Rossi r92 .38/.357 questions

[Soclosenotnear]

We had one of these stainless lever guns come out for sale at my pawn shop but it appears modified. The safety is missing completely and so is the loading gate. A quick Google search makes me believe some people do these things intentionally, but should I be worried about buying such a gun. It is sold with an as is/for parts deal because of the missing parts. Otherwise the gun appears in excellent shape and seems to function fine. Can anyone share some insight?

 

[Crunchy Frog]

The original Winchester '92 did not have a manual safety. It, like many lever action rifles before and since, had a halfcock notch on the hammer. At some point the little safety was added to the rear portion of the bolt on the reproductions. It is not unusual for a shooter to replace the safety with a plug or screw.

Missing loading gate? That's a whole other issue. I see no reason why someone would intentionally remove the loading gate.

 

[Soclosenotnear]

It is completely gone. There are also 2 holes in the side of the reciever where I assume screws were. Probably to hold the safety? The other is further forward.

 

[stagpanther]

The missing safety is common--a standard mod among among rossi 92 owners is to remove it and put a skinner-type aperture site in it's place. The factory installed safety is considered something of a heresy by many owners--but I kept mine and use it a lot because my rossi gets dragged around through lots of heavy growth. I like it (and it's not fool-proof)--but to each their own. Not sure about why the other missing part would be removed--ease of loading?

 

[Mk VII]

At least one hole in the receiver (on the right) is intentional. It doesn't do anything, other than allow you to punch the lever/bolt connecting pin out.

 

[Tidewater_Kid]

The EMF version I had 10 years ago did not have the safety that was added to later models. I'm sure the parts were removed to help with CAS.

TK

 

[RugerNo3]

The loading gate on a M92 Winchester or Rossi has to be properly installed for reliable feeding. Being absent, there will be a feeding problem from the tube. Appears ignorance got it to the pawn shop in this condition. Parts are available to repair it and turn it into a serviceable firearm. Great little weapon when properly set up.