disappointeed in my new Rossi .357 lever action

[Im Clutch]

Well,
I went to the range yesterday with my new .357 and I must say I was not impressed. The FTEs and FTF were numerous. The action is tight and the little safety switch thingy sucks. I put about 50 rounds of of SJHP through it and got tired of it jamming. I'm gonna' give it another chance in the next day or so. I want to give it the benefit of the doubt. I know there is a guy that will slick it up for you, but I would like to try and break it in first. If that doesn't do it, then maybe I get the video and try to slick it up myself.

The trigger pull was sweet and smooth. I don't have a gauge but compared to my Kel-Tec P-11 (just kidding) I figure the pull is about 6lbs. At 50 yards, the group was actually within 1.5 inches with an open site! I'm better than I thought. If I can get the action worked out, I will put a scout scope (probably 2 power) with a long eye relief for plinking and small game. Anyway, all in all...disappointed on the first firing...disappointed

[Jake3501]

It takes a while to smooth up most lever and pump actions, give it a while.

[BigSkiff]

The action on mine was stiff for a few hundred rounds before it loosened up. Mine is a 45LC carbine. I've never shot hollow points through it though, just the traditional round nose lead.

[Steelheart]

What ammo were you using? I've heard of some pistol caliber lever actions that didn't like the Special version of the magnum caliber.

But yes, give it some time to work itself through. You also could get some of the better grade of snap caps that have a realistic profile and dryfire the heck out of it at home. I think it's A-Zoom that are all metal.

Steelheart

[NativeTexan]

Mine's been working for 25 years and does not have any funky safeties since it's older. It smoothed up, needless to say. You might try different ammo. Mine feeds about everything I've tried in it from 180 JHP to 105 SWC in .38 special, though.

If you want it slicked up contact this guy....

http://www.stevesgunz.com/

[Clinebo]

Try some round nose lead bullets and see if that helps.
There are other threads here about this same issue....might look through them if you have time.

[Im Clutch]

Update:

I've taken the gun apart...completely... two times now. I have "slicked" it up as Steve's video shows. He really means "cut away" rather than slick! I pulled off metal where he indicated and took a file to a few other rough and prickly places. He does a pretty good job in the video, although I did have some issues with the line up of the trigger group and the finger lever.

I have put about 300 rounds through it. I am still having ejection issues about every 5th round. It's very picky on the brass. I found that it eats the nickel plated Remington better than other types of brass (Rem, Win, Hornady, etc.). I opted for a Marbles Tang site as I didn't like the idea of drilling for a base plate. Anyway, by the time I get it the ejection issues solved and it "slicked" up, I'll know the gun inside and out which I guess isn't a bad thing. Once all this work is done, I'll be able to learn how to work up a load for it?!

I ordered a plug for the cheesy little safety thingy and will take the gun apart yet a third time to install the plug... And just to see if I can put it all back together again! Best to all!

[Clinebo]

You don't need to take the gun apart to plug the safety. Just lever the bolt back far enough to clear the pin, drive it out and lift the safety out. Be careful as there is a small ball and spring in the side of the safety. Place the plug in and drive the pin back into place. I worked the top on my plug a bit with a file as it had a rather sharp point on it.

[Im Clutch]

Thanks for the response Cline, the reason to take it apart is to put it back together. After having it apart twice, the third time should be a charm! Where did you get the plug? Do you have a good source for parts? thanks in advance...

[Clinebo]

I got all my parts from Steve. Ordered the DVD kit with spring and mag follower plug,then added the sights,safety plug, larger loop etc. He has a few large loop levers left. But not enough to list them on the website. Call or e-mail him if you want one. He does orders on Thurs and ships on Fri.