FA M97 strength?

[Tatume]

Hello Folks,

Is there any reliable information on the strength of Freedom Arms Model 97 revolvers? The cylinders are almost the diameter of Ruger Blackhawk cylinders and the 41, 44, and 45 have only five chambers, with offset bolt cuts. I would imagine they can handle any loads that would be appropriate for Blackhawk revolvers. But, I've not heard or read that this is so.

Thanks, Tom

[Silver Jack Hammer]

Brian Pearce in Handloader #236 divides the .44 Special into three catagories, Catagory One at 15,500 psi or less, Catagory Two at 22,000 psi or less and Catagory Three at 25,000 psi or less. SAMMI specs is 15,500 psi for the .44 Special. According to Brian Pearce Catagory Two guns are Colt SAA and Charter Arms Bulldogs. Catagory Three guns are the Smith N frames, L frames not including scandium, Freedom Arms 1997, Colt New Service, Ruger .44 Special on the .357 frame.

What powders are you looking to use and I'll check his recommendations for you since I don't own a FA#97.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

What caliber FA #97 are you asking about? Handloader #231 on a #97 in .45 Colt Brian Pearce notes "According to Freedom Arms, the Model 1997 is suitable for the same handloading data as used in Ruger single-action revolvers (such as Blackhawk and Vaquero), which is generally considered to have maximum pressure limit of 30,000 CUP."

[Tatume]

Thanks Jack, That's a big help. My "Handloader" magazines are not organized and I'm missing a few (loaned out and didn't come back), but I'll look through them and try to find those two issues.

I'm most strongly interested in the 41 Magnum, but have been reconsidering the 45 Colt.

[Tatume]

Hi Bill,

The FA cylinder has only five chambers. There is more metal, and the bolt cuts are between the chambers, not over them. I suspect that a Third Generation Colt SAA retro-fitted with a similar cylinder would handle the 41 Rem Mag just fine. Don't you?

Thanks, Tom

[kweidner]

Gosh if I only had the cash to buy a FA 97. Can't be of help here but if it starts collecting dust and needs a workout send it to me. I would be glad to keep it running for you!:)

[Lloyd Smale]

dont own but know a few that load large frame ruger (brutal) loads in 97s with no problems other then the fact that many heavy bullets just dont fit in there short cylinders in 45 colt and 41mag.