DougB
Member
A friend and I are considedering pistol-caliber lever actions. He wants a .357 (less expensive to plink with, and it would match his favorite revolver). I prefer a .44. We both prefer stainless. I like the Marlin 1894SS, but wish it were available with a 16-18" barrel instead of just the 20". Marlin doesn't make a .357 in stainless, so my friend's only option (that I know of) is the Rossi/Puma. He might give up stainless to get a Marlin if it's a better rifle. He wants it to feed .38s as well as .357s. I might also go with the stainless Rossi/Puma .44 if it's a good gun. I'm sure Winchesters are also good, but they aren't available in stainless, and I think they have a longer lever throw than Marlin 1984s, correct? I've also considered having an 1894SS shortend by having a few inches cut from the barrel (I think I could have it done for about $85).
Please help us choose between the Marlin and Puma in terms of:
- Quality
- Reliability
- Lever throw (shorter would be better)
- Ease of mounting an apeture sight
- Manual Safety design (which is less bad)
- General feel and function
Regarding the manual safety, I understand that it is safe and traditonal to carry these rifles with a round in the chamber and the hammer at half-cock, without using a manual safety (which I think is a recent addition prompted by legal/liability issues rather than actual need). Is this correct? If so, I would prefer to manually cock the hammer rather than get into the habit of using a manual safety that won't even be present on older rifles.
Also, I've read here that Rossi/Puma rifles are imported by several companies (EMF, Navy Arms, etc.) - any significant differences?
I've read a lot of previous posts about these rifles (whicih were informative), but am looking for some more specific comparative info in the areas listed above. Thanks.
Doug
Please help us choose between the Marlin and Puma in terms of:
- Quality
- Reliability
- Lever throw (shorter would be better)
- Ease of mounting an apeture sight
- Manual Safety design (which is less bad)
- General feel and function
Regarding the manual safety, I understand that it is safe and traditonal to carry these rifles with a round in the chamber and the hammer at half-cock, without using a manual safety (which I think is a recent addition prompted by legal/liability issues rather than actual need). Is this correct? If so, I would prefer to manually cock the hammer rather than get into the habit of using a manual safety that won't even be present on older rifles.
Also, I've read here that Rossi/Puma rifles are imported by several companies (EMF, Navy Arms, etc.) - any significant differences?
I've read a lot of previous posts about these rifles (whicih were informative), but am looking for some more specific comparative info in the areas listed above. Thanks.
Doug
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