When you’re looking at a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum, you’re not just buying a range toy. You’re buying a platform. A system. It’s a tool for the homestead, a companion for the trail, and a piece of mechanical history you can actually use. The .357 Magnum/.38 Special chambering is the sweet spot for versatility, and the lever-action design is a masterclass in manual-of-arms simplicity. The challenge has always been finding a modern iteration that respects the classic form while delivering the durability and finish a serious shooter demands, without venturing into custom-shop price territory. That’s the gap the Puma RD BR 357 20-inch BLU steps into.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms, parts, and accessories for the DIY enthusiast and serious shooter. The Puma RD BR 357 20-inch BLU is a Brazilian-made lever-action rifle built on a robust, color case-hardened frame. Its 20-inch barrel and .357 Magnum/.38 Special chambering make it a uniquely practical and versatile modern-traditional rifle. This model is in stock and ready to ship today for $838.79.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting. This isn’t a re-imported parts kit slapped together; it’s a purpose-built firearm from Rossi, which is part of the Taurus family of brands and manufactured in their São Leopoldo, Brazil facility. The “Puma” branding harks back to earlier import names, but the current production quality from this plant is a known quantity. From an armorer’s perspective, the build starts with the heart of the action: the frame. The color case-hardened finish on the receiver isn’t just for show—it’s a traditional surface-hardening process that provides a durable, wear-resistant layer. Underneath that, you have a solid steel receiver that’s machined to handle the pressures of .357 Magnum, which, in a rifle-length barrel, gains significant velocity over a revolver.
The 20-inch barrel length is a deliberate choice. It strikes a balance between the handiness of a 16-inch carbine and the sight radius and potential velocity of a 24-inch rifle. For a .357, this length maximizes the cartridge’s potential without making the firearm unwieldy in a vehicle or while walking brush. The blued finish on the barrel and magazine tube is a classic, durable oxide finish that requires proper maintenance but offers excellent corrosion resistance when cared for. The walnut stock is a step above the typical hardwood you find on many imported lever guns. It’s got a decent grain, a practical finish that won’t get slick when wet, and a curved steel buttplate that authenticates the traditional profile.
The action itself is a John M. Browning-designed Winchester Model 1892 pattern. It’s a strong, short-throw action that’s famously smooth when broken in. The side-loading gate is steel, and the ejection port is on the top right of the receiver. The safety is a traditional half-cock notch on the hammer, which is how these rifles were originally designed to be carried safely. You won’t find a modern cross-bolt safety here, which is a plus for purists but means you need to be disciplined with your manual of arms. The sights are a simple blade front and semi-buckhorn rear, adjustable for elevation, which are perfectly serviceable for the types of shooting this rifle excels at—think 50 to 100 yards on steel or paper.
Puma RD BR 357 20-inch BLU: Pros & Cons
✅ The Advantages
- Versatile Chambering: Shoots both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. The .38s are low-recoil and cheap for plinking, while the .357 Magnum from a 20-inch barrel approaches low-end .30-30 ballistics, making it a legitimate deer cartridge within its range.
- Robust Construction: The color case-hardened steel receiver and blued steel barrel aren’t cosmetic shortcuts; they’re durable, traditional finishes on solid materials.
- Practical Configuration: The 20-inch barrel is the “Goldilocks” length for this cartridge, balancing velocity and maneuverability perfectly.
- Traditional Manual of Arms: No lawyer-approved cross-bolt safety. Safe carry is via the half-cock notch, just as Browning intended.
- Quality Walnut Stock: Offers better aesthetics and durability than the stained birch or beech often found on rifles in this price class.
- Strong Aftermarket: As a Model 92 pattern, parts, tools, and knowledge for maintenance and smithing are widely available.
❌ The Considerations
- Break-In Period: Like many lever actions, the action can feel stiff from the factory. It requires a proper cleaning, lubrication, and several hundred cycles to smooth out. This isn’t a defect; it’s the nature of the design.
- Sights are Basic: The blade and buckhorn sights work, but they’re not precision instruments. For serious hunting or target work, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a receiver-mounted peep sight or scout scope. See our rifle sights for options that mount directly to the receiver’s top.
- Requires Discipline: The half-cock safety requires the shooter to understand and use it consistently. If you’re accustomed to a push-button safety, there’s a learning curve.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Puma RD BR 357
Buy it if: You’re a shooter who appreciates traditional mechanics and wants a do-everything rifle for the ranch, trail, or homestead. You handload for .357/.38 and want to explore the cartridge’s rifle potential. You want a companion firearm for your .357 Magnum revolver that shares ammunition. You’re a tinkerer or aspiring gunsmith who enjoys the process of smoothing out and maintaining a mechanical action.
Skip it if: You need a dedicated, scoped hunting rifle for long shots. While capable, the .357 is a 100-125 yard deer cartridge at best. For that, browse our bolt-action rifles in more powerful calibers. You demand a completely slick, custom-action feel right out of the box without any break-in work. You’re looking for the absolute lowest price point and are willing to sacrifice material quality and finish.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | Lever Action Rifle |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 39 Inches (Approx.) |
| Material (Receiver/Barrel) | Steel |
| Manufacturing | Machined & Assembled |
| Finish (Receiver) | Color Case Hardened |
| Finish (Barrel/Mag Tube) | Blued |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Heat-Treated Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Buttplate | Steel Curved |
| Sights | Blade Front, Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds (.357 Mag), 11 Rounds (.38 Spl) |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs |
| Action Type | Lever Action (Model 1892 Pattern) |
| Safety | Half-Cock Hammer Notch |
| Country of Origin | Brazil |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| Manufacturer/Importer | Rossi / Taurus |
| SKU | PUMA-RD-BR-357-20-BLU |
How It Stacks Up: Puma RD BR 357 vs. The Competition
| Feature | Puma RD BR 357 20″ BLU | Budget Import Lever Gun (~$600) | Premium Brand (e.g., Henry, ~$1,100+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material (Receiver) | Steel, Color Case Hardened | Steel, Blued or Parkerized | Steel, Color Case Hardened or Blued |
| Quality / Fit & Finish | Good commercial grade; solid wood-to-metal fit | Functional; may have rougher edges, wood gaps | Excellent; high-polish blueing, seamless fit |
| Compatibility / Aftermarket | High (Winchester 1892 pattern) | Varies; often proprietary or obscure pattern | High (for Henry models) or Proprietary |
| Shipping & Availability | In Stock, Ships Today from Boise | Often drop-shipped, longer lead times | Frequently on backorder due to high demand |
| Lifespan / Durability | Built for long-term use with proper care | Adequate for light use; metallurgy may be suspect | Built to heirloom standards |
| Price Point | $838.79 (Our Price) | $600 – $750 | $1,100 – $1,500+ |
The takeaway from the table is value positioning. The Puma RD BR 357 isn’t the cheapest, but it avoids the cost-cutting on materials and finish that plague the budget tier. It delivers about 85% of the fit, finish, and pride-of-ownership of a premium Henry at roughly 65% of the cost, and it’s actually available to ship.
Before you buy, I always recommend checking a few YouTube channels that do solid technical reviews. Look for videos that show the action cycling, discuss the break-in process, and maybe even show some accuracy testing. It’s the next best thing to handling one in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the .357 Magnum effective for deer hunting from a rifle?
Yes, within its effective range. Firing a 125-158 grain .357 Magnum bullet from a 20-inch barrel generates significantly higher velocity (often 1800-2000+ fps) than from a revolver, increasing energy and extending its ethical range on deer-sized game to about 100 yards with good shot placement. Always check your local hunting regulations.
Can I shoot .38 Special ammunition in this rifle?
Absolutely. One of the major advantages of this platform is its ability to chamber and fire the lower-recoil, lower-cost .38 Special round. It’s ideal for plinking, training, and small game. The rifle will hold one more round of .38 Special in the magazine tube due to the shorter cartridge length.
How difficult is it to mount a scope on this rifle?
It’s designed for traditional iron sights. To mount a conventional scope, you would need to drill and tap the receiver for a side-mount or use a scout-style scope mount that replaces the rear sight. A more popular and historically accurate option is to install a receiver-mounted peep sight (like a Williams or Skinner), which bolts directly into pre-drilled holes on the left side of the receiver.
What’s involved in the “break-in” period for the action?
The new action will feel stiff. The process involves a thorough cleaning to remove factory preservatives, applying a quality lubricant (like Break-Free CLP) to the bolt, lever linkage, and hammer surfaces, and then working the action repeatedly—hundreds of times—while watching TV or in the evening. This wears in the mating surfaces naturally. Dry-firing (with snap caps) can help smooth the trigger/hammer engagement.
Is this rifle suitable for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS)?
It can be used, but it may not be the most competitive option straight out of the box. CAS shooters often perform extensive action jobs to lighten and smooth the lever throw and trigger. The 20-inch barrel is also longer than the 16-18″ barrels commonly preferred for speed. It’s a great foundation rifle if you want to get into CAS and don’t mind doing the work or having a smith do it.
Where can I buy a Puma RD BR 357 20-inch BLU online?
You’re in the right place. Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com) has this model in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse in Boise, Idaho. We handle the compliance paperwork and ship directly to your local FFL holder.
What kind of accuracy can I expect?
With quality ammunition it’s capable of 2-3 MOA (Minute of Angle) groups from a rest at 100 yards, which translates to 2-3 inch groups. This is more than sufficient for its intended roles. Accuracy will vary with ammunition; you’ll need to test different brands and bullet weights to find what your specific rifle prefers.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Boise, ID (on orders placed by 2 PM MT)
✅ Discreet packaging — no external branding on the shipping box
✅ 30-day returns on un-fired items (see our full policy for details)
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options
From my perspective, having handled and broken down countless lever actions over the years, the Puma RD BR 357 20-inch BLU represents a specific and valuable proposition. It’s for the shooter who understands that a firearm is a mechanical partnership. You put in the time to break it in, maintain it, and learn its characteristics, and it rewards you with decades of reliable, versatile service. It bridges the gap between a nostalgic design and
