Rossi Model 92 SRC: An almost identical copy of Winchester 1892

In the days of the Old West, the carbine chambered for a handgun cartridge (or vice versa, as you prefer) was the common saddle gun, but the concept seems to have withered over the years, with the rifleman looking to more exotic calibers and better ballistic efficiency. But there is still a good case for the combination, especially in those parts of the world where there is a need for a general-purpose rifle with no frills. Rossi’s Carbine enjoyed good sales.

Design

The Rossi Model 92 SRC Carbine makes no bones about being an almost identical copy of the Winchester Model of 1892 in appearance, though there are some minor differences internally. The receiver is an investment casting, attached to a steel barrel, and the woodwork is well-fitted and polished while the metalwork is well blued. The breech mechanism is traditional Winchester lever-action, feeding on the tubular magazine beneath the barrel.

The Rossi Model 92 SRC holds 8 rounds of .357, but the weapon can be used with .38 Special cartridges, and nine of these can be accommodated in the magazine. The foresight is a blade, while the rear sight is open, with step adjustment for elevation and capable of being drifted sideways for windage and drift zeroing.

The carbine appears to be somewhat touchy about ammunition; naturally, with a tubular magazine only flat-nosed bullets should be used, but different brands appeared to have tolerances that did not mate well with the tolerances of, for example, the cartridge guides in the breech. Length s also fairly critical, and while factory loads mostly work well, and loads need to be tailored to suit the characteristics of the breech. The accuracy is adequate, with two-inch groups at 50 yards possible with the right ammunition.

Technical specifications