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I've been researching the Chiappa 1892 for a couple of weeks and so far I haven't found much in the way of negativity. On the contrary, most everything I have read has been high praise. However, there is a video on youtube about bulging cases. The man who made the video has three Chiappa 1892 carbines chambered in 357, 44 and 45 Colt. From all three, spent cases had slight bulging about 1/8th of an inch above the rim. Someone in the comments section wrote that chamfering at the mouth of the chamber for better feeding was probably the culprit. The loads in question were HSM Bear Loads; all heavy for caliber and in the case of the 45 Colt, +P. It was mentioned that fired brass from normal, factory loads did not display any bulging.

Is this an issue with Chiappa rifles and one that might keep you from purchasing or is this an issue with most all lever action rifles and simply goes with the territory?

The thing about Chiappa, specifically their 44 Magnum 1892s, is they offer a 1:19 inch rate of twist barrel instead of the customary 1:26 (Winchester) or the 1:36 (Marlin). This is great for loading 300+ grain bullets but if stouter loads are going to render bulged cases, I wonder if it is worth it. Can any of your shed light on this? Is this a common issue with Chiappas and if so, is it a concern?

Have any of you owned a Chiappa 1892?

My wife has a 357 and 44. Both are currently at gunsmith's for LOP reduction. They have not been fired yet, hopefully soon.

Other than LOP, what are your thoughts on the guns? Are the fit and finish up to snuff?

From my recollection, all seemed okay, better than some other domestic lever rifles that I have.
These have the rubber coated stocks and fore ends. I would have preferred walnut or laminate.

I saw a Chiappa 73 at an LGS and it looked well-made. The "color case-hardening" however, was paint of some sort, already flaking off where the lever pivots. The 92 take-downs sold by Taylor & Co. and maybe some others have gotten good reviews, including from Mike Venturino, IIRC.