I have my new Puma 92 in pieces and I'm dieing to put it back together.The problem is I haven't recieved my new sight.Seeing as how it has to be drilled and tapped.I can't see any reason to put it together,to take it apart again.I knocked off the useless buckhorn so it has no sight.
Now comes the question.I'm putting a Lyman #66LA reciever sight on it.I'm going to go with a new front as well.Midway has (on sale)Marbles Fiberoptic bead sights.This is just what I'm looking for.As far as I can tell the Puma blade is .412 high,.513 wide.The closest Marbles is .410H,.531W.
When installing a reciever sight is it common practice to change the front?I know the present sight is set up for the buckhorns.I'm just not sure if the reciever sights need a different front,either higher or lower.I figure when all else fails go to what was on it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

I thought I'd outline the reasons for Project Puma.
Improve wood finish,DONE
Improve trigger pull,DONE
Improve sights,NOT DONE

docd,

I've done the trigger and sight deal on my Puma. I had a Williams FP installed on it. At the same time I had the barrel band front sight removed and the barrel dovetailed. The front sight that is on it now is actualy a Winchester post sight for a 94 that I bought from Brownells. They were considerably less expensive than the other brands of sights. Since I wanted a flat topped blade or post sight I was severely limited in my choices.

As for the height, the current front sight is the same height as the original barrel band sight. At least as far as I can tell.



Joe

Which caliber are you shooting DOCD? I put a new marbles front sight on my 454 and had to go to a .520" H. The 45 Colt ammo hit pretty near where the rear sight maxed out at its lowest setting, but the 454 ammo hit six inches higher than that. I put a large pearl bead on mine, and I can pick it up real easy. Let us know how those fiber optic sights work and if you can tell us more about how the wood came out...or better yet post some pictures. Good Luck. LIV

Which caliber are you shooting DOCD? I put a new marbles front sight on my 454 and had to go to a .520" H. The 45 Colt ammo hit pretty near where the rear sight maxed out at its lowest setting, but the 454 ammo hit six inches higher than that. I put a large pearl bead on mine, and I can pick it up real easy. Let us know how those fiber optic sights work and if you can tell us more about how the wood came out...or better yet post some pictures. Good Luck. LIV
I'm shooting the 454.That's good to know.I'll have to check to see if there is a fiberoptic sight that high.
Thanks
Well that figures.The fiberoptics come .500 then .530.I'm having trouble vizualizing this.Should I go higher or lower.Again this is with a Lyman 66LA sight.The wood came out fine.That stain they use really soaks in,it's still dark.Now the grain comes out.I rounded the forearm to take those sharp edges off the wood.That worked well.I also rounded or reamed the barrel bands a little.I was suprised to see the rear barrel band had cut into the barrel leaving a deep gouge on the barrel.The front only scrached it a little.This was with only 15 Winchester superX 300 gr bullets shot through it.I thought I should do something about this before I do more shooting.

docd
A new front sight would probably be the only thing I'd nee to do on mine( Not high enough) as it shoots just fine and the trigger pull is no problem.

docd
A new front sight would probably be the only thing I'd nee to do on mine( Not high enough) as it shoots just fine and the trigger pull is no problem.
I'm holding out until I mount the 66LA.I had a major problem with the sights on mine.I probably should have set up at 25yrds but I was using my Mod 444 first at 50 and left the target out there.The 444 sings, very good indeed.When I went to the puma,I was high,off the paper.I dropped the elevation down to the last notch,hit the target but left and STILL high.My buddy at the range with me was convinced we could tap the rear over to center it,but I was fed up at this point,and sore I might add.I had shot 6 of my 444s and 15 of the 454.I must say ,I got no bruises but the last couple were stingers.Now if that sight would only get here I could give it a try.I also thought of taking the folding leaf off my Mod444 and put it on my puma.That one if fully adjustable.I still may do that if the Lyman doesnt work to my likeing.A scope is out of the question.A scope looks fine on my 444,but I have to believe it would look GOD AWEFUL on a Puma.Just MHO.

Has anybody figured out if the front dovetail of the Puma is an odd size? I remember reading that it wasn't quite 3/8". Anybody had trouble mounting sights?
Thanks!

[QUOTE=Shoot!]Has anybody figured out if the front dovetail of the Puma is an odd size? I remember reading that it wasn't quite 3/8". Anybody had trouble mounting sights?
Thanks![/QUOTE
Shoot,you bring up a good subject.I tried best as I could to measure mine in place.I used a caliper and put the inside measure pointers so they are at the bottom of the dove tail.I came up with a number equivalent to 3/8"or very close.I have the LSI Puma M92.I think this problem or differerence is more common with the older Rossi's.I would love to here a response to this as well.I haven't removed the front sight yet so the measurement can't be considered 100% accurate,but it's like I said, pretty close.So close I have to believe a file would be all thats needed to make a 3/8" dovetail fit.

I bought a normal 3/8 inch dovetailed front sight for mine and it fit fine. Mine is a 454, so its not old....I dont know about older models.

The Lyman 66LA I have been waiting for arrived today.One problem.IT'S A WILLIAMS 5D IN THE LYMAN BOX.Online shopping does have it's pitfalls.I emailed the seller,if I don't get satisfaction EVERYONE will hear about it.BTW it was bought on Auction Arms.

well the sight issue was solved.The seller responded quickly and requested a return for refund.He also offered a ups pick up.I responded and told him I'd mail it back.Now he said he'll pay the shipping to return anyway.Sounds like he was as supprised as me to find out this was not the right sight.
Well I ordered a Williams FP from Midway.They offered one with front firesights.The reciever (FP) seems fine .I just have to get the 6x48 tap that I know(doubt)I don't have laying around.
The firesight,well that's an other issue.The item claims it's for Marlin 1894 or Win 94.Well this is a M92 and no way would they work.Way too low.But ol' Doc has an idea.I'm going to mount the reciever sight and try it with the stock blade front.If the result is acceptable,I'll put the little piece of fiberoptic on the top of the blade.
Hopefully it all goes together tonight.With the sights I bought a die set and placed an order last night for a lapping kit for both the Puma and my M444.
Well the project it nearly completed,but if it was,then what would I do.SHOOT IT, that's what I'd do ;)
BTW anyone want a Williams Firesight, front 3/8 dovetail sight.You pay S&H only CHEEP.

Too much lollygaging.I'll go to the smith today to get the peep reciever sight mounted.That 6-48 tap is tough to find.I recieved my new butt stock yesterday.This is a project I don't think I'll get too soon.I'll have a lot of sanding to do,the Winchester 94/92 is only about 75% inleted.It is a nice piece of walnut,should be sweet when done.I did slug the bore,the dovetail under the rear sight is very tight,firelaping next for sure.
Last week I had to scrach my ichy finger.I took my M444 to my deer hunting spot.Set up in an area for a 60yrd max shot.All I wanted to do was zero in a new scope.As I'm trimming weeds that would distract my shot,I glance up and over to where I'll be sitting.Well sitting there is a 300 pound Black Bear,looking at me(probably thinking what's that nut doin).Here I am with a pair of wire cutters in my hand and my 444 in my truck down the road.I could tell I had a heart at this point.Pounding like a bassdrum.He didn't hang around long,just walked into the woods.Needless to say it disrupted my concentration and never did get that scope zeroed.

I did slug the bore,the dovetail under the rear sight is very tight,firelaping next for sure.
Docd,
What did the slug from your barrel mike out at?

Docd,
What did the slug from your barrel mike out at?
.45225
The peep sight is on.Should work with existing front blade.What a PIA this is to put back together.
BTW I sent you the 444 brass and the MO for the 454 brass.Sorry I didn't follow up quicker.I'm loaded at work and have little spare time for any fun.I should take some shots,but I think I'll lap it first.Looks nice now I hope it shoots nice.

.I'm loaded at work and have little spare time for any fun.
Docd,
I know what you mean. Been burning both ends myself. I got the 444 brass. Thanks for being so generous. I'll get the 454 brass out tomorrow. I also considered the Midway sight package with the front Firesights. I think the problem is the 94 and 336 have a base for the front, so the blade ends up way low for a 92. Keep us posted on the progress of your firelapping. I'll let y'all know how the 444/454 shotshells work out after I get my Puma back from M&M.

Docd,
I know what you mean. Been burning both ends myself. I got the 444 brass. Thanks for being so generous. I'll get the 454 brass out tomorrow. I also considered the Midway sight package with the front Firesights. I think the problem is the 94 and 336 have a base for the front, so the blade ends up way low for a 92. Keep us posted on the progress of your firelapping. I'll let y'all know how the 444/454 shotshells work out after I get my Puma back from M&M.
I recieved the brass yesterday(6/11)Thanks Shoot.
Now I have to get to work.I have all the supplies,just need a starting load for the bullseye powder.

I'd suggest 2.5 gr. of Bullseye for lapping a .454. Might get away with a bit less, but start the first few at 2.5gr. and see how that goes.

but I'm approaching completion.The Williams FP worked out fine with the stock front blade.I needed more lapping brass so I bought a box of 160 gr (to save my shoulder)Much more tame than the 300gr superX I first shot.Grouped well at 25yrds.I still have some tweeking to do with the sight.Shot at 50 and 100yrds and did quite well for open peep.I'm loading my lappers now and should be ready for a full blown test next week.I refinished the stock and she looks sweet.I'll post some pics soon.I'm still not to happy with the trigger.I did shim it up a little but she could use more for my liking.I may do the same with my M444.Speaking of 444s WOW. Loaded some 270gr Speer Gold dots and clover leafed at 100yrds.Now that's a thumper.I have a box of 300 grs to load up I can feel the pain already.But it's a good pain.
Later, docpuma( AKA Docd,doctordisaster,I had login problems,but it's the same old me.)

I'm loading my lappers now and should be ready for a full blown test next week.I refinished the stock and she looks sweet.I'll post some pics soon.
Doc,
You still around? I've been wondering how your firelapping experience worked out. I'd still like to see your pictures with the FP sight and walnut stock. I need a little inspiration to get me off my butt and work on my Puma (including loading up those custom shotshells in your 444 brass...).
Give us an update!
Shoot!

Doc,
You still around? I've been wondering how your firelapping experience worked out. I'd still like to see your pictures with the FP sight and walnut stock. I need a little inspiration to get me off my butt and work on my Puma (including loading up those custom shotshells in your 444 brass...).
Give us an update!
Shoot!
The Puma is all buffed up and ready to go.I never did the walnut stock.The original turned out nice,a little dark but much better looking than before.I have to get off my butt too,I have a load of 265gr hard casts I want to start with.I'm giving up on the front sight.I ordered one(Marbles FO) from midway.I must have measured it three times AND STILL GOT IT WRONG.The one I ordered is way to low.I bought some white touch up paint and painted the blade.I should be able to find it now.I also bought a dovetail blank to put in place of the useless rear sight it came with.I have one of those odd balls. The blank slides right through,I'll probably grind the Buck horn off and insert the old sight base.With the holidays and upstate NY weather I haven't had a chance to get to the range.I'm gona give it my all this weekend.Speaking of shot loads,I made some for my triple 4 and I'm dying to try them out.