Rio Grande Experiences

[Ray384]

Thought I would start a thread where we could share experiences with our Rio Grande. I got mine at Dick`s, it is the stainless model. I got it for local Cowboy 200 yard shooting. I had quite a time getting the scope base off the rifle. The screws were red loctited to the base. Finally got it off. Working on reloads with lead bullets, I ran into a problem getting them into the loading gate, will have to figure that one out. Overall, I really like the rifle.

[Maximumbob54]

What bullets are you loading with? I'm casting with a Ranch Dog 165gr mold, sizing them to .310, dipping them in alox cut with JPW, and they are amazing. Only tried them at a hundred yard range so far as I'm trying to see if H335 or BLC2 is better and in what volume.

I like the look of the Rio Grande and I love the Marlin design so I figure I would like the Rossi copy with their own flavoring added. Not sure about the loading gate. I know some of them are way too stiff. Every Win 94 I have ever picked up including my own feels like it will deform the case neck if you don't hold your finger on the side of the bullet as you press them inside. I have thought about seeing if something could be done to the spring to lighten it some but just haven't bothered.

How is the fit and finish on the Rio Grande? Do they polish them well enough or do they leave machine marks behind? Is the fit of the wood to the steel decent? How smooth is the action? Do they still have a half cock (I would hope so but these days you never know)? Cross bolt safety or tang? Is the trigger pretty rough out of the box or do they at least attempt to smooth it out? Do they add decent sights or is it another bend sheet metal tab?

I only ask so many questions because that is one sharp looking rifle. I'm glad to see a surge in lever rifles making a come back.

Oh, and welcome aboard!!!

[bre346]

I thought you meant our Rio Grande.
Either way, welcome to the shooting. I hope you hit a lot of cross-river traffic.

[Ray384]

The one I got was nicely polished and fit appeared good. In fact I thought I was buying a Marlin until we wrote it up. I especially like the slim forearm, a lot like the old Marlins. I managed to get the two dummy rounds into the gate. I`ll have to do some polishing around there and let up some of the truck spring on the gate. I`ve tuned up a couple of 92`s and they are a lot more complicated than this one. Sorry that this is running together, but it won`t let my pad do a return. It does have a half cock and a crossbolt safety. The trigger pull is good. I did notice that the lever has the possibility of causing the Marlin jam,but I know what to do about that, the fix is on Maurader`s webpage.

[MOONDAWG]

...I was waiting for a Skeeter Skelton or Charle Askins border story...

[Ray384]

I got to shoot the RG today. I tried both the Lee 150 and 170 grain bullet over Unique. I only had a short time and had a hard time seeing the sights on the targets I was shooting. Overall both bullets shot good, with the150 grain looking the best. I had a little extraction problem, hopefully it will break in.

[Ranch Dog]

I received an instock notice on the 45-70, got to get off my duff and buy it.

[MilProGuy]

[Ranch Dog]

I will have pictures of my 45-70 next week. It will be in Monday but might not get over to Victoria to get it until mid-week.

Now, could any of you 30-30 guys who reload do me a favor? On your Rio Grande, measure the outside diameter of the barrel where it meets the receiver. No need to remove the forearm. I would like to compare it against my 45-70 once it is here. See how much meat is left on the 45 caliber barrel before I start any load work.

[Armd2DaTeeth]

I would love to know more about these Rossi rifles as I am thinking a .357 Mag to hunt with and sleep above.