Author Topic: Farm Auction (Read 450 times)

Mainspring · « **on:** May 14, 2003, 05:02:28 AM »

There's a farm auction coming up around here next month, and listed in the sale bill are a couple of Rossies...one listed as a .44 Mag lever action rifle, and one as a .357 mag lever action carbine. The listing doesn't say anything about the word "Puma" being anywhere on the guns. That being the case, I'm presuming that these are older rifles/carbines...however, this particular acution service isn't known for their detailed descriptions of firearms. So who really knows..??

Presuming that these are older Rossi rifles and/or carbines, what should I look for, and if they're in decent shape, would they be worth, say, $200 - $300 or so each as cowboy guns? I'm just wondering if the "Puma" stamp in the metal adds any reliability or fit/finish enhancements...changes in production technique.

Thoughts?

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2003, 03:44:40 AM »

Some general guidelines:
Condition of the bore, is it pitted or in good shape?
Work the action as check for smoothness. If it rough (most new ones were) it might be able to be slicked up by a gunsmith but this will cost you additional $$
See if there are any parts or screws missing.
Check the sights (are they there)?
Wood in good conditiion?
Does it appear to be clean (this gives you an idea of how it was treated by the owner)

The price of a used gun is really dependent on what you want to pay. Might check the webs and local pawn shops to compare what the current, going-rate is in your area.
Personally, and this is just me, I would go $200 if it were in good shape. Much more over that and I would start looking at new ones.
Hope I've given you some things that might help
CR

Mainspring · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2003, 05:04:40 AM »

Thanks CR, I appreciate the input.

Mainspring · « **Reply #3 on:** May 15, 2003, 07:29:50 AM »

Does anyone else know of any quirky things to look for in Rossi '92s?

Brasskisser · « **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2003, 07:52:53 AM »

Mainspring, These are good rifles. Follow the advice you have been given here. I have been doing this cowboy shooting for ten years and have own and shot every make and model of rifle out there. The '92s and the Rossi in particular is a good gun. I have two of them in the rack and use them as my main tournament guns. If the price is right, just do it!
Good Luck to ya! Peace!

Mainspring · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2003, 02:59:13 AM »

Thanks brasskisser...I guess if one of them is in reasonable shape and I can pick one up for $200 or so, I think that I just may do so.