I am a long time hand-gunner, but have never got into the long gun game until now. I like the lever guns for their size and portability. I recently got invited to do some hunting in the mid-west on horse back. I am a life time horseman and typically carry one (or two) of my many side-arms when riding in rough country. But now I would like to get a rifle that I can carry on a saddle and use for hunting and protection. --- A friend recommended the Puma M-92 in 454 Casull s/s (PUM68012). I've done sone research and it sounds good on paper, I was hoping someone could give me some first hand experience with this rifle and maybe make suggestions for one equal or better. Any input is much appreciated. Price is not a concern, I just want to get the best I can find it will may be my one and only.

Well, myself being partial to the Marlin 1895GS that I own, would have to say that particular rifle would be one of the best choices;-). I have held very few leverguns with such a good balance and solid pointability. 1 shot of the .45-70 would be more than enough to take anything on the NA continent, so 5 should be adequate for your power requirements. However, the Puma in .454 has many advantages over the .45-70 levergun, especially when used on horseback. The .454 Casull would have the advantage of controllability due to the lower recoil. It would also have a capacity advantage. If you carried a mating .454 pistol with your rifle, you would need to carry only one type of ammunition, making things much simpler. The .454 Puma I shot a few months ago handled nicely and was accurate enough. Sounds like you have already found your levergun CMB, I say go for it and good luck!

Just my two cents but I hunt Idaho and have used a Marlin 336 30-30 for elk and deer every year but one and that was with a Henry 45 Colt. Only took a buck that year. My daughters will start out this year with Marlin 336 Stainless and 36A both in 30-30. Going to look at the Leverevolution round this year after testing. Good luck.

I don't have any experience with the Puma, but I like to buy US. From what I have heard it does well. If money is not a concern look at a Wild West Levergun from the guys in Alaska.

My good Friend had a Marlin Model 36 in 30/30 caliber.I saw him get a drop dead shot at 125 yards,offhand,at a buck.
However,I always preferred thw Winchester '94.It's lighter and handier.
Frank

I'm a big fan of pistol cartridges in levers. Lots of fun with light loads and truely powerful and usefull to 150yds with heavy for caliber bullets and lots of h-110. I love my 45 trapper,so don't rule out the old colt if you reload, and don't forget the 44mag. If you need more than those two I'd step up to the 45-70 in a GG. The reason I dismissed the 454 is because a stout loaded 44 or 45colt in a 92 action is close to the 454. But if you are already set up to reload for the 454 I'd be all over it, I'm sure no one will critisize you for getting the 92 action in 454 for hunting, protection and for ease of saddle carry, it probably doesn't get any better. Dave

I'm partial too, to the '92 chambered in big bore revolver cartridges especially the ones that allow you to use the same cartridge in a SA handgun. The smooth and stout action of the '92 makes it one of my favorite rifles. Unless you are already set up for the .454, would suggest you consider the .45 Colt or .44 Magnum as stoutly loaded, you can obtain close performance and the brass is definitely easier to obtain. Best wishes.

If you really want a handgun caliber, I second the 44 mag for the reason that you could get a Marlin. If you also like stainless steel they have the 1894SS in .44 Rem mag (pretty gun).

If however you want the power, the Marlin 1895 is hard to beat. 45-70 is available everywhere, and with premium cartridges it can even go to Africa with you. It can be loaded mild to wild, from soft cowboy loads to shoulder thumping dangerous games loads. For the price it's hard to beat. The XLR has a laminate stock and stainless barrel and action.

Happy hunting!

I second T-Bone's reccommendations. The .44 mag is good out to about 150 yrds. and probably 25-50 yrds more if you use the leverevolution round from Hornaday. Plus you can use .44 pecials out of them. I have a .44 mag Marlin Cowboy with a 24" barrel.

If you need a bullet larger than a 300 gr. bullet and a little longer range than go with the 45-70 goverment. Marlin has some really cool models. If you decide to get the .45-70 Guide gun Marlin has you definately would want to have a recoil reducer and a recoil pad installed. the heavier londs can really thump you in the shoulder.

I was recently in a gun shop here in Idaho and found a Marlin guide gun chambered in 444. It's a great round- they took a 44 mag and lengthened the case out over 2 inches. You might want to take a look at one.

I have both a marlin 1894 in 44mag and a 1895 in 45-70. The .44 is shorter and handier. If you plan on using it off horseback, a guide gun is a good choice, but I think I'd take the 1894 in 44 over the 45-70 for the horses ears.

If you want a pistol cartridge you can't beat one of the Marlin 1894s. The 30-30 is my recommendation in a bottleneck cartridge. Again, one of the many Marlin models will serve you well. Finally, my Marlin 444S will do it all, plinking to elk.