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Puma 92 v. Win 94 in .357Mag.

P_rick
I'm returning to the shooting/reloading sport after a 15 year absence.I want to buy a lever rifle (I just always wanted one) for plinking, general shooting (not a hunter, but moving soon to Arizona, so I might get involved in sm. game). Want the convenience of reloading like calibers, and I own a nice .357 Revolver. Anyone our there compared these two rifles? Any and all advice welcome! Thanks.
Rick

'...it tolls for thee.'
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • raskil
    P_rick, welcome to GB!

    While I have not shot a Win 94, I do have an older Puma .357. It has always functioned smoothly and is accurate. The fit and finnish is really nice and makes for a great trail/pack rifle. I don't know about the newer imported (Interarms?)Pumas.
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  • Bert H.
    P_rick...

    The Puma is based on Winchester's older Model 1892 design versus the stronger action of the Model 94. The Winchester will also have a considerably better retained resale value than will the Puma... hence, it is would be my first choice.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • gskyhawk
    Marlin model 94 in 357mag would be my first choice then the Puma and the Winchester would be last , I have owned all 3 and have had very good luck with the marlin and puma but nothing but problems with the 2 winchesters that I have had in 357, both of those would let a round slip pass the cartridge stop into the action and jam things up real good , both winchester where bought new from Gander Mountain, at the time when I took them back, their gunsmith said that they where having problems with several others winchester in 357, just something to think about.. also I believe the Marlin comes in more confirations than the others do , like their standard carbine with 18-1/2" barrel , the cowboy model with 24 " oct. barrel , cowboy competition, slicked up action ready to do cowboy shoots . standard carbines run around $390 at retail , cowboy about $529 and the competition models get up to just over $700, ( these are going prices in my area )
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  • gunpaq
    Marlin is my first choice also unless you find a very nice older Puma or Winchester. Have all three in older models but would only buy a new Marlin if I were looking for one now. My two cents.

    Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.

    Don't fly the river!
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  • P_rick
    Thanks for the posting. Having been a handgunner, my knowledge base on rifles is limited to recent research. GUN TESTS had good things to say about the Rossi import Puma, but not specific to this calibre.Sad to hear the Win 94 is such a problem, it's a good old name. I would love to find a good Marlin in my budget range, but not being a serious hunter it is hard to justify, so the Puma v. Win is a cost compromise. Your input is very helpful and much appreciated. Thanks!
    Rick
    quote:Originally posted by gskyhawk
    Marlin model 94 in 357mag would be my first choice then the Puma and the Winchester would be last , I have owned all 3 and have had very good luck with the marlin and puma but nothing but problems with the 2 winchesters that I have had in 357, both of those would let a round slip pass the cartridge stop into the action and jam things up real good , both winchester where bought new from Gander Mountain, at the time when I took them back, their gunsmith said that they where having problems with several others winchester in 357, just something to think about.. also I believe the Marlin comes in more confirations than the others do , like their standard carbine with 18-1/2" barrel , the cowboy model with 24 " oct. barrel , cowboy competition, slicked up action ready to do cowboy shoots . standard carbines run around $390 at retail , cowboy about $529 and the competition models get up to just over $700, ( these are going prices in my area )


    '...it tolls for thee.'
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  • TED GAR
    i have owned all four of the leverguns. The puma was in 44 magnum, No jams at all, mine was stainless. I hated the little safety on top of the action.it just seemed to get in the way. but for realiability it was great. The Navy arms -uberti was great..only prob is the dang thing would go green on you all the time, and had to bring out the brasso regular. Great gun if yo like to shine brass. The winchester angle eject in 357 jammed occassionally. but the 44 mag never encountered any feedng problems. The marlin 357 wins hands down for reliability and feeding. The only problem with the Marlin is the nostalgic looks..It being a side eject, it is not a true model 94 design, unlike all the others..which are basically top eject.
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  • gskyhawk
    p_rick not sure what your price range is, but anyway did a quick search here on gb and here is a decent looking used one up for auction, you may want to check out , http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=12870923

    will check around a few other sites and see if I come up with any thing else ifso will post it back here good luck
    Here's one over on a u c t i o n a r m s. c o m item number 5080453
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  • cletus85
    I have owned three Winchester 94's one in .44 and 2 in .357 all were trappers, also had one Rossi 92 in .44. I had no problems with any of them but preferred the Wichesters. The .44 and one of the .357's were very accurate the other I never tested enough before I sold it. I never experienced the mentioned problems with the .357's, and in fact one I bought used from a guy who said it jammed. He was using it for Cowboy action shooting so it may have only did it when cycling fast. Anyway it never malfunctioned for me. I love Marlin's but the look is not there for me except in the Cowboy Competition and they are HIGH. Now that the Winchester's have the top tang safety it's WINCHESTER hands down for me. In fact I want a .45 LC next.
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