Anyone here own a Chiappa Kodiak Trapper?

[barnbwt]

Having found an utter lack of reviews on google or online stores, I thought I'd ask around here...

http://www.chiappafirearms.com/product/2083

The Kodiak looks like a very attractive matte nickle and black rubberized wood incarnation of the 1886 45-70 trail gun. What little I've heard about this rifle indicates it is well made, but I was hoping to hear some first (or even second) hand accounts. There is also an old-school case-colored/walnut version, as well as a 10-shot 357mag model (1892 Alaskan Scout).

Is the gun well made? Is the manufacturing quality commensurate with the price?
Does it have good feel/ergonomics, or is it clunky AND heavy?
Does the stain nickle-chrome-whatever finish actually protect, or it just pretty?
How is the feel of the rubberized wood stock?

Hopefully some here can answer some of these. Most "reviews" out there just say it looks cool, then go on to complain about the 22LR 1911s or RFID chips, neither of which have anything to do with the lever gun.

TCB

 

[CraigC]

No idea but hopefully they're better than their `76's.

 

[barnbwt]

CraigC, what was your bad experience on the 1876 rifles (guessing that's what you are referring to)? Most of the criticisms of Chiappa I heard were about "pot metal" 1911 rimfires, which seems unlikely to be an identical issue in a 45-70 rifle.

My biggest problem with the lever guns I mentioned in my first post is that I don't think there is much market for a deluxe/expensive lever trail gun these days, what with all the competition from cheap Marlin Guide guns. But if the carbines are exceptionally well made, and are durable (nickle finished action), AND are fun to shoot/handle, then I'd be much more tempted to buy one for a trail gun.

TCB

 

[barnbwt]

Wow, I guess no one has bought one of these around here...

I guess I'll modify the question slightly, and ask another:

Has anyone bought any Chiappa lever gun or shotgun? Any Puma 1892 45-70 (also made by Chiappa)?

and

Is there any reason a lever action 1892 should be worth 1200$? I don't think the Kodiak is made with materials sufficiently expensive to warrant an 800$ jump over a Marlin, but if the workmanship is 3X better than an (old) Marlin, that is useful info.

TCB