Description
The Rossi R92 Lever Action Carbine in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is a classic, no-fuss rifle built for fun and function. With its 20-inch barrel and 10-round capacity, it’s a smooth-shooting, versatile platform perfect for plinking, hunting, or just enjoying a day at the range. I’ve put hundreds of .38 Special rounds through mine, and it’s a blast—literally and figuratively. This carbine delivers old-school cowboy action vibes with modern reliability at a price that won’t break the bank.
Key Features
- Classic lever-action design with a 20-inch barrel for a balanced feel and good velocity.
- Chambered in the versatile .357 Magnum/.38 Special duo, letting you choose between mild plinking and serious power.
- 10-round tubular magazine capacity for extended shooting sessions.
- Sturdy, no-nonsense construction with a traditional walnut-finished hardwood stock.
- Top-tang safety for easy, intuitive operation.
Specs & Details
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 39 Inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 6 lbs (approx.) |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Walnut-Finished Hardwood |
Look, the beauty of this Rossi R92 is in its simplicity. The action smoothed out nicely for me after the first hundred rounds or so. It’s a straightforward rifle that fits out of the box and just works. The 20-inch barrel gives you a nice sight radius and a bit more oomph from the .357 rounds compared to shorter trapper models, while keeping the overall package handy. At a price of $644.08, it’s an accessible entry into the lever-gun world without sacrificing that timeless feel. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who This Rifle Is For
This carbine is for the shooter who appreciates mechanical simplicity and historical design. It’s a fantastic choice for a Missouri deer hunter wanting a brush gun, a recreational plinker who loves the tactile feedback of a lever action, or someone looking for a reliable, fun rifle for introducing new shooters with light-recoiling .38 Special loads. It’s not a precision long-range tool—it’s a working man’s rifle with soul.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Incredibly fun and satisfying to shoot. The dual-caliber capability (.38/.357) is a huge cost and versatility advantage. Lightweight and points naturally. The 10-round tube means less frequent reloading. It’s a classic design that just looks right on a rack.
Cons: The action can feel a bit stiff when brand new—it needs a break-in period. The sights are basic, which is authentic but not ideal for precision work. Some folks might prefer a larger loop lever for gloved hands, but the standard one works just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .38 Special and .357 Magnum interchangeably?
A: Absolutely. That’s one of the best features. You can run cheap, low-recoil .38 Special for practice and plinking, then switch to full-power .357 Magnum for hunting or more serious use. Just be sure to clean the chamber well after shooting a lot of .38 Special, as carbon can build up.
Q: Is it ready to mount a scope?
A: Not directly. The receiver is drilled and tapped, so you can add a scope base, but it’s really meant for iron sights. A good set of Skinner or Williams peep sights are popular, drop-in ready upgrades that maintain the classic look while improving sight picture.
Q: How does it handle with different loads?
A: Remarkably well. With 158-grain .38 Special, recoil is negligible—it’s a pussycat. Jump up to hot 158-grain .357 Magnum loads, and you’ll feel a solid push, but it’s very manageable. The 20-inch barrel helps you get the most velocity out of the magnum rounds, making it a capable performer on medium game at reasonable distances.
If you’ve been wanting a dependable, classic-styled lever action that won’t empty your wallet, the Rossi R92 in .357/.38 is a solid bet. Check it out on our site.
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