Puma 92 .357

azmark · Post by **azmark** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 2:22 am

How does the Puma compare to the Marlin 1894? I'm itching to get a .357 levergun. I know the Puma is foreign-made, but is it as well-made as the Marlin? As accurate and dependable? Does the top ejection get in the way, like throwing brass in your face?

gundownunder · Post by **gundownunder** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 2:31 am

From the guys I've seen at the gunclub, it throws the brass up onto your hatbrim (which saves you picking it up off the floor

)
The 92 action is stronger than the 1894, and from what I've heard the Rossi 92 is a very acurate gun but so is the Marlin. The Marlin has the advantage if your inclined to put a scope on the rifle. Try handling the 92 the 1894 and the 1894CB and see if one of them feels like it belongs in your hand, thats what I did and I ended up getting the 1894CB and have had no complaints.

Poohgyrr · Post by **Poohgyrr** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 5:21 am

Rossi makes M92s sold under a couple of brand names, like Puma and EMF. My EMF was tuned by Steve (www.stevesgunz.com) and iit is great. When I do my part, it gives me 2" groups at 50 yards, off the bench.

These are stronger than the Marlins or Winchester M94s.

Pisgah · Post by **Pisgah** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:51 am

Although the Marlin is smoother in operation out of the box, a plenty strong for typical pistol calibers, the Rossi is well-built and a significantly stronger design -- they even chamber it for .454 Casull. My personal taste leans towards the Rossi, and I love my little Trapper in .45 Colt.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 10:19 am

I have both, and like both, and agree with the 'handle both and see what one you like' philosophy, since they are both excellent guns.

The primary difference is ease of scope or receiver sight mounting, both favoring the Marlin.

Most people find the Rossi a bit 'handier' but much of that is the thicker forend on the Marlin wood - a feature some like because they feel it makes for a better hold, and others dislike. Something easy to change with a wood rasp or belt sander and some polyurethane.

Some dislike all levergun safeties, but Marlin and Rossi both added them of late. For me, the Marlin one is not at all intrusive, and seems solid and well executed; you can 'fix' (disable) it by various means pretty easily (see other posts). The Rossi one NOBODY seems to like, and it doesn't seem positive in action, nor very well done.

I think someone (Steve?) is working on a replacement which would double as a peep sight, which would be sensible!

shawn_c992001 · Post by **shawn_c992001** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 10:42 am

I've been wanting one in 454 Casull and one in 480 Ruger.

salvo · Post by **salvo** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:26 am

You simply can not go wrong with either one. I have the Marlin 1894CB and the Rossi Puma 92 20" standard carbine. If I could only have one I would be happy with either.
The Rossi was less expensive. Sights on both rifles are just fair but usable. I have replaced the Marlins with a set of Skinners and have not decided which way to go with the Puma yet.
Last time out I was testing some 180 gr. XTP loads and the Puma turned in the best group at 100 yds. I only shot one group from both rifles at 100, it was getting breezy and short on time. The Puma does seem to prefer 180's and the Marlin 158's so far though.
Here is a picture of the groups from that day. 6 rounds each, 100 yds. crosswind was blowing from right to left.

I'm sure they will do better on a nicer day.
I would say the Marlin is better made and in the USA too! Both have been 100% dependable and the ejection has been a non issue for me.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:30 am

It really gets down to a personal preference, because both are great guns.

Salvo - only thing missing from those photos is a snap shot of your slippers. Oh, wait a minute - that's me!

salvo · Post by **salvo** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:37 am

I was standing up on a chair, but your the table top master!

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:46 am

salvo wrote:I was standing up on a chair, but your the table top master!

Next time I fall, I'll be sure to snap a picture to dispel that notion!

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:53 pm

Me likum M92. Kill many deer. No rustum either.

piller · Post by **piller** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:08 pm

I have the Puma carbine in .480 Ruger, and a Marlin 336c in 30-30. I like the Puma better for hunting, but my wife stole my Marlin, had the stock cut down, and now she shoots it better than I did. I used the Puma in February to take a Water Buffalo, with 86er backing me up. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Both are good rifles.

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:53 pm

Try then buy the one model that fits you.I prefer the Rossi M92.I own two.Both 45 colt and stainless steel.One is brass frame 24" octagon barrel(prefer for target shooting) the other a 20" round barrel(go to hunter & truck gun).

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:23 am

I own 3 Marlin leverguns (39a, 1894c, 1895) so I'm definetely biased towards them. I've never experienced the quality issues with my Marlins that some complain about. In my area the Pumas run about $75-100 less than the Marlins, although the Marlins in pistol calibers are harder to find. From the examples I've seen the fit and finish of the Pumas doesn't match the Marlins, plus most Marlin models come with walnut stocks. IMHO these points plus their country of origin make the Pumas a lot less attractive, although I do have a secret jones for a Model 92 carbine. I'm the type who will always lean toward American made products, when available and comparable. In the end you'll probably love any 357 levergun you get. My brand new 1894c is my favorite gun.