Need help deciding on new gun

[Hunter 24095]

I'm thinking about a new wheel gun and can't decide which one to go with. I have narrowed it down to three.
1- S&W 460 xvr
2- Freedom arms mod 83 .454
3- Super red hawk .454
I am leaning toward the S&W 460 xvr because of the ability to shoot the .45 colt, .454 and the .460 ammo. But I really like the Freedom arms. It's a hard decision but can't afford all three right now I have a kid in college and two more headed that way maybe I can talk one of them into going to gunsmiths school and they could just build me what I want Any opinion's on my choices will be appreciated.

[Rich S]

well IMHO the Ruger is a tool, the S&W a toy, and the Freedom arms a work of art.
i'd go for the Freedom arms all else being equal, fit n finish is what makes me smile lately.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Regards,
Rich

[targetshootr]

The FA is possibly the best revolver ever made. As it happens, my convertible 454/45 colt model 83 with 6" octagon barrel is for sale.

[Hunter 24095]

targetshootr I am leaning towards the FA so I very well may get with you on it. I wonder if FA would make a 45 acp cylinder for the gun? I saw one on GB for sale with all three cylinders but it was a little out of my price range.

[shotman]

Well the S&W is my pick The 2 have shot are as accurate as any thing I have shot. 6in is a little short for the hot stuff

[softpoint]

I have model 83 FA's in 44mag.7.5" and 454 6", I have kicked around the idea of one of the x frame Smiths, I finally decided they were simply too big and ungainly for what I like in a handgun. I even went to the local range and shot a .500 . And I do not like ported guns. The Freedom arms revolvers I have are tight and accurate. The 454 should deliver plenty of power for the ranges that revolvers are humane to hunt with. (As for that matter, so does the .44) Both of mine are field grade guns. I own Rugers and Smith's as well, but given the choice you are about to make, it would be Freedom Arms

[HeavyMetal]

I'd buy the freedom arms gun. Not only has every one of them I've handled been mechanical art but I fear Smith & Wesson are just around the corner from selling us out, again, just as they did in the Clinton erea!

I have no proof of this just great respect for the phrase; Leopards do not change thier spots!

[EOD3]

The Freedom would be my first choice followed by the S&W.

[stubshaft]

The FA83 without a doubt. They are built like bank vaults. When you handle one you don't feel any rattling/vibration anywhere. I have owned and shot one for over 24 years.

[jnovotny]

Me personally would stick with the ruger. As stated above the ruger is a tool, and a damn fine one at that.

[farmerfish77]

I would go with what I can afford. If you can swing the freedom arms by all means go for it. I would luv one, someday.

[Hunter 24095]

Thanks for the input guy's. The reason the SRH is not leading the pack is I have one in .44 and also a SBH in .44 so I kind of wanted a different brand in the safe to add to my collection. The only reason the .460 is in the hunt is because of where I hunt. We have several large fields with the chance to take long shots. I have my 7mm mag for field hunting but after archery season and BP season it seems to take all the sport out of using the old 7mm but it sure would be nice to take a deer at 200 yards with a hand gun but you would need a wheelbarrow to carry the x frame in the field thats why I am leaning towards the FA. I guess I will lay awake at night thinking about it some more.LOL

[Lloyd Smale]

Freedom arms hands down if you can afford it.

[FN in MT]

Do be aware....one FA leads to MORE. It's a disease.

Bought an FA M-83, .454 Casull six inch gun with an aux .45 Colt cylinder. One of THE most accurate revolvers I have ever fired. And the fit and finiish is first rate.

Year later bought a 4 1/4" FA M-97 in .44 Spcl. My summertime carry gun when I'm out and about.

Now I'm plotting on another M-97 in .41 mag.

My vote> Go Freedom Arms.

FN in MT

[Mohillbilly]

Love my FA 83 454 7 1/2,got all the xtra cylinders.45colt,acp,454,and 45winmag. All shoot great !! work of art,bank vault tight.Got it in 92-93 for a Alaska trip, and still tight, never did break in,still looks/shoots feels like new. I thought it was a lot-o-money , now I think it was worth twice what I paid....