Author Topic: First time ROSSI owner (Read 1131 times)

Nebraska Kelly · « **on:** June 24, 2005, 10:03:15 PM »

Hello. I was shopping at a large department store and went through there sporting goods center looking for some archery supplies. Of course while there I had to cruise the gun counter. I found a ROSSI YOUTH 223 on a closeout price of $84.98. I didn't ask any questions I just said I will take it. The barrel is 22 inches. I was very impressed with the overall accuracy of the rifle. It shot ULTRA MAX 55gr soft points into 3/4 inch 5 shot group. It did well with 60gr berger bullets too. It was ok with 45gr winchester hollow points. All in all the gun outshoots the Handi bull barrel 223 I picked up at a gun show recently for $200. This was just my first trip out with this rifle. I can see it shooting premium 55gr ammo very well. The gun is much lighter than the Handi.

I have a few questions about the ROSSI? It looks like the barrel is a lining inside of an outer barrel tube. There is also a joint at the point where the barrel steps down. I am sure the barrel is a three piece affair. The outer barrel tube. The barrel liner. Then the large part of the barrel at the breech that the entire main tube is inserted into. Is this correct?

The gun shoots very well no matter that the barrel is not one solid piece. My first outing with the rossi was positive. I heard someone talking about the stock being warped on a Rossi on this forum. My forend piece only makes contact at the point where the front screw is holding the forearm on. It is an ugly fitting forearm. But ugly is as ugly does. And this does just fine no matter how that piece fits. I admit it is not the best quality stock. But for $85 I did not care. IT SHOOTS!.

One note of interest is I tried different tensions on the front screw. I found the gun to settle in when I would tighten the screw to maximum. Then back it off 1/2 turn. That is easy to do with a Rossi because it is where the sling hardware is connected and all you have to do is use your fingers to turn the sling swivel loop. I liked that feature very much. My handi 223 is getting sold. I like this one better because it is more consistent and accurate. The Handi is better overall quality. But accurate is accurate. And the Rossi is accurate.
Nebraska Kelly

kjeff50cal · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2005, 04:01:03 PM »

Ah, Grasshopper.... err Nebraska Kelly, you have found Rossi nirvanna! Either the barrel had been broken in before you purchased it or you have the Braztech version of 1 of 1000. My .223/20 Combo reponse best to Wincheter 45 grn. White box. The take-down tension is as you say max tight then back off 1/2 turn. The barrels may be a lined affair but the crown on mine says target. Most shooters treat Rossi Single-Shots like red headed step-children until they figure them out.

kjeff50cal

Nebraska Kelly · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2005, 09:06:29 PM »

Hi Jeff. This is a Braztech youth model in 223 with a 22 inch barrel. What were you saying about this being a 1 in 1000??? Do you know what the barrel twist is? 1 in 10 maybe.
Kelly

poncaguy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2005, 03:46:56 AM »

I have a bull barrel Rossi 223 that is a real shooter, just as accurate as my latest Handi's..............

kjeff50cal · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2005, 03:53:09 PM »

My Rossi (Braztech is the parent company) is a full sized .223 Rem/20ga. The one in 1000 line is a direct rip from Winchester 1873's marketing. The Rossi .223, 22" Standard barrel twist is 1 in 12" (55 grn and lighter) but the new heavy barrel .223 is 1 in 9" (it can handle up to 65 grn bullets).