://www.rossiusa.com website again.

They need to update their web listings as the only way you can tell that Rossi still makes leverguns is to look through their catalog. Also, I wonder who has them stocked because I searched a number of dealers and none mentioned the Rossi-Taurus version.

Steve,

I suppose that you are addressing me. Therefore, I went to EMF's site, just now. While my information is, in fact, dated, their site was not up the last time that I checked (two-to-three days ago). So, this is new information to me. It is a shame that Taurus has taken so many nice guns off of the market, and added that abomination of a safety to every gun that bears the TAURUS name. Now, they are burning bridges of sales & distribution.

I will be surprised if Rossi survives five years, as Taurus "improves" the line, and further guts the company.

Shawn

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 8:31 pm

So - is Rossi making 92s?

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:07 pm

OS...my question exactly....gotta go the tornado sirens just went off....

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:18 pm

Deleted

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:55 am

I had posted this previously,

Nate Kiowa Jones wrote:OK,
Here's some Rossi 92 history. For years dating back to the 70's the Rossi 92 made in Brazil was imported by InterArms of Alexandria VA. Somewhere in the late 90's the owner of InterArms passed away. It is my understanding the heirs didn't care to continue with the operation of InterArms so the stock on hand was sold off at a reduced price. (I bought new Rossi 92's at that time for $190). About that same time period, Rossi sold off their gallery gun, the pump 62 and the revolvers to Taurus, so some folks thought there would be no more Rossi 92's available. I can't tell you how many people ask me what I was going to do now.
About the time this was all coming down, Navy Arms had started importing the Rossi 92's. Then not long after, the ex-employee's of InterArms started up Legacy Sports International LSI and began importing the Rossi 92. They were even in the same old building as the old InterArms company and were using Puma as the model name. Then and I don't remember exactly, LSI moved to Reno NV.
During this period, mid 90's to 2000, EMF was importing the Armi San Marco Italian made 92's, ASM's and had contacted me to do warranty work on those for them. But ASM's QC went down so EMF ask me to help them decide how they should order some 92's from Rossi. EMF has been importing the Rossi 92's since about 2000 and up until about 2006 the EMF 92's didn't have the ugly safety. Now the do but EMF still has them.

Since late last year when Taurus acquired Rossi and have taken over the distribution, LSI now carries the Armi Sport/Chiappa 92 but it's still called the Puma Model. The Armi Sport/Chiappa 92 is a re-incarnation of the Armi San Marco guns. Chiappa is doing a much better job as far as fit and finish is concerned. But, they did bring forth some reverse engineered design flaws that plagued the ASM 92's. I've made some suggestions to them that I believe will help clear up these problems. I haven't heard back from them so I don't know if the problems have been corrected.

The Rossi 92's are still available but will be imported by Taurus USA of Florida and distributed by
Rossi USA

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:31 am

There you go.

Steve's got THE definitive answer on all things Rossi '92!!

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 2:31 pm

Thank you Mr. Young....

jumbeaux

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 9:35 pm

Just a couple of cents worth...

Had a brief discussion with a local gun smith recently and he said that he will only buy Chiappa 92's for sale in his store since they have the best quality today (his words, not mine).

They ain't cheap, since he was selling 'em for around $1100 if memory serves correct. And they sure are purdy lookin' with their case hardened receivers.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:21 am

UncleBuck wrote:Just a couple of cents worth...

Had a brief discussion with a local gun smith recently and he said that he will only buy Chiappa 92's for sale in his store since they have the best quality today (his words, not mine).

They ain't cheap, since he was selling 'em for around $1100 if memory serves correct. And they sure are purdy lookin' with their case hardened receivers.

I'm not saying he's full of it, but my experience with gun shop people is that they always say whatever they have in stock is the best there is.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:07 pm

COSteve wrote:
UncleBuck wrote:Just a couple of cents worth...
Had a brief discussion with a local gun smith recently and he said that he will only buy Chiappa 92's for sale in his store since they have the best quality today (his words, not mine).
They ain't cheap, since he was selling 'em for around $1100 if memory serves correct. And they sure are purdy lookin' with their case hardened receivers.
I'm not saying he's full of it, but my experience with gun shop people is that they always say whatever they have in stock is the best there is.

And especially when their discount structure provides a larger profit! As theyy say, "...buyers, make sure your bovine discharge filters are set on 'fine'!

a357lever · Post by **a357lever** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:16 pm

I got a rossi 92 16" 357 blue from davidsons online with lifetime warenty ontop of the rifle it says -rossi model 92-top tang over grip it says- braztech in llc miami - on bottom grip tang says- made in brazil by taurus it has the goofy safety. works well.

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:27 pm

jumbeaux wrote:Thank you Mr. Young....

jumbeaux

Yes Thank you Mr. Young!

There's lots of older Rossi/ Interarms '92 running around out there.
I bought my .357m "New In The Box" a few years ago and though it wasn't
a perfect shooter a trip to Steve made it so with an action job
and new sights.

It has become one of my favorites!

To me it's worth searching for a pre-safety '92 Rossi
over the new imports.

jb

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:21 pm

I have one of the new 92 Rossi 45 Colt 20" Hartford Models. It is very nice, well fitted wood and metal and is case hardened and looks good. It shoots well. The safety doesn't bother me. Most guns I have ever had safeties.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 2:18 am

UncleBuck wrote:Just a couple of cents worth...

Had a brief discussion with a local gun smith recently and he said that he will only buy Chiappa 92's for sale in his store since they have the best quality today (his words, not mine).

They ain't cheap, since he was selling 'em for around $1100 if memory serves correct. And they sure are purdy lookin' with their case hardened receivers.

UNCLEBUCk,
Those are some nicely finish guns on the outside for sure. The lines are really close to the original. That's also why the cost so much. This is Chiappa's first go at a 92 style rifle. When they get some of the functionality problems worked out they will be great guns inside and out.

Think about this. All the folks that made the original 92's are long dead and gone. production stopped at the beginning of WWII. The folks with the most experience building 92's now are the Rossi folks. They have been doing it for 30 something years. They aren't finished as nice as the others but they work like they are supposed to and don't cost as much either.

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 11:15 am

Nate Kiowa Jones wrote:
UncleBuck wrote:Just a couple of cents worth...

UNCLEBUCk,
Those are some nicely finish guns on the outside for sure. The lines are really close to the original. That's also why the cost so much. This is Chiappa's first go at a 92 style rifle. When they get some of the functionality problems worked out they will be great guns inside and out.

Think about this. All the folks that made the original 92's are long dead and gone. production stopped at the beginning of WWII. The folks with the most experience building 92's now are the Rossi folks. They have been doing it for 30 something years. They aren't finished as nice as the others but they work like they are supposed to and don't cost as much either.

With all due respect -- Just because someone has been doing something half-@$$ wrong for 30 years or so, it doesn't mean they do it better than anyone else. My .44 Rossi is a shooter, for sure & for certain, but the internals are still rough as a cob, and feeding can be a sometimes thing. (It does feed C.P. 300 grain bullets almost flawlessly.) To make it run like my Winchester/Miroku '92 (also .44 M.) would require an investment of time and/or money that would bring the price of the Rossi higher than what I paid for the Japanese-made rifle. I don't consider that to be a savings.

SAAJim · Post by **SAAJim** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:11 pm

Buck,
I have both a Win/Miroku '92 and an EMF Hartford '92 by Rossi, both in .45 Colt. The Win/Miroku is certainly very high quality and nicely finished. BUT, I have to say that the Rossi '92 I just bought from Debbie at EMF last February was surprising. Very nicely finished inside and out. Pretty smooth right from the box. A few lighter springs, a touch of polishing, and it was great. The only glitch was a super strong extractor - a real bear closing the lever over the case rim, even after lightening the ejector spring. Nate's DVD showed me how to thin the extractor and that took care of that problem. Shoots really great and feeds, fires, ejects with no problems, even at speed with RNFP & SWC. Very happy with the Rossi.

Jim

Buck Elliott wrote:With all due respect -- Just because someone has been doing something half-@$$ wrong for 30 years or so, it doesn't mean they do it better than anyone else. My .44 Rossi is a shooter, for sure & for certain, but the internals are still rough as a cob, and feeding can be a sometimes thing. (It does feed C.P. 300 grain bullets almost flawlessly.) To make it run like my Winchester/Miroku '92 (also .44 M.) would require an investment of time and/or money that would bring the price of the Rossi higher than what I paid for the Japanese-made rifle. I don't consider that to be a savings.

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 1:03 pm

Remember, there's a HUGE difference between "that's not too bad," and "That's Great..."

Kinda' reminds me of the days when we were doin' summer pack trips, and we'd run into 'foot-backers' on occasion. When they had time (walkers are always in a hurry) and the talk turned to comestibles, the hikers would always tell us their canned beanie-wienies and/or freeze-dried grub just "wasn't bad at all;" then we'd tell 'em we were havin' steak & sauteed mushrooms for supper, with fried potatoes and all the rest, and that at the end of the week, (and 5 camps later...) we'd still have fresh meat & produce for breakfast on our last morning in camp. Now -- That's Great...!

("Freeze-dried" Ice Cream...?!?...)

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 5:24 pm

Buck, I have an 20 year old Interarms Rossi 92 .357 SRC that had 10 shots fired through it when I got it two years ago. I called Steve and ordered his DVD and an ejector spring. When I got it up running it is as smooth as my 1917 Winchester 92 32wcf. Not the price of a Jap 92 but I'll put it up against one. I do believe that Steve knows where of he speaks.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:12 pm

JerryB wrote:I called Steve and ordered his DVD and an ejector spring. .... I do believe that Steve knows where of he speaks.

Absolutely! My 24" 357 is a dream after following Steve's instructions plus installing his mag plug, ejector spring, and safety plug. Best money I've spent in years.

SAAJim · Post by **SAAJim** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 1:07 pm

Buck,
I don't know if your comment about "there's a HUGE difference between 'that's not too bad,' and "That's Great.." was an interpretation of what I was saying. If so, that's not what I was saying at all. I was saying my Rossi was an excellent rifle. Way better than not too bad. Light to carry, very accurate, feeds/ejects faultlessly, and pretty to boot. More than satisfied and I must say I like the carbine style butt stock over the crescent stock of the Win/Miroku. Easier for me to shoulder and more comfortable in recoil.

Jim

Buck Elliott wrote:Remember, there's a HUGE difference between "that's not too bad," and "That's Great..."

Kinda' reminds me of the days when we were doin' summer pack trips, and we'd run into 'foot-backers' on occasion. When they had time (walkers are always in a hurry) and the talk turned to comestibles, the hikers would always tell us their canned beanie-wienies and/or freeze-dried grub just "wasn't bad at all;" then we'd tell 'em we were havin' steak & sauteed mushrooms for supper, with fried potatoes and all the rest, and that at the end of the week, (and 5 camps later...) we'd still have fresh meat & produce for breakfast on our last morning in camp. Now -- That's Great...!

("Freeze-dried" Ice Cream...?!?...)

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