Built on the classic Winchester Model 1892 platform, the classic looks and reliable function of the Rossi R92 lever action made it one of the hottest selling guns on GunBroker.com last year. It took fourth place in the website’s annual rankings for 2019, a big move considering it was a distant 10th in 2018.
Of course, the introduction of a pair of new versions this year could help it make another jump by the time 2020 is over. When American Rifleman took a look new tactically clad lever actions for this year, it noted that the Rossi Triple Black R92, “…is blacked-out with a Cerakote finish and features a paracord-wrapped, large-loop lever. The gun is also outfitted with a short 16.5" barrel that makes it light, handy and nimble, all necessary qualities for a tactical lever gun.”
Add the Picatinny rail for mounting optics fast and it’s a solid choice for home, wilderness and camp defense or plinking. Even more recently the company brought out a .22 LR Rio Bravo lever action based on the R92.
The most popular chambering, according to the annual survey results, was .45 Colt. It’s available in four different versions of the Rossi R92.
They come with either 16- or 20-inch barrels, and metalwork can a stainless steel finish or polished black. All come with Brazilian hardwood furniture and magazine capacity is 8 or 10, respectively.
The front sights are drift adjustable and buckhorn-style at the rear. There’s also a thumb safety on all models.
Rossi offers the R92 in other chamberings, including .357 Mag., .44 Mag. and .454 Casull. Barrel lengths run from 16 to 24 inches, depending on model. MSRP on the stainless .45 Colt with 16-inch barrel is $696.83. The same version with black metalwork comes in at $668.96.
