New Puma

[Cosmoline]

Just picked this Puma M-92 in .44 Mag up in horse trading. I've always wanted a 92, but the prices have gotten completely out of control for Winchesters. This is a nice clone, with the addition of stainless steel. It seems pretty solid overall, and the action cycles well unless you push the OAL of the .44. I didn't care for the rear sight, which was not stable and would not stay put. I've replaced it with another Winchester sight for the time being, but it's a temporary fix. I might go with a flip style sight. Not what you'd associate with a .44, but then again it's just the sort of cartridge that will have lots of drop.

The rifle makes me remember all the ways Winchester screwed up. Though there's a safety on this one, it's not particularly annoying and is fairly easy to get rid of. It's just a little switch on top of the action. I actually don't mind it as an extra measure when I'm checking to see if rounds cycle properly or I'm unloading. The action is nice and stiff, and should work into a nice place over time. I really love the fact that unlike the USRAC 94's the lever doesn't have its own safety. You don't have to squeeze and pinch your palm to make it work.

The wood looks fantastic, but for reasons I can't fathom the Italians buried it under very, very dark stain. I have half a mind to get the sandpaper out and strip it down to bring that grain out.

I stuck a wild west mount on it for illumination in its home defense role and nighttime wildnernes defense. It's such a handy little thing it will likely be my new trail gun.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Please remove the flashlight in loving memory or JMB.

 

[Cosmoline]

LOL I'm getting a ton of flak over that. But tell me--is stainless traditional? Are Italian made Winchesters traditional? I don't think JMB would care. He was always thinking outside the box.

Just so you know, it's a nice wild west mount that doesn't alter the rifle. I'm planning on taking this pup with me over the long weekend, and a nice bright light is real handy in the woods at night.

And I also cite to Ed Stevenson as authority:

http://www.z-hat.com/loaded4bear.htm

 

[Kaylee]

Nice looking piece - I love the wood on the stock.


Edit... with a bear like that, I don't care if you hang an M203 from the mag tube if it makes you feel better.....

PS - is that the kind with the extra safety on the bolt? If so, have you had any problems with it? Or can it be removed without much trouble?

 

[Gordon]

Aren't Puma's made in Brazil. Where does the Italian come from?

 

[Cosmoline]

I guess they are Brazilian. I just think of "Amadeus Rossi" as an Italian name.

is that the kind with the extra safety on the bolt? If so, have you had any problems with it? Or can it be removed without much trouble?

It does have the silly safety. But it's not as annoying as some lawyer safeties, and it can be removed pretty easily. One gunsmith will do it and add a stainless plug for $40.

I love the wood on the stock

I do too, but the stain is so dark you can't see it most of the time. What do you think about removing that stain and going with BLO? It would allow you to see that nice grain better, but would also make the wood brighter. I think they wanted it dark to contrast with the stainless.

 

[coinshooter]

If you want a good action job send it to the Rossi92 specialist Steve youngs does a great job

 

[Cosmoline]

I've heard good things about him. His prices are really reasonable, too.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Thats a nice looking gun, although, I cant tell if its new or used.

BTW, are you planning on putting a reflex sight or plastic stock on it

 

[Cosmoline]

I'm going to mount dual pistol grips on it and a big loop LOL

No, seriously I am thinking about upgrading the sights and adding some brass touches to set off against the stainless. And I'm thinking about getting rid of that heavy dark stain so the wood can show. But no big loop will ever curse this 92.

 

[iamkris]

I have a Puma M92 in 45 Colt, stainless, 24" octagonal barrel. I've replaced the front and rear sights with Marbles, stripped the wood and oil finished it. Steve Young did the safety and action.

It is smooth, reliable and accurate. I've used it for 6 seasons of cowboy action shooting and it has never misfed, failed to extract or had any problems whatsoever. Awesome rifle.

 

[Skofnung]

I would love to find one of those in .357 with nice wood like that.

Keep the light on it. It is practical... also very Firefly.

 

[Cosmoline]

LOL That's what I was thinking. It's a double quad centerprime.

 

[arthurcw]

You are correct about the Winchester prices. I picked up a 30/30 the same day they announced the closing and I'm glad I did.

I desperately want a Puma in .357. When I’ve had the $$$ I’ve only run into large loops and I’d really like standard one.

Now explain to me the mount? Where can I get one? That is very cool and very practical. Zoë and Jayne would approve.

 

[Cosmoline]

I got the mount from Wild West here in Anchorage. I think Midway had a supply for awhile, but I don't know if they still do.

 

[arthurcw]

Thanks.

I think this is it (last item on the page):
http://www.wildwestguns.com/Accessories/accessories.html


good info.

Edited to add: So if I get that and put it on a 16” Puma 92 in .357 will it be an M92 Carbine, Tactical, illuminated, Trey-Fifty +7 bore? Shiny!

 

[Cosmoline]

Just don't get one of those feiwu gosse USRACS. The sights fall right off.