I have one of their 1873-22 Puma 22LR sixguns and it's rock solid. What "wonky" front sight are you referring to? It's a simple hooded front sight just like on any other 22 rifle. The rest of it looks like they kipped the plans for the Marlin 39A after the patent expired and made their own.
If you look closely at the front sight, there are mold lines on it. I think it's plastic, which I am morally opposed to, on a leveraction rifle.
I have their catalog, and it's more prevalent there in the photo.
