Which to buy???

[Daman]

I have the opportunity to pick up either a 1894C 357mag or a Puma M92 (24" octagon barrel) both around $500. I have a 92 on back order but can cancel the order. Which would you buy? The carbine length of the 1894 tends to make the sights very fuzzy for me, while I can see them crystal clear on the Puma. I could either scope the Marlin or do the safety replacement peep sight on the Puma. I have always wanted one of these rifles, but now I need help deciding.

Do any of you own both? Which do you prefer? Which is less picky about ammo (from American Eagle to Custom)? Which holds up better to hot heavy loads? I plan on shooting 125 grain Hornady FTX and 158 SWC. I will bee shooting IMR 4227 or H4227 mainly in my hunting loads and Trailboss or Unique in my plinking loads.

Oh yeah I can also get either in a 44 magnum, but I think a 357 will do fine on the coons and small deer and hogs I shoot.

Thanks for any help,
Daman

[Graybeard]

Own both and have owned others of both as well. To me it really boils down to the question of do you want to scope it or use irons? If scope then the Marlin is the only way to go between the two. If you can be happy with irons then I'd go with the Rossi M92. I like the looks and feel of the Rossi better tho the Marlin is more simple to take down and work on and it likely will need that done.

Don't overlook the Henry Rifles. They are a GBO Sponsor and stand behind their products better than either of the other two.

[Daman]

I am considering them too. I have a 22 lever made by them and love it. I haven't got my hands on a big boy yet though.

Daman

[AtlLaw]

I have the Rossi M92 with the 24 inch oct. Bbl. in 44 Mag.  I am VERY pleased with it.  It is much more accurate then any of my Marlins, Savages or Winchester lever guns.

That said, I'd probably get the Marlin just because I can't see all that barrel for a .357.      And I like short rifles...    'course, I already have a Marlin 30TK with an 18 inch (+/1) barrel.   

[Swampman]

I've owned both and I wouldn't get the Puma.

[Daman]

Thanks guys.

I am going to probably (after thinking about my eyesight a little more) either get the Marlin or the Henry so I can scope it.

Daman

[DEACONLLB]

Henry are a lot heavier than the marlin and also cost more. I have both the 357 and 44 mag in Marlin and love both have had the henry but did not like the weight and the brass receiver but did love their tube loading.
Deaconllb

[dpe.ahoy]

I have a Marlin 357 and 2 Rossi 357's.  The newer Rossi's have the barrel drilled and tapped for mounting a scout mount for the scope.  The Rossi's are stronger, have to tighten the srews on tha Marlin more often to avoid it jamming, could cure that with lock-tight.  I really like the Henry 22 and 22 mag that I have but find the others are heavier than I like.  DP