looking for 45 colt trapper

[joepb]

Are the chiappa 1892 any good? which trapper model should I look for? Thanks Joe

[ywaltzucanrknrl]

Joe, I looked at the current production models. I have an older Rossi 92 Trapper that I like, but thought about getting one by another maker. Here's what I saw. Smith and Wesson doesn't really make what I would call a Trapper, I think the shortest barrel length I looked at was around 20". Plus several of their 45's are more tactical than what I wanted. Marlin/Ruger has some pretty nice new Trapper models but I didn't see one in 45. The one in 1894 357 I handled I liked but as far as I can tell they only come in stainless and laminated. Rossi also has some current production Trappers and I think the 92 action is about perfect for a 45 Trapper.
I ended up buying a Marlin Trapper 336 in 30-30 that is Stainless and laminated. I had trouble with it and sent it back----I could not get it zeroed. They sent me a new one----same issue, so I put different sights on it----an adjustable front plus a Williams rear and then tried it with a scope. It is a good accurate 30-30. The trigger is good, the loading gate is light but had some sharp edges that I honed. The stainless and laminate is ok, but I would prefer more of a classic look. The one thing I don't really care for is the heavier barrel contour, but they may have made the contour heavier to balance the rifle, but I still don't like the heavy contour.
I looked at a Marlin SBR in 30-30 and I think if I had to do it again or maybe I'll just buy an SBR---but I like the SBR better---it has a 19.5" barrel vs the 16.1? barrel on the Trapper but it is a lighter contour. It's also only available in laminate and stainless I believe.
I do like the threaded muzzle as I use a can and every Marlin I looked at was threaded and I believe every Smith and Wesson I looked at was threaded.

I wish one of the makers would bring out a model with a half magazine or short magazine in 45 with a light contour barrel in a Winchester 92 or 1894 Marlin action with a classic look, but it's each to his own and I guess I'm the odd one out.

Have a Merry Christmas----dry and brown on this side of the state this year.

[Walt]

I bought a Rossi m92 trapper in .45 Colt about 6 months ago. It looks good externally but was pretty rough inside. I did order the mag spring follower and the aperture sight from Stevesgunz. I really didn't like either the height or the appearance of the front sight so I put on a lower one. I smoothed the trigger pull and the loading gate opening and although I haven't put it on paper yet it does quite well on the steel gongs at which I normally shoot. I also put on a lace-on recoil pad to lengthen the 13 1/2" LOP and I'm now quite pleased with the gun overall.

[joepb]

Thanks for the info...........Joe

[veeman]

I don't recall the year made, but the Winchester trapper I had was pre safety, but had a huge chamber. Came out looking like a bottle neck round. Hard on the brass. I don't know if they were all like that, but mine was. But it was a very accurate little thing.