Recently there has been a tremendous upsurge of

popularity in lever guns. Much of this is due to Ruger putting out the new Ruger/Marlin rifles. We have had a lot of folks looking for the new lever guns. Right now is the time to be careful in buying a new lever gun as so many dealers are jacking up the prices to 2 and 3 times retail. If a person can find one of the new Ruger/Marlins for less than a grand that is a decent deal in today's market. One of my guys just bought one of the Ruger/Marlin 1895 in 45-70. He paid around $1100 which is close to retail and considering the quality of the new Ruger/Marlins that was a decent price. But I have seen the exact same gun on gunbroker for $3500. And that is the way things are going. People are buying up the old original Marlins in any caliber, refinishing the wood, bluing the frame and putting them on gunbroker for near $4000. Now this is not all dealers, as most are putting the new guns out at retail or just a bit under that. but as I said if you are looking for a new lever action check the gun out good before you buy.

The good news is now there is another choice for those looking for a good lever gun. And that is the Rossi model R92. We have had guys come in our gun shop and ask for the Ruger/Marlins. If we don't have one at the time we mention the Rossi guns. 9 times out of 10 the person will bad mouth the Rossi and walk out the door. That is his loss. If you haven't seen the new Rossi rifles you might be surprised at the quality. Taurus owns Rossi and they are putting out a really nice rifle. The guns are being made in their new plant in Bainbridge Georgia.

The bluing is smooth with no clouds or blemishes. The wood to metal fit is about as perfect as you are going to get. The action is smooth and the trigger almost the same as a custom trigger. The wood has a reddish color that is nice. The finish is nice on both the blue model R92 and the stainless model R92. Here are 2 guns to show you what I am talking about. Both are the Rossi model R92 and both are in 44 Magnum. First the blued gun.







Here is the stainless model R92 in 44 Mag and any smear you might see is from my hands as there is a light coating of oil on both guns from the factory.






Now I am not trying to sell you one of these guns as they sell themselves. In fact the blued gun sold while I was typing this. I just want to show you there is an alternative gun on the market. If I wanted a good lever gun for hunting, I would be perfectly happy with one of the new Rossi model R92.