I hesitate to write this after being so forthcoming on how nicely my new '92 (.38-357) seemed to function during my in-store evaluation with live ammo (and afterward, at my home). Still, in the name of full disclosure and maybe even receiving some encouraging information, here I am.
The long version of my experience is this: I tested the function of my new '92 in-store and at home several times, using Remington 125 grain SJHP +P ammunition. All seemed to be well, as the rifle loaded, moved the ammunition into battery, and ejected without a hitch. I waited to test-fire for over a week while I got around to a good cleaning job, and refinishing the stock with several coats of truoil. I tested the function again after re-assembling the gun, and all seemed to be well.
I took the rifle to my local shooting range, loaded 'er up with the Remington +P ammo previously described, and proceeded to fire. No problem. Until I hit round number six. Then the gun action locked up. The lever would move, the bolt would open about ½ - ¾ of an inch, and that was it.
I removed the magazine tube end plug, spring and new metal follower, and dumped out the remaining live rounds. Then I gently bumped the action with the heel of my hand several times, and attempted to work the lever again several times, and something seemed to give. The gun action opened and the empty shell ejected.
I worked the action several times, and all seemed to be well. I reassembled the magazine tube with follower, spring and end cap. Then I reloaded with three or four rounds, and started to cycle the action again. Instant Jam, just like before. Nothing I did this time seemed to help the situation. The '92 seemed to be well and thoroughly jammed up!
Fortunately, there was no round in the chamber, and all I had to do was remove the live ammo through the mag tube just like before. Naturally, I wanted my local gunsmith to wave his magic wand over my new rifle and produce an instant fix, but he strongly suggested that I take advantage of my new Rossi 1 year warranty and send it in to Miami so they could correct the problem free of charge.
FYI: the Rossi website is a bit misleading about what procedure to follow in this situation, so I will offer this information on behalf of any newbies, like myself, who might find themselves in this unhappy situation.
CALL THE ROSSI CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER FIRST!
They were reasonably quick to answer the phone, very polite, and as helpful as could be. They issued me a free FED-EX shipping label via e-mail and told me to carry the carefully packaged unloaded rifle to my nearest Fed-Ex shipping pickup point. The process took about fifteen minutes, overall, including time on hold once or twice while they communicated with Fed-Ex and whomever else. They assured me that the rifle would be fixed to my satisfaction, and told me the turn-around time at present was four to six weeks.
Newbies: Go ahead and send in the little (yellow) warranty registration card as soon as you get home with your new Rossi firearm. Don't wait, and maybe forget to do so, like me. Rossi gave me no trouble over this, but still, I found it and sent it in the day before shipping my Rossi off for repair.
I also downloaded and completed the "work order" form from the factory website, and included a copy of it inside the box with my rifle, along with a letter describing my experience. The Rossi representative on the phone did not ask that I do this, but the website says it must be done. Ergo, I did it. That little OCD thing again, right?
Anybody else had this problem? Any ideas as to what caused it? I never disassembled any part of my new '92, other than the magazine tube, so it definitely has something to do with factory issues. I hope the shortened magazine spring and after-market metal ammo follower don't become the excuse for charging me for repairs.
I plan to document this process pretty carefully, and I will report what I learn on this topic thread as things develop.
wdwrkr51
