Casting defect in finger lever

[Ranch Dog]

Doc, did you try what Mike suggested?

[doskiez]

Fourth, the single remaining issue is substantial: The weapon cannot yet be fired, because the loading gate is so incredibly stiff that I can't get cartridges into the magazine. Therefore, I will need either to again tear it down and remove the loading gate, and ever-so-gently relieve some metal from the spring portion (running the risk of removing too much so that Rossi will require the weapon to be returned to them), or finding a lever-action guy in the Houston area who will do the job. The latter is difficult, as other than the major shops, I don't know a cowboy action type gunsmith in Houston (and Port Arthur is a ways away), for whom this task would not be his "first rodeo." I am not pleased with expending more monies on a brand new weapon.

The Rio Grande is a much more user friendly firearm to work on than the 92.
Trial & error is the only way to get the loading gate spring tension right.
Take a little metal off the loading gate spring and reassemble & try loading dummy ammo (DON'T load live ammo unless you're at the range and the gun is pointed in a safe direction) until the loading gate is loose enough to permit easy loading of ammo.
I used a round file and held the gate spring in a padded vice clamp.
You might have to take the spring out and remove a little metal from the inside or curved side of the flat spring at a time several times until the tension feels right and you can load ammo easily.
Be very careful.....don't remove too much
Take your time.....if you try and do a rush job you increase your chance of making mistakes.

I agree with Pricedo. I have adjusted the spring tension in my loading gate using the same process. To add a silver lining to your problem, at least you get to adjust the rifle to your liking rather than getting one with a light gate and wishing, Man I wish this was a little stiffer. I admit I was a little bummed that I had to tear into a new to me rifle right after purchase to get it running correctly but the more I worked on it, the more I learned, and the more I enjoyed it. I would not hesitate to purchase another one and do it over again.

[Doc_Floyd]

1. I did relieve the loading gate spring slightly and it is now workable - tight and might stand a little more work, but with effort I can get cartridges in....

2. The finger lever moves the bolt properly now that the top of the hammer was relieved a little. Oddly, after it is shot it is slick as glass, but when I take it apart for cleaning and re-install the level, it hangs up on the hammer when cycled. However, I'll put some rounds through it before making any further changes - and have learned from my single action days to put a little pressure on the hammer with my thumb while the weapon is still in firing position, which makes it move smoothly.

[Tuco Ramirez]

Try opening the action just a little, then try loading the tube, if it loads easily like mine did, it has nothing to do with the spring tension. The loading gate is bottoming out on the lever when fully locked. I beveled the forward edge of the lever with a file and a 10 yr old can load this rifle with ease. This is what I found with my particular rifle anyways. Hope this helps, Mike

DIYRG

I discovered the same issue with mine. It took two men and a small boy to get the rounds in. Mine was also was making contact with the loading ramp. I did reduce the gate pressure some but contact with the ramp was my main problem. After I made the adjustment to the ramp it loads like a champ now.