The smoothness thing is something I can comment on as well. A few years ago, I had a Puma 92 rifle in .45 Colt (24" octagon barrel). The lever throw was very stiff. However, I recently bought a little 92 carbine in .45 Colt, and the lever works as smooth as butter, right out of the box. They've improved something in their manufacturing processes in the last few years, as the difference between my first one and this little carbine is like the "before and after" when you get a good smith to smooth everything out. It's impressive!
Liam
