Lever Action Questions - Page 2

gak · May 3, 2011, 08:51 PM

+1 Rossi.
Btw, The often-used (including this thread) "Puma" name is used by many to informally describe any Rossi 92 built over the years, starting in the 70s. However, technically it is the marketing name given the Rossi by its largest distributor from the 90s (til 2009 or so), Legacy Sports International (LSI), and by Interarms before then. Other importers marketed the 92 under different monikers.

Despite tooling improvements, different trims/calibers/sights (and a dubious added safety switch) depending on the importer and time-frame over the years, generally a Rossi is a Rossi is a Rossi...but otherwise it's variously been known as/distributed by Interarms (70s-90s), Legacy (LSI-90s-2009), EMF "Hartford" 1892 (late 90s to 2010), Navy Arms 1892 (late 90s-2006) and, now, Rossi itself as the "92" (under its new-ish Taurus/Braztech ownership) since LSI's departure as the sole importer of current record.

Edit: Legacy (LSI) took the "Puma" name with it when it ceased importing the Brazilian (Rossi) 92s in favor of the Italians (Chiappa)...and now, even more confusingly, uses the name for both its new 1892 and 1886--and perhaps others.

torquewrench · May 9, 2011, 04:56 AM

I bought a Marlin 1894 last year used. I was made in the 1970s according to a web site where you enter the first two digits of the serial number. This rifle jammed constantly. I took it apart completely and cleaned it and polished the carrier. Still jammed. I identified the problem after my first batch of reloads. My reload manual stated an OAL of 1.61. The factory ammo I was shooting was 1.535. My reloads never jam. OAL is important in the Marlins. That is just the problem mine had. I have read many other problems with the newer guns in my search to correct the jam problems with mine. Crazy stuff.

I bought a Rossi M92 last year as well.. It cycles ammo great. It shoots about a foot high at 100 yards though. The front sight post must be too low. I had to contend with Rossi for months to get them to repair it under warranty. Rossi was not very pleasant to deal with. I am still waiting for my rifle to be returned to me for over a month.

I would have put a new front sight on myself, but the post is welded on.. Not dovetailed in. What a pain. Didn't even notice when I bought it.

I still love the lever guns though.

Twinsig · May 9, 2011, 06:41 AM

Bought an 1894C/44mag 2 yrs ago at wholesale price with no transfer fee (FFL friend) $495 + shipping.

torquewrench · May 11, 2011, 06:14 PM

I would say stay far away from Rossi. I just waited 4 weeks form them to fix the sight. It shoots over a foot high at 100 yards. Took it out of the box and put my laser bore site tool in the barrel. They didn't fix it. The repair order states they fixed it from a failure to eject issue. I never had a problem with failure to eject. I called after three weeks of waiting. They said it was in accuracy testing. The rifle looks so dirty that they must have put a couple of hundred rounds through it and didn't clean it.

Rossi will cost less at the check out.. But it will cost you to repair.

Stay away from Rossi..

Rob3 · May 11, 2011, 06:51 PM

Four weeks is not too bad for a factory repair. I sent a 338MX back to Marlin in October and am still waiting to get it back. Concensus on the Marlin forums is that they are waiting to start new production before they replace all the bad recievers with "droopy barrel syndrome." I have no experience with Rossi, but I have lost faith with Marlin.

Pahoo · May 11, 2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

I enjoy my Marlin 1984c. (357)

One more vote for the marlin!!....

Be Safe !!!

Big Shrek · May 11, 2011, 07:45 PM

Rossi, not made in the USA...repair times are LONG.

Marlin, Made in Ilion, NY nowadays...they moved from New Haven, Connecticutt recently.
SHORT repair times for the most part...and cheaper shipping.

Biggest thing that tells you which to buy...go look at an S.A.S.S. Cowboy Action Shoot...
95% of the top 10 at any given shoot will be using Marlin 1894C's.

If you take the time to carefully select your ammo for the best precision, Marlins Micro-groove barrels act like Match Barrels.
12-lands & 12-grooves makes quite a difference!

torquewrench · May 11, 2011, 08:08 PM

The time isnt the issue. The non-repair is. I have the old '70s model 1894. love it. Maybe i will take the firing pin out of the Rossi and hang it over the mantle.. more useful that shooting it.

BTW: I tried the Laser Cast .431 RNFPs in my Marlin. Tighter group at 50 yards. I heard they work better in Marlins. http://www.laser-cast.com/44Cal.html

Big Shrek · May 11, 2011, 08:26 PM

Fatter bullets work better in Marlins

Basically, the micro-grooves, while more numerous, are smaller (hence the name "Micro-Groove",
so fatter bullets grab in the grooves & lands better, release less gas around the bullet,
and fly faster & truer.

Of course, anyone could read that on the Marlin site or Chuck Hawk's site

Same is true for the rimfires...careful bullet selection makes the Marlin a very tough competitor

Bad bullet selection (as in, what's cheapest this week), can lead to some really oddball results.
Micrometers are your friend, when it comes to wringing the most out of a particular barrel

Sarge · May 11, 2011, 08:29 PM

My 16" Rossi .45 Colt shot way high with factory duplication loads. I went with the Marble Folding Sporting Rear Sight No. 95, Brownell's Stock No. 579-000-082 and the Marbles 50W front sight, Brownells, part # 579-105-031. The latter is a .500 tall front sight, with a 1/16" gold bead and the oddball dovetail base that fits these rifles. Yours might need a different front sight to make it zero.

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/vi...hp?f=1&t=22309

shootniron · May 11, 2011, 08:43 PM

I own a Marlin that I really like and I would recommend to anyone. However, I hear some negative things about the Remington/Marlins......quality problems, but I have no first hand experience with them.

**44 AMP** · May 11, 2011, 09:30 PM

Look on the used market for the Marlin. Prices (of everything) have gone nuts in the last few years, but deals can still be found. I've had two of the .357s (gave one to my Father-in-law), and one of the .44s. Fine guns. Wouldn't pay what they want for retail these days, though.

I bought my current .357 at a gun show about 3 years back, $300 cash, rifle in like new condition.

gearhounds · May 11, 2011, 09:38 PM

I bought an 1894 limited (16" barrel) LNIB back in 2000 for $300; at first it would fail to cycle some rounds, but after 100 or so, it smoothed out and it perfectly reliable. Had it Black-T'd at Birdsongs and assoc, and now it's a matte black all weather brush gun. Love it!

Smaug · May 11, 2011, 10:19 PM

especially used.

44-40 Willy · May 12, 2011, 11:11 PM

Found this surfing the net, and registered here to put my two cents worth in as I've got both a Marlin 1894C and a Rossi built Navy Arms 1892 in 357. The Marlin is an older one built in 1982 and I bought the 1892 new in 1999.

The Marlin is a great little carbine and the cousin I bought it from killed at least two deer a year with it for over 20 years. If she hadn't of been in a money bind, she'd still have it. I can't really think of anything bad to say about it at all other than the 18.5" barrel is a little short for my tastes. But Mrs Willy likes it so she uses it more than I do.

The Navy Arms 1892 is the 24" octagon rifle and is more accurate than the Marlin. Seems Rossi used the same barrel blank for all calibers and in 357 it's a pretty thick heavy barrel which is why I figure it's so accurate. Also the Navy Arms uses real American walnut unlike the normal Rossi mystery wood and the fit and finish is as good as any other rifle I own including a limited edition Marlin in 44-40. The action was a bit clunky out of the box, but over the years it's worn in nicely. Right now the only complaint I have about it is that it's ejects the empties into low earth orbit which when you reload can be a bit aggravating.

Both are great guns and I'd buy them again.

BrittB · May 13, 2011, 07:33 AM

There's always Henry, they make good stuff and if you have an issue with it they are just a phone call away.

CodeBasher · May 13, 2011, 08:23 AM

I have a Rossi model 92 in .44 and it's the most fun gun in my collection, I'd recommend one to anybody. It functions well with light load .44 specials for my young son to shoot right up to 300gn .44 magnums which gives ye olde shoulder one hell of a hammering

oldNewbie · May 22, 2013, 07:36 PM

Don't know whether to reply to this thread or start a new one - but it's "Lever Action Questions" so here goes:

I inherited a Puma model 92 from my father recently, chambered in .44 Magnum. Is it safe to fire .44 special in this rifle? I know that .44 special can be fired in a .44 Magnum handgun, but does the same apply to rifles?

Thanks in advance,

mavracer · May 22, 2013, 08:45 PM

Yes you can safely fire 44 specials in a 44 mag lever. the short length may cause some feeding issues, but mine feeds 200gr lead RNFP 44 specials fine.

Rifleman 173 · May 25, 2013, 07:09 PM

I vote for the .44 magnum lever action Marlin. I've had one for many years and I will not part with it because I love that darned thing. It's slim, holds a powerful round and is accurate as all get out! It's comfortable to carry and not super heavy at all. With that saddle carbine I would go anywhere and feel pretty safe.

**4V50 Gary** · May 25, 2013, 11:11 PM

Make mine Marlin 1894C.

Hawg · May 25, 2013, 11:55 PM

I've had two Marlin 94's and a Rossi 92. The Marlins didn't stay long but I still have the Rossi.

May 3, 2011, 08:51 PM	#26
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Location: Aridzona Posts: 2,767	+1 Rossi. Btw, The often-used (including this thread) "Puma" name is used by many to informally describe any Rossi 92 built over the years, starting in the 70s. However, technically it is the marketing name given the Rossi by its largest distributor from the 90s (til 2009 or so), Legacy Sports International (LSI), and by Interarms before then. Other importers marketed the 92 under different monikers. Despite tooling improvements, different trims/calibers/sights (and a dubious added safety switch) depending on the importer and time-frame over the years, generally a Rossi is a Rossi is a Rossi...but otherwise it's variously been known as/distributed by Interarms (70s-90s), Legacy (LSI-90s-2009), EMF "Hartford" 1892 (late 90s to 2010), Navy Arms 1892 (late 90s-2006) and, now, Rossi itself as the "92" (under its new-ish Taurus/Braztech ownership) since LSI's departure as the sole importer of current record. Edit: Legacy (LSI) took the "Puma" name with it when it ceased importing the Brazilian (Rossi) 92s in favor of the Italians (Chiappa)...and now, even more confusingly, uses the name for both its new 1892 and 1886--and perhaps others. Last edited by gak; May 3, 2011 at 09:07 PM.

May 9, 2011, 04:56 AM	#27
torquewrench Member Join Date: February 3, 2011 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 62	I have a Marlin 1894 and a Rossi M92 I bought a Marlin 1894 last year used. I was made in the 1970s according to a web site where you enter the first two digits of the serial number. This rifle jammed constantly. I took it apart completely and cleaned it and polished the carrier. Still jammed. I identified the problem after my first batch of reloads. My reload manual stated an OAL of 1.61. The factory ammo I was shooting was 1.535. My reloads never jam. OAL is important in the Marlins. That is just the problem mine had. I have read many other problems with the newer guns in my search to correct the jam problems with mine. Crazy stuff. I bought a Rossi M92 last year as well.. It cycles ammo great. It shoots about a foot high at 100 yards though. The front sight post must be too low. I had to contend with Rossi for months to get them to repair it under warranty. Rossi was not very pleasant to deal with. I am still waiting for my rifle to be returned to me for over a month. I would have put a new front sight on myself, but the post is welded on.. Not dovetailed in. What a pain. Didn't even notice when I bought it. I still love the lever guns though.

May 9, 2011, 06:41 AM	#28
Twinsig Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: East Alabama Posts: 235	FYI Bought an 1894C/44mag 2 yrs ago at wholesale price with no transfer fee (FFL friend) $495 + shipping. __________________ I also have Fire Extinguishers, hope I never need those either.

May 11, 2011, 06:14 PM	#29
torquewrench Member Join Date: February 3, 2011 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 62	Got My Rossi back from Waranty repair I would say stay far away from Rossi. I just waited 4 weeks form them to fix the sight. It shoots over a foot high at 100 yards. Took it out of the box and put my laser bore site tool in the barrel. They didn't fix it. The repair order states they fixed it from a failure to eject issue. I never had a problem with failure to eject. I called after three weeks of waiting. They said it was in accuracy testing. The rifle looks so dirty that they must have put a couple of hundred rounds through it and didn't clean it. Rossi will cost less at the check out.. But it will cost you to repair. Stay away from Rossi..

May 11, 2011, 07:45 PM	#32
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	Rossi, not made in the USA...repair times are LONG. Marlin, Made in Ilion, NY nowadays...they moved from New Haven, Connecticutt recently. SHORT repair times for the most part...and cheaper shipping. Biggest thing that tells you which to buy...go look at an S.A.S.S. Cowboy Action Shoot... 95% of the top 10 at any given shoot will be using Marlin 1894C's. If you take the time to carefully select your ammo for the best precision, Marlins Micro-groove barrels act like Match Barrels. 12-lands & 12-grooves makes quite a difference! __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

May 11, 2011, 06:51 PM	#30
Rob3 Registration in progress Join Date: January 2, 2011 Posts: 218	Four weeks is not too bad for a factory repair. I sent a 338MX back to Marlin in October and am still waiting to get it back. Concensus on the Marlin forums is that they are waiting to start new production before they replace all the bad recievers with "droopy barrel syndrome." I have no experience with Rossi, but I have lost faith with Marlin.

May 11, 2011, 08:08 PM	#33
torquewrench Member Join Date: February 3, 2011 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 62	Rossi repairs are done in Miami, FL The time isnt the issue. The non-repair is. I have the old '70s model 1894. love it. Maybe i will take the firing pin out of the Rossi and hang it over the mantle.. more useful that shooting it. BTW: I tried the Laser Cast .431 RNFPs in my Marlin. Tighter group at 50 yards. I heard they work better in Marlins. http://www.laser-cast.com/44Cal.html

May 11, 2011, 08:26 PM	#34
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	Fatter bullets work better in Marlins Basically, the micro-grooves, while more numerous, are smaller (hence the name "Micro-Groove", so fatter bullets grab in the grooves & lands better, release less gas around the bullet, and fly faster & truer. Of course, anyone could read that on the Marlin site or Chuck Hawk's site Same is true for the rimfires...careful bullet selection makes the Marlin a very tough competitor Bad bullet selection (as in, what's cheapest this week), can lead to some really oddball results. Micrometers are your friend, when it comes to wringing the most out of a particular barrel __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

May 11, 2011, 08:29 PM	#35
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	My 16" Rossi .45 Colt shot way high with factory duplication loads. I went with the Marble Folding Sporting Rear Sight No. 95, Brownell's Stock No. 579-000-082 and the Marbles 50W front sight, Brownells, part # 579-105-031. The latter is a .500 tall front sight, with a 1/16" gold bead and the oddball dovetail base that fits these rifles. Yours might need a different front sight to make it zero. http://www.levergunscommunity.com/vi...hp?f=1&t=22309 __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

May 11, 2011, 08:43 PM	#36
shootniron Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,599	I own a Marlin that I really like and I would recommend to anyone. However, I hear some negative things about the Remington/Marlins......quality problems, but I have no first hand experience with them.

May 11, 2011, 09:30 PM	#37
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,804	Look on the used market for the Marlin. Prices (of everything) have gone nuts in the last few years, but deals can still be found. I've had two of the .357s (gave one to my Father-in-law), and one of the .44s. Fine guns. Wouldn't pay what they want for retail these days, though. I bought my current .357 at a gun show about 3 years back, $300 cash, rifle in like new condition. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

May 11, 2011, 09:38 PM	#38
gearhounds Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Location: M'burg WV Posts: 332	I bought an 1894 limited (16" barrel) LNIB back in 2000 for $300; at first it would fail to cycle some rounds, but after 100 or so, it smoothed out and it perfectly reliable. Had it Black-T'd at Birdsongs and assoc, and now it's a matte black all weather brush gun. Love it! __________________ Busting thugs since 1992

May 11, 2011, 10:19 PM	#39
Smaug Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 3,210	Marlin 1894 especially used. __________________ -Jeremy "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." - Eric Hoffer

May 12, 2011, 11:11 PM	#40
44-40 Willy Junior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: NW Tennessee Posts: 2	Found this surfing the net, and registered here to put my two cents worth in as I've got both a Marlin 1894C and a Rossi built Navy Arms 1892 in 357. The Marlin is an older one built in 1982 and I bought the 1892 new in 1999. The Marlin is a great little carbine and the cousin I bought it from killed at least two deer a year with it for over 20 years. If she hadn't of been in a money bind, she'd still have it. I can't really think of anything bad to say about it at all other than the 18.5" barrel is a little short for my tastes. But Mrs Willy likes it so she uses it more than I do. The Navy Arms 1892 is the 24" octagon rifle and is more accurate than the Marlin. Seems Rossi used the same barrel blank for all calibers and in 357 it's a pretty thick heavy barrel which is why I figure it's so accurate. Also the Navy Arms uses real American walnut unlike the normal Rossi mystery wood and the fit and finish is as good as any other rifle I own including a limited edition Marlin in 44-40. The action was a bit clunky out of the box, but over the years it's worn in nicely. Right now the only complaint I have about it is that it's ejects the empties into low earth orbit which when you reload can be a bit aggravating. Both are great guns and I'd buy them again.

May 13, 2011, 07:33 AM	#41
BrittB Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 554	There's always Henry, they make good stuff and if you have an issue with it they are just a phone call away.

May 13, 2011, 08:23 AM	#42
CodeBasher Member Join Date: December 21, 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 37	I have a Rossi model 92 in .44 and it's the most fun gun in my collection, I'd recommend one to anybody. It functions well with light load .44 specials for my young son to shoot right up to 300gn .44 magnums which gives ye olde shoulder one hell of a hammering

May 22, 2013, 07:36 PM	#43
oldNewbie Member Join Date: December 27, 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 46	Puma model 92 .44 magnum Don't know whether to reply to this thread or start a new one - but it's "Lever Action Questions" so here goes: I inherited a Puma model 92 from my father recently, chambered in .44 Magnum. Is it safe to fire .44 special in this rifle? I know that .44 special can be fired in a .44 Magnum handgun, but does the same apply to rifles? Thanks in advance,

May 25, 2013, 07:09 PM	#45
Rifleman 173 Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2007 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 589	I vote for the .44 magnum lever action Marlin. I've had one for many years and I will not part with it because I love that darned thing. It's slim, holds a powerful round and is accurate as all get out! It's comfortable to carry and not super heavy at all. With that saddle carbine I would go anywhere and feel pretty safe.

May 25, 2013, 11:11 PM	#46
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,829	Make mine Marlin 1894C. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

May 25, 2013, 11:55 PM	#47
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	I've had two Marlin 94's and a Rossi 92. The Marlins didn't stay long but I still have the Rossi.

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