Freedom Arms

[white eagle]

I really want to get a Freedom Arms revolver
are they worth the money?
I would choose either 45colt or 44 special.
I am done with the hard recoiling wrist snappers

[Paul105]

"Are they worth the money?" That's something only you can answer.

Based on your post you are looking at the Model 97 the smaller frame FA. Prices are getting pretty high -- some one on another website said current price on the below gunbroker linked 44 special is over $3,800 with all options and an 18 month wait. The octagon bbl, round butt and ivory colored micarta grips (which are no longer available) add a grand or so in options.
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https://www.gunbroker.com/item/968470882
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Here's my pretty much plain jane (other than flutes) 44 special -- current list price is $2,800 and a long wait (street price and availability will differ of course).
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https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/Crop%20FA97%2044%20Special%20thumbnail_IMG_4604.jp g
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Paul

[rintinglen]

They are the most accurate revolvers I have ever shot. But the are not worth it to me. I am not able to use them to their fullest advantage.:cry:

[missionary5155]

Try a BFR in a pistol caliber. We have a .454 Casual and a 475 Linebaugh. Both very accurate.

[06ackley]

Well my favorite revolver is a model 555 in 50ae. Was/is it worth it...to me absolutely

[Paul105]

There is a huge difference in size and weight between a BFR and a FA97 (approx weight for similar bbl length/cal FA97 36 oz, FA83 50 oz, BFR 59 oz) - OP wanted something with smaller with lower recoil

OP Quote:
I would choose either 45colt or 44 special.
I am done with the hard recoiling wrist snappers

Here's a crappy picture of a full size FA 83 and the smaller FA 97 -- the BFR is even bigger than the full size FA83
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/790f54d6-7e0a-4ed5-be09-71ca02915203_zpse6913976.jpg
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Paul

[ktw]

I shot a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt for a bunch of years. Eventually I hit a plateau with it and wanted something better. I was looking at some of the high end gunsmiths (Bowen, Linbaugh, etc) for something more tightly put together (tighter chambers, line bored, etc) but eventually realized that just buying a Freedom Arms would be both a cheaper and faster way to get there. I sold the Blackhawk and picked up a FA97 in 45 Colt/45ACP. They were going for around $1,600 at the time, with the extra cylinder. It was a lot of money but I am glad I spent it. Biggest downside is they only come in stainless. If you can get past that they are fantastic shooters.

-ktw

[ktw]

Size comparison with SAA (USFA), both in 45 Colt.
310030

[megasupermagnum]

If anything they make more sense now than ever. Rugers and S&W's are going for over $1000. BFR's are over $1500, customs are well over $2000. Yes, $3000 is very steep for a handgun still. If you really want it though, sell a couple you don't like, and you are most of the way there.

[RJM52]

Have got several 97s and 83s and yes, they are worth the money and you will be quiet happy...

As to caliber, the 97 is the perfect vehicle for the .44 Special...it is like they invented the gun around it. One can run anything from 180 grain WCs to 280 grain LBTs at whatever speed one desires...you aren't going to hurt the gun.

As to barrel length, for all-around use the 5.5 is great... If you like them short then the 4.25 with a round butt is as Mr. Taffin states, the perfect Packin' Pistol...

There used to be 100+ available at the various auction sites but right now the pickings are slim especially when it comes to 97s. The factory went from a 3 month wait two years ago to a 9 month wait last summer to 18 months now...I expect them to go to two years by the and of the year.

Most of the used guns out there are in excellent to mint condition...for a 97 in .45 Colt or .44 Special with a round 4.25-5.5" barrel expect to pay $2200-2500 in this market.

Best place to shop is GunBroker and GunsInternational. Both have new and used guns on a regular basis...

Expensive but you get more than you pay for...

Bob

[tejano]

I have two, a 44 special and a 45LC/ACP. Had them for 20 years or so. They were expensive even then, but I have never regretted buying them. Of course, I was a working man back then rather than the poor Viejo I am now. :)

[white eagle]

I have had a BFR/ not to my liking

[stubshaft]

I bought my FA-83 in early 1984. It is chambered for a 454 Casull and since I had my gunshop at the time I had them fit it with a tungsten insert in the forcing cone (no longer available). I have killed over 141 animals with it and my records indicate it has over 9,500 rounds through it (33.0 296 behind a 300gr. LFN), it is still just as tight as the day I got it.

It IS worth it!!!

[contender1]

Are they worth it? In my humble opinion,, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top quality, & basically hand built by real gunsmiths.

As to caliber,, I'd opt for the 45 Colt over the 44 mag,, but that's MY personal preferences.

[45DUDE]

I shot one last week. You can load a 44 mag from low to go.

[BigboreShooter]

I have several FA revolvers. Almost any load shoots well, with the right loads , SCARY! Just last week I was playing with a new bullet in 475line, my buddy watched 5 350gr bullets went into 3/4”@50yds.
Other guys mentioned M97 in 44spl. I have a 6.5”. It weighs 40oz, it’s handy.Throw a scope or red dot on it , it becomes a 100yd deer gun!

BigBoreShooter

[missionary5155]

I do not mind the weight. We I decide to push a heavy for caliber cast my 140 pounds actually appreciates it.
Chest holster takes care of hunting carry.

[snowwolfe]

If you have the cash and want it them buy it. If you are just looking for accuracy, then buy a BFR. The BFR will be a 8.5 on the build scale, the FA a 10. However, the BFR will be just as accurate as the FA.

[wade]

not for me had the 4 5/8 454 , i think a 83,, magnaported ruined it should have stayed to 45 colt,, i wouldnt buy another

[tja6435]

I have a Model 83 chambered in .357 mag with 7.5” barrel. I had to send the cylinder to Dougguy to have the throats fixed, 4 were super tight and one loose. He opened them all up to .3585”, I don’t have a flyer from that one chamber anymore. Now it is a laser beam with all 5 chambers, the 1:14 twist lets it spit 220gr boolits with amazing accuracy.

Being able to load .357 up towards 60kpsi puts that cartridge into a whole different universe vs 35kpsi. The FA cylinder is 1.776” so when I load up FA only ammo, it’s loaded to just under 1.776” so it won’t fit into any other .357 I have.

I’d suggest looking at one in .357, you can load up wrist snappers if you need, but with standard magnum loads the recoil is a bit easier to manage than say a 6” GP100 and a lot easier than a S&W 4” 27-2.

[ABJ]

I have an 83 in 454. And yes it is worth the money. I also have Blackhawk's in 44 spl and 45 colt. On the 44 the BH is as accurate as the 83 is. The 45 colt not so much. I doubt I would spend the extra money for a 44 spl but the colt or a 44 mag I would if I needed that little extra in accuracy or intended to shoot extra heavy full snort loads. It really depends on your own personal needs. I needed the 454 to be super accurate and tough, That's why I bought it. I don't need my other single actions for top tier nor do I load them to that level. My 44 mag redhawk will kill anything I want out to my self imposed limit of 100 yds. Will a FA do it any better. Yes but is that extra margin worth 3 times the price to you.
Don't get me wrong, sometimes I want the best and if I can afford I buy it and it makes me happy to own it, need had nothing to do with it. If and when I get into higher pressure rounds like the 454 then I would consider another FA or might try a BFR.
To answer your question, 44 spl=no, 45 colt=yes if I was shooting Ruger only load levels and no if shooting standard level.
Have fun on your journey.
Tony

[white eagle]

would be looking at the 45 Colt capable of JL loads
I went down that road with Ruger and never got the accuracy I wanted
I really like accurate guns as I am getting older and time is getting shorter
settling for less than what I want is not an option

[alamogunr]

Several years ago(2006) I ran across a FA 83, used with 2 extra cylinders in .45 Colt and .45 ACP. The price was right. Turned out the gun was well used but tight as new. Since then I have added .45 WinMag cylinder(don't ask why). I've shot very few round of .454. Age wise I'm just not up to it and have no good reason the punish myself.

In 2021 I decided that a FA97 in .44Spec was what I wanted(notice I did NOT say needed). I've been more than satisfied. I didn't consider the price out of line even though it was half again what I paid for the 83. 17 years inflation really makes it cheaper to me.

[ABJ]

would be looking at the 45 Colt capable of JL loads
I went down that road with Ruger and never got the accuracy I wanted
I really like accurate guns as I am getting older and time is getting shorter
settling for less than what I want is not an option

I hear you and right there with you. I hate owning a gun that I can't get out of it what I want. They go down the road pretty quick.
The only thing about the 83 I don't like is the recessed cylinder, Load one skip one load four. That gun is so tight after loading the last round, do not let the cylinder rotate much or it will skip the empty cylinder on the hammer let down and you cannot see the rims. On my last cylinder I just barely bring the cylinder into view, slide the cartridge in and close the gate. that cylinder needs to stay on the high side of the gate cut-out.
Tony

[RJM52]

One weak spot to note on FA 83s and 97s...the firing pin... For whatever reason they WILL break if dry fired with no snap caps on board. I have not had it happen to be because I shoot my SAs with all the beans in the wheel. But if you are one of those people that carries/shoots a SA with an empty chamber it would be worth while to put a snap cap in the empty chamber in case you loose count...

FA does sell a firing pin replacement kit with firing pin and bit driver for the firing pin bushing...

Bob

[RJM52]

.41 Magnums 97s...5.5" and 4.25"...

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/full/120929.jpg



.41 Magnums 83s...6" and 4.75"...

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/full/120931.jpg

[RJM52]

would be looking at the 45 Colt capable of JL loads
I went down that road with Ruger and never got the accuracy I wanted
I really like accurate guns as I am getting older and time is getting shorter
settling for less than what I want is not an option

One thing you may want to consider...there is a difference between intrinsic mechanical accuracy and what I call "shootability". Every FA revolver that comes out of the factory has a test target that shows its mechanical accuracy. The question becomes how much of that intrinsic accuracy can each individual wring out of that gun.

It is not only ones own ability but also things like how the grip fits, how the trigger breaks, the amount of recoil generated and how the shooter handles it with that particular gun...

I find the FA grips fit me and handle the recoil for me better than the Colt SAA, Ruger XR3, XR3-RED, Bisley or SBH. Others like one over the others...others hate the 97s...there is no right answer...just the best answer for you...

Of all the SAs I have that little 97 .41 Magnum with the round butt is the most UNFORGIVING of any SA I have ever fired. If I don't concentrate on every shot I miss...but yet it is one of my favorites... The 97s are smaller than a Ruger mid-frame Flat Top which is the smallest Blackhawk size frame Ruger makes...

If you can I would try to at least get the model you want in your hand to see how it fits...

Bob

[MGD]

I have a 4 5/8" Model 83 in 454. I have also been able to shoot Model 97's in 32 H&R, 357, 45 Colt, and 83's in 357, 44 Mag, and 454. You cannot get a better quality gun from most custom gunsmiths. It hurts when you pay for a Freedom Arms, but the quality & accuracy will amaze you. Freedom Arms revolvers also hold on to their value well.

Get your first one in a standard revolver caliber so you can try to wear it out.

[Anchorite]

Very well made revolvers. I had one in 454 once. I got over the 454 and sold it. Now I have customs built by JRH and others worked on by Bowen. I know they are Rugers, but I can’t really tell the difference. I don’t plan on parting with any of them. What’s the saying, “buy once, cry once,” that sums up the FA experience. You won’t regret it.

[rockrat]

I have a Silhouette gun in 357. Would like a shorter barreled gun with a 9mm cylinder or a 45 with an acp cylinder. Do like taking it out to the range and shooting our bear gong @350 yds. If the wind isn't blowing, I can often get it 3 out of 5, sometime 4 out of 5, but never (yet) 5 out of 5. Others just shake their heads, not believing a pistol can be so accurate.
LGS had a magnaported 454 I thought about. It was $1,500 and in good shape, but someone stuck pachmayer grips on it, which I detest. Passed on it, but went back to look at it again, and it was gone.
Another LGS has a 41 mag. which I think is NIB. 4.75" bbl, IIRC. Think its $2600.
Have two BFR's, a 30-30 and a 50 AE, both good guns, but I prefer the FA

[Bigslug]

My father bought his .454 around 1989, and it's about as finely made a firearm as one could ask for, and you're unlikely to have to deal with adjusting barrels for frame crush and cylinders for correct diameter. .44 Magnum would seem the no-brainer choice for you - more brass options than the Special and there's no reason you have to load it hot.

Only negative for me on them is I've gone DA on revolvers to the point of pretending that the single action notch doesn't even exist.

[smorin2]

My wife gave me the green light to get a Freedom Arms 97 in 2020. I bought a premier grade 327 and have been very happy.

[RJM52]

white eagle...you never have said if you are looking at the Model 97 or 83....

97s come in .45 Colt and .44 Special...

83s come in .454 with an optional .45 Colt cylinder or .44 Magnum with an optional .44 Special cylinder...


"LGS had a magnaported 454 I thought about. It was $1,500 and in good shape, but someone stuck pachmayer grips on it, which I detest. Passed on it, but went back to look at it again, and it was gone."...rockrat...that was probably a Field Grade 83...they used to come with Pachmayer grips from the favtory... They now come with the standard winewood grips...

[Thor's Daddy]

would be looking at the 45 Colt capable of JL loads
I went down that road with Ruger and never got the accuracy I wanted
I really like accurate guns as I am getting older and time is getting shorter
settling for less than what I want is not an option

What are "JL loads"?

John Linebaugh?

[Jtarm]

This thread is not helping my revolver addiction.

[megasupermagnum]

This thread is not helping my revolver addiction.

Me either. Suddenly I again want that model 97 in 327 federal with 10" barrel just because. Thankfully the only way that would happen is if I sold two to fund it, and that makes me too sad to actually go through with it.

[oger]

They are the best, once you handle and shoot one will be ruined for anything else.

[waylonrocks]

Not to hijack this thread, but since the topic is Freedom Arms.... I have a 50 round box of 454 Casull brass with an "FA" headstamp. Did they offer their own line of ammo at one time?

[dvnv]

Not to hijack this thread, but since the topic is Freedom Arms.... I have a 50 round box of 454 Casull brass with an "FA" headstamp. Did they offer their own line of ammo at one time?

Yes, they made ammunition and sold unprimed brass. If you look at their load data, it shows the factory equivalent loads in 240, 260 and 300 gr bullets.

[Texas by God]

I don’t know if it still holds true, but the American Rifleman’s “Dope Bag” gun tests listed the FA .22 LR single action as the most accurate handgun that they had ever tested- until they tested the .357 version with .38 Special wad cutters.
If I ever spring for one, it will be in .41 magnum.
I would want a blued one, though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cas]

One bad thing is a they make everything else you own seem a little crappy.

[6string]

Since we're on the Cast Boolits forum, I find it curious that nobody's specifically talked about load development for cast bullets in any of the Freedom Arms revolvers.
I once read an interesting write-up on the FA 83 Silhouette model in 357 Magnum on an IHMSA related site.
Outside of that, when it comes to cast bullet loads it has been vaguely suggested that cast bullet loads can be disappointing because FA uses a very slow twist of rifling as a matter of general practice.
Of course, I have no first hand experience, nor am I criticizing Freedom Arms.
In fact, I want to like them. But, so far, I haven't gotten a lot of detailed range/load reports.

Very interested to hear what you FA owners think.
Thanks,
Jim

[BigboreShooter]

6String
In regard to your inquiry about FA revolvers. I own many FA revolvers, 2 rim fire and 5 center fire.All I shoot is cast, 32 to 475Line. The 44spl/M97 has never had a jacketed bullet fired through it!!!
So your answer to your question. They shoot cast very well.
BigBoreShooter

[6string]

6String
In regard to your inquiry about FA revolvers. I own many FA revolvers, 2 rim fire and 5 center fire.All I shoot is cast, 32 to 475Line. The 44spl/M97 has never had a jacketed bullet fired through it!!!
So your answer to your question. They shoot cast very well.
BigBoreShooter

Thanks! ��

[Ed K]

Nothing to do with quality - you can get the best boots known to man and if they are the wrong size what good are they - to you?

It is very common that shooters with large hands do not get along with the model 97 grip frame. It has been mentioned before but I must do it again: try before you buy!

[6string]

Nothing to do with quality - you can get the best boots known to man and if they are the wrong size what good are they - to you?

It is very common that shooters with large hands do not get along with the model 97 grip frame. It has been mentioned before but I must do it again: try before you buy!

Yes, I appreciate this comment! I shoot a lot of International style target pistols and air pistols with custom anatomical grips. An ill fitting grip is a real hindrance.
I'll have to look deeper to see if I can find any here in SC. Around my parts, a Ruger SBH is considered "high-faluten'-fancy", so sighting an FA in the flesh is like sighting Bigfoot.

[FarNorth45]

One bad thing is a they make everything else you own seem a little crappy.

This 100% !!!! I just bought my first Freedom Arms about 3 weeks back .
I got the model 83 in 475 linebaugh and I am still amazed at the craftsmanship!!
The tightest well made pistol in my opinion that you can get...... but as stated above , now my other pistols don't seem as shiny anymore ha!ha.

[leadhead]

I bought a model 353 premier grade in .357 with a 9" barrel in 1992 and used it for IHMSA shoots.
It's the best revolver that I ever shot. I shot all cast bullets in it and it won me many matches.
I shot a RCBS 35 caliber bullet that weighed I think around 210 grain. I won a 60 round cast bullet
championship match with it with a 60x60 with 9 out of 10 shoot off chickens at 200 yards.
I love this gun and will never sell or trade it
leadhead

[JimB..]

Nothing to do with quality - you can get the best boots known to man and if they are the wrong size what good are they - to you?

It is very common that shooters with large hands do not get along with the model 97 grip frame. It has been mentioned before but I must do it again: try before you buy!

I do not have large hands. I have a 97 in 41mag but haven’t shot it yet because it just doesn’t feel right. Keep thinking it’ll feel better one day. Eventually I’ll try shooting it.

[Jtarm]

There is a huge difference in size and weight between a BFR and a FA97 (approx weight for similar bbl length/cal FA97 36 oz, FA83 50 oz, BFR 59 oz) - OP wanted something with smaller with lower recoil

OP Quote:
I would choose either 45colt or 44 special.
I am done with the hard recoiling wrist snappers

Here's a crappy picture of a full size FA 83 and the smaller FA 97 -- the BFR is even bigger than the full size FA83
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/790f54d6-7e0a-4ed5-be09-71ca02915203_zpse6913976.jpg
.
Paul

Looking at this while my wife is gone because that is pure porn[emoji2957]

[contender1]

6string,, I saw this; "I'll have to look deeper to see if I can find any here in SC. Around my parts, a Ruger SBH is considered "high-faluten'-fancy", so sighting an FA in the flesh is like sighting Bigfoot."

Where in SC are you?

I'm near the Upstate, in lower WNC. I have a FA in .454 Casull if you wish to handle, & shoot one. Bigfoot works for me. :D

[ohen cepel]

If you go with 45LC, I would consider the ACP cylinder also. The 97 is very nice in either of those. Nothing wrong with 44SPC and then no temptation for a spare cylinder, I have also been tempted to get a 41.

I also have an 83 in 454 with the spare ACP cylinder, ported. Very mild with ACP in it as it is heavy/big.

They are excellent revolvers and I think the best made in America now. May well be the best SA made in the world (haven't done a global search though).

[Rockindaddy]

That's alot of money for a gun that you may or may not shoot in competition. I have 7-Umberti Single Actions. They all shoot great! Also shoot an old High Standard Victor 22, a new Colt Python and a Colt Annaconda. These are very well made handguns that shoot extremely well. The Unberti revolvers are various calibers:
38 Special, 44 Henry Flat Centerfire(44 Russian), 44-40 WCF, 44 Special, and 45 Colt. Right now Taylors in Winchester Virginia has probably the best selection of Unberti revolvers. You could have a whole collection of revolvers for the cost of one Freedom custom revolver. I have been shooting a German Sauer single action for some time in 44 Mag. The barrel is 4 3/4" If you do not hold it tight; it will roll hard and you will notice some discomfort in your wrist. All the Ruger Super Blackhawks are the same. The barrel sits higher over the centerline and twist when fired. The shorter the barrel, the more twist. Started shooting a 300 gr bowling pin buster with 17grs of Winchester 680 ball powder out of the Colt Annaconda. The recoil is stiff but straight back. A Smith 29 also has a barrel that sits lower to the centerline of the gun. With large rubber grips, the recoil is easier to take. The Single Action Sauer with the 4 3/4" barrel is almost unpleasant. The Freedom revolvers are beautifully made like a wagon. Very sturdy, last more than a lifetime. The Colt single action design and recoil twist especially with the 454 Casull of a Freedom Arms revolver will get your attention. To me a "box" of ammo is a 50 Caliber Machine Gun steel can full of ammo. Two to three hours of blasting with with full house loads is easier with a Smith 29 or a Colt Annaconda 44 than a Ruger Super Blackhawk. The Ruger Redhawk is a little easier on recoil. Don't mean to knock the Freedom Arms revolvers. They are a Ferrari of revolvers and a great piece of workmanship. Am 77 years old now and maybe someday when I grow up I will get a Freedom Arms Single Action!

[alamogunr]

I've got a FA 83 w/two extra cylinders, .45 Colt and .45ACP. Bought it used and came with the cylinders. Last year bought a FA 97 in .44 Spec. It cost more than $1K more than the FA 83 fifteen years earlier. I guess I picked that cartridge because it was Elmer's first choice and didn't need another .45 Colt. I've never shot the 83 with full house .454 Casull. Nor have I shot the .475 Linebaugh with more than midrange loads. I'm 80 now and the Linebaugh doesn't come out of the safe very often. Nor does the .454 cylinder. Slightly below max is the most I can stand with the FA 97. I enjoy the midrange loads. Accurate shooting is a thing of the past.

[TurnipEaterDown]

I've got a FA 83 w/two extra cylinders, .45 Colt and .45ACP. Bought it used and came with the cylinders. Last year bought a FA 97 in .44 Spec. It cost more than $1K more than the FA 83 fifteen years earlier. I guess I picked that cartridge because it was Elmer's first choice and didn't need another .45 Colt. I've never shot the 83 with full house .454 Casull. Nor have I shot the .475 Linebaugh with more than midrange loads. I'm 80 now and the Linebaugh doesn't come out of the safe very often. Nor does the .454 cylinder. Slightly below max is the most I can stand with the FA 97. I enjoy the midrange loads. Accurate shooting is a thing of the past.

You should feel good about doing what you do describe at 80!
Time goes faster it seems as I approach 3/4 of your years. I hope to be doing as much.

[RJM52]

.41 Magnums

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/full/120932.jpg

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/full/120929.jpg

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/full/120933.jpg

[gunther]

If you are going to carry and use a revolver, add a Ruger 41 mag 4 3/4 to your list of possibilities. They are light enough to carry, and 41's seem to be closer to specification than a lot of others. Which is to say they shoot good. A set of Pachmayr's or Herretts, and a trigger job will not be near as much as a FA.

[bisleyfan41]

I've owned 2 FAs. A 6" 83 Premier in 44 mag and a 7.5" 97 in 41 mag. Owned-past tense. Sold both of them years ago. They were both well built, tight, and very accurate. Other than the fact that the 83 was basically a 4-shot 44 mag when I could get 6 shots in a Super Blackhawk, at 1/4 the price. Nothing at all wrong with either of those FAs, however this shooter could shoot them no better than any run-of-the-mill BH; lack of skills of the shooter not an indictment of the guns.

And I know this will sound weird, but they were too tight for me. I prefer a little looseness that will allow dependable, reliable function should the gun get dirty from being fired. Or from possibly being dropped in the woods, where something as simple as a pine needle getting jammed into the wrong nook or cranny render the FA in need of disassembly to assure proper function.

I also love to work on my guns, especially my BHs. I can take them apart, polish them up, replace parts without significant fitting, and clean them thoroughly. I would NEVER even think about taking one of those precisely-fitted FAs apart, let alone work on or alter one.

Also, I'm a Ford pickup type of guy, not a Bentley afficionado. So the "status" of such guns means little to me. Form following function. The FAs offered me no advantage over the Blackhawks I was already used to. And I could buy at least 4 BHs for the price of one standard FA. "Bank vault" and "Swiss watch" qualities mean little to me shooting whitetails under 50 yards away. And tying that much money up into something I was half-scared to use for fear of wrecking it's "value", just didn't make any sense to me.

As I said these 2 revolvers, displayed the pinnacle of gun making in every respect. I've held nothing finer, more refined, or more perfect than every other handgun in the world. I was just underwhelmed with them, especially for the price point, my skill level, and planned usage. I do think I may be the only person on the planet to prefer BHs to the FAs, but that's OK. To each, their own.

[ranchman]

Don't feel too out of place Bisley.. I have a 97 44special, and have put every load in the book through it, proven ones from other guns and new ones trying to tailor the thing specifically for that ammo BUT probably 500+ rounds later, I can't get the gun to shoot for ****. I personally believe the problem in my-own case is in the grip itself though, I foolishly ordered mine with a rounded butt rather than the standard square back and I regret it very much. The grip is so inconsistent in my hand, I can't make it work no matter what I do.

Love the mechanics and workmanship, the lock-up, everything else is top notch.. I just hate that grip design. It doesn't fit me at all. I have seriously debated returning it for them to re-fit a standard square back frame rather than the round, and see if that corrects anything. Til that happens, if they'll even do it, mine too resides in the safe. Rugers & Colts get 100% of the field time here ... and it's a shame. I ordered that FA 97 to be my perfect bush gun, but missed the mark I set for it.

[gypsyman]

Absolutely, one of the most accurate revolvers you can shoot. In the heyday of IHMSA, basically only 2 guns were in the top revolver score's, Dan Wesson and Freedom Arms. Built like a tank, and action like a Swiss watch. Only reason I stuck with the DW's, the way the grips fit my hand. 80 rd. match with a load of 296 under a 240 gr LBT bullet got my hand pretty sore. If the grip style fits your hand, go for it.

[Ed K]

Love the mechanics and workmanship, the lock-up, everything else is top notch.. I just hate that grip design. It doesn't fit me at all.

As soon as I first picked one up I found it easy to put down. The 97 simply did not fit.

The model 83 is a different story. It fits me well. Now while the 454 does not need to be loaded to the limit, I personally would not want a 50oz FA model 83 to fire 45ACP so have never purchased an auxiliary cylinder. In fact, the purchase of a 42oz Ruger Flattop 45(Colt/ACP) convertible was not much more than one FA auxiliary cylinder.