New Guns from Taurus/Rossi/Heritage

[Chicken George*]

At the Battle at Adobe Walls match (Wolfpack Ranch in Pampa TX), Taurus let everyone tryout some of their new offerings for Cowboy Action Shooting. They were looking for feedback and plan to make improvements. They're hoping to get them more competitive straight from the factory and give us more reasonably priced options. 

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

Just a note for anyone unfamiliar with SASS rules...the "Mare's Leg" (aka "Ranch Hand" or "Settler") is NOT LEGAL for SASS competition use:

 

Quote

- Long gun stocks with a “pistol grip” configuration (e.g. “Mares Leg” rifle or “Terminator” shotgun) are not allowed.

SHB p.34

[Dilli GaHoot Galoot]

Wow, and I thought that the billboard on Ruger pistol barrels was obnoxious!  

[Boggus Deal #64218]

Both of the last two efforts by Taurus to make a gun for cowboy action shooting ended in catastrophic failures for them. None of their other guns set any records either. 
 

Edited June 22 by Boggus Deal #64218
Damn autocorrect.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

I've always thought that the Rossi 92 was a decent rifle, and my first SASS type rifle was one.  But, mine is a pre-safety model.   It looks like this one still has it, so that's a strike against it in my book.   Also, while not perfect, my Rossi was ever so slightly "clunky."  To be honest, I did not realize it was until I got a real Winchester, so I had some minimal action work done to it by Happy Trails, and it is now quite good.   But, a couple of years ago, I bought my brother a brand new Rossi as, while he was not interested in CAS, he wanted a lever gun in .357 Magnum.   I figured this was a good one for that.  Well...  While it seemed okay at the store, as soon as you put ammo in the tube, it got to be horrendously rough to work the action.   I didn't "race gun" it, but I did have a full action job done to it, just to make it workable.    Now, if they have improved things to the point where this is no longer so, I might give them another look, but I still recommend a Chiappa for people considering a 92.

I do this for a simple reason:  I have a Chiappa Mare's Leg 92.   Right out of the box, it was as smooth and reliable and a vintage Winchester.  (As Pale Wolf said, Mare's Legs are not legal, but they are still fun to own and shoot.)   I'd approach the Leg in the pic the same as the rifle, with caution, but would be willing to see how it works.

I have no experience with their revolvers, so I can't comment on how they have been in the past.   But this one just looks "off" to me for some reason that I can't pinpoint.   But it's not the DEPUTY on the barrel.  While kinda meh looking, it doesn't bother me.   This one I'd want to examine in person to see if it was of interest to me.   Lotta questions, like firing pin, number of clicks, etc.   But, assuming it works right and has a good price, it would be worth considering.   Again, not enough info for me to make a choice on.

Don't see anything about the shotgun that strikes me as good bad or indifferent.   What is it a replica of?   More importantly, is a long barrel version available?  I like long barrels on my shotguns.   I know I'm in the minority in that preference, but it is my preference, so this would get a pass from me.

The Marlin copy looks interesting.   While I am not a Marlin guy, it is nice to see someone making a version of it to offer an alternative.   That being said, it must compare well the "real" Marlin that is currently being made by Ruger.  (Has anyone seen one yet?)   If it does, they may do well with this if the price is better.  Looks like it has the same modern safety that the new made Marlin's have.

All in all, I think it's great that they are offering these things, and I hope that their quality is good.  It would be nice to know that there are decent entry level guns at a better price point than the Italian or Japanese replicas.

 

[Stump Water]

I see yellow SG shells on the table.  Is the SG a 20 ga.?

[Chicken George*]

15 hours ago, Boggus Deal #64218 said:

Both of the last two efforts by Taurus to make a gun for cowboy action shooting ended in catastrophic failures for them. None of their other guns set any records either. 

Yeah, the Thunderbolt comes to mind. I actually gave them a hard time about their reputation and these guys agreed. But they claim the company started making a lot of changes starting in 2016 and they think they've done a 180. They said there was communication barrier with their manufacturering in Brazil and a lot of guns went straight from Brazil to the consumer. They inspect everything now and bring the Brazil people up to shoot regularly. They said everyone in the company all the way to the top are real shooters and hunters now. Time will tell if what they are saying is true but they seem genuine in wanting feedback and promising improvements. They said they will also have guns at Landrun for feedback. 

[Chicken George*]

3 hours ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

 It looks like this one still has it, so that's a strike against it in my book.   Also, while not perfect, my Rossi was ever so slightly "clunky."  To be honest,

So what they told me is, 8 years ago they changed the Rossi. They made improvements including no more pot metal. Now recently they moved it to their Heritage line. Because they import them they have to have the safety. But several companies sell a safety delete that works for either the 92 or 95. They also said that the parts should interchange with the Marlins. 

 

A while back, Shotgun Boogie was really pushing Rossis. He said it would keep up with anyone shooting above 15 second stages. He has lightened spring kits for them. I handled one of his and it incredibly smooth. 

[Chicken George*]

4 hours ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

Lotta questions, like firing pin, number of clicks, etc. 

The Deputy has a transfer bar. I didn't keep track of the clicks but I'll ask when I see them later today. It shot fine. Quite a long stroke and heavy. I'd like to try it with lightened springs. 

[Chicken George*]

3 hours ago, Stump Water said:

I see yellow SG shells on the table.  Is the SG a 20 ga.?

The one they had was a 20 gauge. It was pretty light and kicked pretty good. They said it is available 12, 20, and 410.

 

4 hours ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

is a long barrel version available? 

Right now they have 18" but said they would have a 28" soon. 

4 hours ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

What is it a replica of?

Not sure. It was a double trigger and they claim it has a simpler system and should be more reliable than what other companies have. Whatever that means. I'd like to pull the stock off and look inside. I took it apart this far... 

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

You might suggest to them in the future bring a 12 ga for folks to try.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

3 hours ago, Chicken George* said:

Because they import them they have to have the safety.

That perplexes me.   How does Chiappa get away with not having a safety?  Or did they just say the traditional half cock notch was one and the government believed them?  Or for that matter, how did they import one for years without a safety?   Something don't add up.

Edited June 22 by H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619

[SGT. ELI 35882 GUNFIGHTER]

Hmmm, since 2016 they changed.... I have had such issues with getting parts from Taurus along with some pretty poor designs that I banned them from my shop and stopped working on them at all. 3 years and waiting on a simple part for a Raging Bull.

[Chicken George*]

On 6/21/2024 at 9:13 PM, Dilli GaHoot Galoot said:

Wow, and I thought that the billboard on Ruger pistol barrels was obnoxious!  

 

9 hours ago, Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L said:

You might suggest to them in the future bring a 12 ga for folks to try.

I told them both of those things. 

[Chicken George*]

14 hours ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

number of clicks

The Deputy revolver is a 4 click. 

[Chicken George*]

6 hours ago, SGT. ELI 35882 GUNFIGHTER said:

I have had such issues with getting parts from Taurus along with some pretty poor designs that I banned them from my shop and stopped working on them at all. 3 years and waiting on a simple part for a Raging Bull.

They said the Raging Bull is discontinued. The Raging Hunter replaced it and about 80% of the parts are the same. Those parts are available but if you need one of the parts that aren't the same, you are going to be waiting a very long time (forever). But you can always send it in and they will warranty it. Their repair center should have parts. 

 

As far as parts for the guns they showed, they said that it shouldn't be a problem getting anything for the long guns. He is in the process of getting everything for that revolver and expects that all those parts will be available in about 3 months. 

 

I'm just telling you what they said. I hope it's true. They were nice guys, knew their stuff, they love shooting and I enjoyed talking with them. I got their number in a case anyone else has any questions. 

[Sedalia Dave]

Is that a marlin 94 clone?

[Chicken George*]

7 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

Is that a marlin 94 clone?

The 2 rifles pictured together with the ranch hand are 92s. They used to be Rossi and now moved to the Heritage line. They have many models and calibers, including 357 mag, 44 mag, 45 colt and 454 casual. 

 

The other rifle is a Rossi 95. This has been in 30-30 and recently by request, they came out with that tactical version you may have seen with the rail and threaded barrel. It also comes in 45-70 but soon it will come in 357 mag, 44 mag (what they had there), 444 Marlin and 45 colt. 

[SGT. ELI 35882 GUNFIGHTER]

15 hours ago, Chicken George* said:

They said the Raging Bull is discontinued. The Raging Hunter replaced it and about 80% of the parts are the same. Those parts are available but if you need one of the parts that aren't the same, you are going to be waiting a very long time (forever). But you can always send it in and they will warranty it. Their repair center should have parts. 

 

As far as parts for the guns they showed, they said that it shouldn't be a problem getting anything for the long guns. He is in the process of getting everything for that revolver and expects that all those parts will be available in about 3 months. 

 

I'm just telling you what they said. I hope it's true. They were nice guys, knew their stuff, they love shooting and I enjoyed talking with them. I got their number in a case anyone else has any questions. 

It was a simple part, a yoke screw.  Called them every week. They said they got parts once a month and they went out in the order they were requested. After a few months of this I returned firearm to customer and had him request the part since he was the owner and I have ran into companies that would not sell to a gunsmith and maybe that was the issue.

[Marauder SASS #13056]

I have one of their modern semi pistols and love it - But they will NOT sell most parts to ANYONE. 

I called them and asked several times about commonly replaced parts such as a spring or extractor.  No explanation other than "It's our policy."
If the parts wear, send them in (at your expense) and they will evaluate whether they will fix it as warranty or at your expense.

So, once the gun wears, it is a "thro-away."

[Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439]

On 6/23/2024 at 4:10 PM, Chicken George* said:

The 2 rifles pictured together with the ranch hand are 92s. They used to be Rossi and now moved to the Heritage line. They have many models and calibers, including 357 mag, 44 mag, 45 colt and 454 casual. 

 

The other rifle is a Rossi 95. This has been in 30-30 and recently by request, they came out with that tactical version you may have seen with the rail and threaded barrel. It also comes in 45-70 but soon it will come in 357 mag, 44 mag (what they had there), 444 Marlin and 45 colt. 

So if I  understand what you said, Heritage will now be selling the 92 models that Rossi used to sell?  And the Ranch Hand is also back in production?  

[Chicken George*]

4 hours ago, Marauder SASS #13056 said:

I called them and asked several times about commonly replaced parts such as a spring or extractor.

What model gun did you try to get parts for? I'd like to ask them about that. 

[Chicken George*]

3 hours ago, Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439 said:

So if I  understand what you said, Heritage will now be selling the 92 models that Rossi used to sell?  And the Ranch Hand is also back in production?  

Yes, that is my understanding. 

[Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439]

2 minutes ago, Chicken George* said:

Yes, that is my understanding. 

And I checked Heritage’s website and it shows the rifles and mares leg. The used one I bought was the same price as the new ones are priced. I would still like to see Heritage offer the single action revolvers they used to offer, especially the .44mag. 

[Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439]

1 minute ago, Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439 said:

And I checked Heritage’s website and it shows the rifles and mares leg. The used one I bought was the same price as the new ones are priced. I would still like to see Heritage offer the single action revolvers they used to offer, especially the .44mag. 

But the 3 dealers show that there is no stock for .44mag. 

[Marauder SASS #13056]

1 hour ago, Chicken George* said:

What model gun did you try to get parts for? I'd like to ask them about that. 

The GX4 series.  I know it is for the regular and XL and suppose it is true for the GX4 Carry as well.
Nice guns, so I wish they would support them better.

[Snakebite]

On 6/21/2024 at 2:37 PM, PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L said:

Just a note for anyone unfamiliar with SASS rules...the "Mare's Leg" (aka "Ranch Hand" or "Settler") is NOT LEGAL for SASS competition use:

 

SHB p.34

Thank you for that reminder.

[Marauder SASS #13056]

Yup, Josh Randall is so disappointed...  
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051327/mediaviewer/rm3

827668225/

[Chicken George*]

On 6/24/2024 at 7:52 PM, Marauder SASS #13056 said:

The GX4 series.  I know it is for the regular and XL and suppose it is true for the GX4 Carry as well.
Nice guns, so I wish they would support them better.

I asked them and got this.... 

 

"We tend to only send those parts out for gunsmiths but I'm currently working on opening it up with engineering and customer service" 

[Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439]

On 6/24/2024 at 9:53 PM, Snakebite said:

Thank you for that reminder.

I got it because I watched Wanted Dead or Alive when I was boy and now as an adult, was never planning on trying to shoot it for SASS. I am thinking of sending to Nat Kiowa Jones and have him trim it like he did to another one to make it more realistic. 

[Marauder SASS #13056]

9 hours ago, Chicken George* said:

I asked them and got this.... 

 

"We tend to only send those parts out for gunsmiths but I'm currently working on opening it up with engineering and customer service" 

That is definitely a change and is encouraging!
When I spoke on the phone with them on two occasions, they refused to send parts to any gunsmith.  I clarified if they would send to ANY gunsmith and at that time their police did not allow it.  Everything had to be done by them or the warranty was voided.
I certainly hope they come around!

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

On 6/26/2024 at 1:32 PM, Nimble Fingers SASS# 25439 said:

I got it because I watched Wanted Dead or Alive when I was boy and now as an adult, was never planning on trying to shoot it for SASS. I am thinking of sending to Nat Kiowa Jones and have him trim it like he did to another one to make it more realistic. 

Mare's Leg type pistols, although not SASS legal for some reason, (probably because they are not "revolvers") are a lot of fun to own and shoot.   Some clubs will let you use them at a local monthly, some won't, so it's nest to ask in advance to find out.   

The "Mare's Leg Shotgun" like from the Terminator 2 movie is also not allowed, (and I don't understand this prohibition at all) but also fun to shoot.  And this is coming from a guy who likes 30" barrels on his scatterguns!  

Even if you can't shoot them in SASS, owning these guns is really enjoyable.  For just a fun novelty thing to plink with, I recommend that everyone should own one!   I have never handled the Rossi, but I'll assume it has the same plusses and minuses that their generic 92's have.



 

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

Taurus is really stepping up there game in the firearms world .