A Glimpse into the Past: The Appeal of Lever Actions
The legacy of the lever-action rifle is deeply woven into the fabric of American history. From the dusty trails of the Wild West to the modern shooting range, these rifles represent a potent combination of nostalgia, reliability, and sheer fun. The satisfying “clack-clack” of the action, the quick follow-up shots, and the inherent accuracy have cemented their place in the hearts of shooters for generations. Today, we delve into a modern take on this iconic design: the **Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless**. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at this popular rifle, evaluating its features, performance, and overall value.
Before we jump into the specifics of the Rossi, let’s briefly touch on the enduring appeal of the lever-action rifle. They represent a simpler time, a period of self-reliance and adventure. The lever action, born out of the need for rapid reloading in a world where a few shots could make the difference between life and death, has become synonymous with the rugged individualist.
Beyond its historical significance, the lever action offers a unique shooting experience. The smooth, fast cycling of the action allows for quick follow-up shots, making it ideal for hunting, plinking, and even certain competitive shooting disciplines. Their inherent reliability, often coupled with simple designs, has made them a favorite among those seeking a dependable firearm.
The .357 Magnum cartridge, a favorite among shooters and hunters, adds another layer of appeal. Known for its versatility, it can be loaded with everything from mild target loads to potent self-defense rounds or powerful hunting ammunition, allowing for a diverse shooting experience.
Stainless Steel: A Modern Touch
The model we are reviewing, the **Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless**, takes this classic design and adds a touch of modernity. The stainless steel construction offers a rugged, corrosion-resistant finish that not only looks attractive but also provides added durability, making it ideal for use in various environments. This resistance to the elements is a significant advantage, especially for those who spend time outdoors or live in areas with high humidity.
Examining the Build and Components
The Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless, at first glance, is a handsome rifle. Its clean lines and the bright finish of the stainless steel receiver and barrel immediately catch the eye. The overall aesthetic is classic, with a comfortable, traditional feel.
The rifle’s main components comprise the stainless-steel receiver, a matching stainless steel barrel, a wooden stock and forend. The overall balance is well-executed, making the rifle feel solid without being overly heavy.
The wood stock and forend usually feature a nicely finished grain, depending on the particular production year. While it’s not always top-of-the-line, it generally looks good and provides a comfortable grip. The stock’s design often offers a good cheek weld, aiding in accurate target acquisition.
The lever itself is easy to operate, likely a hallmark of a well-designed lever action. It smoothly cycles cartridges into the chamber with a satisfying click. This smooth action is crucial for quick follow-up shots and overall shooting enjoyment. The lever’s size and shape are usually designed for easy manipulation, even with gloved hands.
The rifle typically comes equipped with open sights, which are typically adjustable for both windage and elevation. These sights offer a clear sight picture and are perfectly adequate for target shooting and hunting at moderate ranges. Often, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, providing the option of mounting a scope for extended range shooting. This versatility is a definite plus.
Additional details often included in the design are sling swivel studs. The inclusion of these studs allows for easy attachment of a sling, making the rifle more convenient to carry in the field. The trigger pull will require inspection. It’s often a little heavy but generally crisp enough to be effective.
Shooting at the Range: Performance Evaluation
Before any review can be considered complete, the rifle must be put to the test. The **Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless** was taken to the range for an extensive evaluation. The testing methodology involved firing a variety of ammunition types, from target loads to self-defense rounds, to assess accuracy, recoil, and overall handling. Shooting was conducted at various distances to accurately understand its range performance.
Initial impressions were positive. The rifle’s balance made it easy to shoulder and aim quickly. The lever action cycled smoothly, allowing for rapid follow-up shots.
Accuracy testing was conducted using a variety of ammunition brands and bullet weights. At a distance of fifty yards, groups were consistently in the area of one and a half to two inches, depending on the ammunition used. While this isn’t match-grade accuracy, it’s more than adequate for hunting, plinking, and general recreational shooting. With some careful selection of ammunition, and possibly with a scope, this accuracy can be improved.
Recoil, as expected from a .357 Magnum rifle, was manageable. The weight of the rifle and the design of the stock helped to absorb a good portion of the recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The muzzle rise was minimal, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
Handling proved to be a strong point. The rifle felt comfortable in hand, with the ergonomics of the stock contributing to a natural shooting position. The lever action was easy to operate, allowing for quick target acquisition and follow-up shots. The open sights provided a clear and unobstructed view of the target. The rifle was maneuverable and easy to transition between targets, which is a plus.
Reliability during the test was exceptional. The rifle functioned flawlessly with all ammunition types tested, with no failures to feed, extract, or eject. This reliability is critical, especially for hunting or self-defense purposes. The fact that the Rossi worked consistently is a major plus.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Perspective
The **Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless** presents a compelling package, but it’s not without its strengths and weaknesses.
On the positive side, the stainless steel construction is a major selling point. The finish looks great, is easy to clean, and provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion. The lever action operates smoothly and reliably, allowing for quick follow-up shots and a satisfying shooting experience. Accuracy is more than adequate for its intended purpose, and the ergonomics of the stock contribute to a comfortable shooting experience. The overall value is good, offering a lot of features for the price.
As for weaknesses, the trigger pull might need some improvement. While it’s usually not terrible, it can be a bit heavy. Although quality control generally is good, some examples might show minor imperfections in the finish. The availability of aftermarket parts might be more limited than for some other popular rifle models.
Comparison: How It Stacks Up
When considering the **Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless**, it’s helpful to compare it to other rifles in its class. It often goes head to head with the Henry Big Boy and the Marlin 1894, both chambered in .357 Magnum.
The Henry Big Boy is known for its beautiful finish and incredibly smooth action, but it typically costs more. The Marlin 1894 has a long history and a reputation for excellent accuracy, but the quality of recent Marlins has sometimes been inconsistent. The Rossi offers a balance of affordability, reliability, and performance that makes it a very attractive option.
The Final Assessment: Value and Conclusion
The **Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless** is a solid performer, offering a good balance of features, performance, and value. Its stainless-steel construction, smooth lever action, and accurate performance make it a compelling choice for shooters seeking a reliable and enjoyable lever-action rifle.
For those looking for a versatile rifle for plinking, target shooting, or hunting at moderate ranges, the Rossi is a great option. Its affordable price point and the classic lever-action design make it an appealing choice. It also could be a nice option for home defense. The ease of use and the satisfying shooting experience, combined with the durability of the stainless-steel finish, make it a rifle that is likely to provide years of enjoyment.
The **Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless** earns a strong recommendation. It offers an excellent value for the price and delivers a satisfying shooting experience.
Final Thoughts
The allure of the lever-action rifle continues to captivate shooters of all kinds. The Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless embodies this enduring appeal, offering a modern take on a classic design. Its reliable performance, durable construction, and affordable price point make it a standout choice. For anyone looking to add a fun and functional rifle to their collection, the Rossi 357 Lever Action Stainless deserves serious consideration. Whether you are an experienced shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, the Rossi is a rifle that will bring a smile to your face.
