The Chiappa 1892 Mare's Leg Carbine in .357 Magnum is a lever-action pistol with a 12-inch barrel, 24-inch overall length, and a pistol grip stock. Chambered in .357 Mag, it also accepts .38 Special, which broadens the ammunition options and reduces cost for practice sessions. The steel receiver has a color case finish and the barrel is blued; the walnut pistol grip stock is hand-oiled.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Chiappa Firearms
- Model: 1892
- Series: Mare's Leg Carbine
- Caliber: .357 Mag.
- Barrel Length: 12 inches
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Weight: 7.3 pounds (116.8 ounces)
- Total Length: 24 inches
- Action Type: Lever action
- Barrel Material: Steel with blued finish
- Receiver Material & Finish: Steel with color case finish
- Stock Material & Finish: Hand oiled walnut pistol grip
- Sights:
- Front: Fixed blade
- Rear: Adjustable carbine ladder for windage and elevation
Features
The lever action cycles the same way as a full-length 1892 rifle, just in a compact format. Cycling is smooth and the action is well-suited to the .357 cartridge. The pistol grip stock changes the handling profile compared to a straight-grip Mare's Leg. It gives a different feel during the lever stroke but provides a more conventional hand position for many shooters.
At 7.3 lbs this is the heaviest of the Mare's Leg variants. The adjustable carbine ladder rear sight gives real elevation and windage control. The .357/.38 Special compatibility means you can run light .38 Special loads for practice and step up to full .357 when needed.
Usage
Cowboy action shooting is the primary competition use, where .357 is one of the most common calibers in the category. Ranch and field carry also work given the compact length and manageable power. The .38 Special option makes this more economical to shoot regularly than the .44 Magnum variants. Home defense is possible but the 5-round capacity and lever operation place it behind semi-auto options in that role.