I got my Puma M92!

[AtlLaw]

The one I was talking about in the other thread.  It sure is PURDY!  Even my FFL commented on what a nice looking rifle it was!   

I'd say that fit and finish is, for the most part, better then average for modern production firtearms.  The bluing is even and the case colors are bright and blend well.  Better, I would say, then the case colors on my Uberti M73.

Except for the butt plate/stock area, wood to metal fit is fine.  The butt plate stands very proud of the stock in one area.

As far as handling goes, at first I thought it was a tad muzzle heavy.  But I checked and found that it balanced just in front of the trigger guard the same as the M73.  Both rifles have 24 inch oct. barrels and I was a little nonplussed as the M73's receiver is much larger then the 92's... Then I found that the 92's butt stock is longer then the 73's!  That must account for the same point of balance.  In any event the rifle comes up easilly and I'm looking right down the sights when the stock hits my shoulder.  Actually my bicep.

Speaking of sights, the one thing I did is put a coat of white nail polish on the front sight.  It is a post type and now the upper half is visable against a dark background!  It's a little fuzzy but if I concentrate on it and mate it where I think the notch is in the much more fuzzy rear sight, I think it will do.  Especially since the sights line up so naturally.  I figure as long as I see the same fuzzies each time I woun't be far off...

The action cycles very smoothly for a new rifle.  Not as smooth as the 73, but already better then my 94.  Can't wait to see how it is after it gets broken in!

I'm real happy!  I can't wait to get it to the range and work up a hunting and a target load for it!  Thanks Teddy!  And I didn't even have to sneak it into the house!     The good Doctor Elliott was at some function and didn't get home until the rifle was well hidden in my gun room!     I'm fortunate in that Kathie doesn't want me to go to her meetings, etc. with her... Something about embarrasment, things I say, whatever...    it gets me outa a lot of stuff! 

[dpe.ahoy]

Thumbs up Richard!  Glad ya got a purdy one, I like all a mine.  That long Octogon barrel hangs pretty nice on target, 'bout like my front stuffers.  If I remember right it's a 357 mag, (CRS hits often and hard so I gotta ask) and if it is, try a max load of LilGun for the powder.  I've had great luck with it in all my 357's.  Got a load out of Handloader magazine that is a grain over what Hodgdon lists for the 158 gr., but their pressure is low for that load.  I have used it for over a year and it works great in all my rifles and my 2 ruger handguns.  DP

[Warhawk]

I picked up my Rossi/Braztech 357 yesterday, here is a short writeup I did elsewhere ...

I now have three of the little Rossi 92 carbines, 2 stainless trappers and one EMF color case receiver SRC.

I recently received a LSI/PUMA Rossi 92 in 44 Mag that I bought from Steve Young, after he performed his magic on it. It's got a couple of flaws, but nothing I can't live with. The fit of the metal buttplate to the stock is the main problem, along with the finish of the buttplate itself (sharp edges and a nasty burr).

I liked the handling of the 44 so well that I decided to get a matching 357. I found one listed on the website for Sporting Arms in Lewisville, TX and ordered it. Turns out to be the new production from Rossi/Braztech. The wood to metal fit is better on this one, but the wood isn't quite right on this one either. The markings are different, but otherwise the two rifles are identical.  I have not decided if I'm sending this one to Steve, or if I'll tackle smoothing up this one myself.

You really don't know how much Steve's action job helps these little rifles until you have a new one to compare to. This new 357 is rough even just cocking the hammer, the trigger has a ridiculously strong return spring, and it has just an overall gritty feel to the action.  In comparison the worked over 44 operates like a hot knife through butter.

The 357 is the one that still has the safety (bottom)

Full size image ... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/P1020537.JPG


Full size image ... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/P1020538.JPG

This is the 357, you can see the feathering of the wood. This occurs on both sides of the forearm, and at the tang. Should be an easy fix though.

Full size image ... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/P1020539.JPG

You can see that the 44 is just marked "44 Magnum" on the barrel, while the 357 is marked ROSSI Model 92  38 Spl & 357 Mag

Full size image ... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/P1020540.JPG

My pics of the tang markings didn't turn out, the disturbing one is the lower tang where the new one is marked MADE IN BRAZIL BY TAURUS.

[AtlLaw]

If I remember right it's a 357 mag,

Naw DP, it's a 44 Mag.  I think the 357 deserves a 16 inch barrel.   

Thanks for the writeup Warhawk.  Good stuff!     It seems that the wood on one of yours has quite a bit of figure!     The wood on mine reminds me of something...    Oh Yah!  A MUD FENCE!     It has a stained but no finish look.  I'm definately going to play with that a bit!