The Canuck Wrangler Boss is a Turkish-made lever action that aims for the value priced end of lever action rifles. While it retains the classic silhouette of a Winchester 1892, it adds a few nice touches like a threaded muzzle and a case-hardened finish. It’s a compact, punchy rifle available in both .357 and .44 Magnum, though the one I bought is in 44 mag.
Specifications
- Caliber: .44 Magnum (also available in .357)
- Action: Lever Action
- Weight: 5.94 lbs (unloaded)
- Barrel: 16.5-inch or 12-inch Trail Boss version (this one’s 16.5″)
- Capacity: 8+1
- Muzzle: Threaded
- Sights: Fiber optic front, buckhorn iron rear
- Price: $1100 CAD
Usability
The first thing you notice when picking up the Wrangler Boss is the weight. At just under 6 lbs, it’s exceptionally light for a .44 Magnum. This makes it a dream to carry through the bush.
The loading port gate is noticeably stiff. If you are planning a high-volume range day, your thumb is going to feel it. Like many Turkish lever guns, the internal machining can feel a bit gritty out of the box, though it may smooth out over time.
One point of contention is the top-mounted safety. From a practical hunting standpoint, most experienced lever-gunners prefer using the traditional half-cock notch. The manual safety feels like a redundant lawyer add-on that clutters the top of the bolt, though it is there for those who want that extra layer of security.
I don’t like the gigantic lever loop. It’s so huge, you could probably wear skidoo mitts and still run the gun. I’d rather have a more normal sized loop for a shorter throw.
On the plus side, the magazine follower is a bright red. This is a small but excellent safety feature, making it incredibly easy to verify at a glance that the tube is empty.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
Since it’s an 1892 clone, you can’t easily add a scope. Learn to love the irons.
Some people (not Canadians) will appreciate the threaded muzzle and the ability to add a suppressor.
Competitors
- Rossi R92: Very similar price point and also based on the 1892 action. The Rossi often has more aftermarket support but lacks the threaded muzzle on most standard models.
- Other Turk 1892 clones: Morisson, Chiappa, etc.
- Henry Big Boy Steel: Heavier and significantly more expensive, but offers a much smoother action and a side-loading gate that isn’t as punishing on the fingers.
- Citadel Levtac-92: Another Turkish/Brazilian competitor that comes with M-LOK furniture out of the box for a more “tactical” look.
Conclusion
The Canuck Wrangler Boss is a solid, no-frills option for the Canadian hunter or plinker in a powerful short-range caliber. It isn’t as refined as a Henry, and the stiff loading gate can be a nuisance, but the inclusion of a threaded muzzle and its light carry weight make it a very practical tool for the field.
