rossi lever gun in 32 H & R

[hfcable]

did rossi ever make these? they announced them but IIRC maybe never made any? i have recently [ finally ] snagged a single six with adjustable sights in 32 H&R and of course NOW I need a companion rifle......i know marlin did make some of the little 94s in 32H&R so that is probably my best bet... but i am curious.......anyone know?

[AJMD429]

I'm sure I never saw one...

...the reason I know I never saw one, is because I would have bought it...!

[hfcable]

I'm sure I never saw one...

...the reason I know I never saw one, is because I would have bought it...!

oh yes!!! me too!

[Old No7]

"i know marlin did make some of the little 94s in 32H&R so that is probably my best bet..."

I've been interested in/looking for a Marlin H&R since I got my l'il SP101 in that caliber. Have read Marlin only made 600 or so -- and those that are selling 'em know what they got, and dang!!! They are pricey!!!

Easily 2X the price of used Model 1894 .357s or .44s for sure!!!

Sure hope someone chimes in with some good news about a Rossi option...

Old No7

[Hobie]

Well, as Doc knows, Winchester originally intended to have a lever gun adapted from the 1890 action AND .32s on both (IIRC it was for both) but neither came to fruition although Winchester did make a prototype lever or two. However, Rossi/Taurus did make the levergun, a couple of people have them, and did advertise the .32 H&R option but so far as I know they never produced the first one. I believe that Marlin's experience in lack of market was all the research Taurus needed to drop the product before it was made. Rossi did do pretty well with the .22 WRFM 62s but that sort of buyer isn't interested in a center-fire for the same purpose. Some of the problem may be that center-fires are prohibited for small game (or any hunting) in some areas.

[gak]

I'm noticing one of the Uberti importers (Cimarron or Taylors?) is listing the H&R available in their Win 1866 clone "Yellow Boy." That'd be a cool gun. Chiappa/Armi Sport is another that listed the H&R in the Taylor's catalog four or five years ago for it's then-new 1892, but IIRC, like the advertised Taurus/Rossi lever, it never came to production fruition. I'm hoping the current/increasing popularity of the .327 FM will mean Marlin and Rossi (92) both will give us a .32 Mag gun. Being able to shoot H&Rs too--like the similar .38/357 relationship--would just be icing on the cake.

[BenT]

Yes, I thought I seen them listed about 5 years ago in a catalog, but as Hobie said they went into production. The reason Marlins didn't go over big is because of the configuration. The octagon barrel full length mag tube was to front heavy for me. I ended up buying a CL in 32-20 . Much better balance with the round barrel half mag. I still want a a Marlin in 32 H&R . I'm hoping after the move settles down that they come out with one in 327 Fed, then I can shoot my 32 H&R in it.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

To make a 92 feed the small diameter rim of the 32 H&R would require a dramatic changes to the bolt, lever and guides. Even the 32-20 92's have some serious mods to the lever, bolt and guides in order to feed.

The reason I know this is I converted this Rossi 92 to 32-20. Besides removing metal in required adding some as well.



The 32-20 rim is larger than the 32H&R. In order for the guides is control the rim they would be so close the lower ejector part of bolt wouldn't pass between them.
When Armi Sport/Chiappa first came out with their remake of the ASM 92's they did show 32 H&R but it never made it to market probably because of these problems.

Yes, I thought I seen them listed about 5 years ago in a catalog, but as Hobie said they went into production. The reason Marlins didn't go over big is because of the configuration. The octagon barrel full length mag tube was to front heavy for me. I ended up buying a CL in 32-20 . Much better balance with the round barrel half mag. I still want a a Marlin in 32 H&R . I'm hoping after the move settles down that they come out with one in 327 Fed, then I can shoot my 32 H&R in it.

I feel the same way. When Marlin came out with their 32 H&R Ruger already had their Vaquetto's (single six size) out in 32 H&R. many of the SASS shooters were buying these for their wifes to shoot and then discovered the ladies couldn't hold the front heavy Marlins up.
i don't understand why Marlin didn't offer a round barrel version. I have a gunsmith friend that rebarreled one with a slightly shortened CL barrel and it was much better balanced.

[fisheadgib]

I've been looking for a Marlin in .32H&R for a couple of years now. The couple I've found were going for over twice what they cost new. It seems there are lots of people that still want a rifle that was discontinued due to "lack of interest". I'd like to see Marlin make another run of them.