So many awesome guys here. Thanks for all the info and suggestions. I ended up feeling that there were no really wrong choices of cartridge in that list. And relative to semis, mag-fed, 80% guns, the commies in Annapolis and DC. Shouldn’t get around to hindering lever gun sales too soon. Calibers can be changed or added later.So just buy one, dam* it and enjoy!
A great MDS fellow here just sold me his Rossi 92 in .44 mag. Like the Marlins, there seem to be hit or miss stories on the world-wide google machine regarding Rossi. Many people seem to treat them as sort of almost complete kit guns. They stone and smooth the actions, delete safeties etc.
The original owner smoothed out the gun’s operation, refinished the stock (and steel!) added a skinner peep (I prefer aperture sights usually), removed the safety (so now I can go off half cocked...as they say) wrapped the lever in leather (like para cord wraps), etc. he also provided me a reloading set for .44 and some really helpful guidance.
Suffice it to say I’m very happy with it. Maybe it’s because I was limited to muzzleloaders and 12 ga. Slugs forever, but the recoil is fine. Even with the curved steel buttplate, which looks better than a rubber pad. Both the metal buttplate and short length of pull are assets in cold when shouldering the gun. I may get a leather lace up pad with cartridge holders though.
The 16.25” barrel and sub-5lbs is awesome. Recoil and accuracy might not be helped by it’s diminutive size but it’s not bad in the first department and the accuracy seems good. I’ve only shot a dozen rounds at 20 yards offhand but it was minute of soda can. It’s like a Red Ryder BB gun on steroids.
So thanks to the gentleman who sold it to me, and thanks to all those who took the time to write.
Good choice, I bought a stainless Puma 92 in 44 Mag 10 or 15 years ago from Gander for 500.00. More I shoot it the smoother it gets. Not the most accurate in my collection but it's a fun everyday shooter. Shooting 44 spc it's like a pop gun but full blown magnums it does have some kick. In short I love it.
Rossi is a broad label that covered Puma.