OT - Freedom Arms 97 45 Colt strength?

[KSFlatheadhunter]

Hello,

I am considering a Freedom Arms Model 97 in 45 Colt and I am curious how strong the gun is. I have NO desire to shoot max loads through it but I wonder if it is considered to be a strong as a Ruger Blackhawk as far as what loads it can safely handle.

I am leaning toward a fixed sight 5.5" version. Any experience on how accurate their fixed sights are regulated?

I would appreciate any input you have on this. I have a FA 83 in 44 Mag and love it. The smaller size of the 97 is very attractive.

Thanks,
Darin

[Hobie]

Fixed sights have to be regulated to one load. Which is yours? That sort of goes to your first question as to strength. My understanding is that they are Ruger Blackhawk equivalent. My .44 Special is so treated. I would get the adjustable sights (and did).

[KSFlatheadhunter]

Thanks Hobie. The adjustable sights would be very versatile.

Darin

[Paul105]

Here's the definitive answer:

Title: Re: FA 97 strength
Post by: Bob Baker on December 13, 2006, 03:37:39 PM
The Model 97 was designed to be a general duty firearm which means it wasn't designed to be a horsepower gun like the Model 83. The loading data in the popular loading manuals for the Rugers and TC's will work fine in the M97 as long as only the 1.600 OAL loads are used. As always, start low and work up.

If you didn't know, Bob Baker is the owner of Freedom Arms

Above quote from FA97 Strength thread from Graybeard's
http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/ ... 202.0.html


Here's some useful info on OAL limitations with the FA97 in .45 Colt
http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/ ... 835.0.html

I would seriously consider adjustable sights. FA now offers different height dovetail front sights for the fixed sight model http://gunblast.com/Freedom_NewSight.htm -- this would give you some added flexibilty but nowhere near that of the adjustable sight version.

These are fantastic little guns. If I was limited to only one handgun, it would be this 4 1/4" FA97 .45 Colt.




Paul

[KSFlatheadhunter]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the great info! Lot's of good info to consider in those posts.

Now the long wait of finding a good used one on GB for a reasonable price.

Your 4 1/4" unit looks very nice!

Thanks for taking the time to look up those postings, I really appreciate it.

Darin

[KSFlatheadhunter]

Well, after doing a smart search on Gun Broker for completed auctions on these guns, I believe I am much better off ordering one from Freedom Arms. I am stuck between the 4.25 and 5.5" barrels. Any thoughts between the two barrel lengths. Gun would be packed while hunting deer and hogs and possibly be used to take either. Also plinking.

Thanks,
Darin

[Hobie]

I think the factory suggested retail is reasonable for the quality you get. Any discount is just icing on the cake.

[rjohns94]

I think you have the answer for the strength. I LOVE Mine - Its a 45Colt/45 ACP convertable, Octagon barrel. Adjustable sights. If you are interested, I have a very custom .45colt Ruger three screw (not modified, for sale if you want a bit more beef and excellent triger,timing, forcing cone work as well gun fighter grip frame, one piece custom grips with leather.





the one for sale.

[KSFlatheadhunter]

I think the factory suggested retail is reasonable for the quality you get. Any discount is just icing on the cake.

Hobie,

Yes, I strongly agree that they are worth the money. The problem I ran into many years ago is that I couldn't find anyone else in my area that agreed. I planned on being a stocking dealer for FA and went about to develop my first order. I talked to dozens of people locally that had interest in single action revolvers, I get not get a single commitment once people knew the price. Before I began this research, my wife and I stopped at Freedom Arms on our way down from Yellowstone and Wayne Baker was kind enough to give us a tour that lasted over an hour. We learned about every part down to the screws that they decided to have made in house. I was VERY excited to develop an order and very disappointed when I couldn't get any interest. The three FA 83's I have owned over the years, I bought used for around $1100 to $1200 each. I thought each was a bargain considering what I got.

Also, I spent part of this afternoon helping a friend assemble an AR-15 lower half. We discussed my Freedom Arms interest, he got a pistol case out of his vault and showed me his .44 Special 5.5" round barrel adjustable sight FA 97 that he had picked up at a gunshow from a large local gun shop that set up a table at the show and he purchased this minty FA97 for $700. He told me the dealer just couldn't get anyone to show interest at a higher price. I guess the Wichita area really doesn't appreciate the quality that goes into these guns. They really are the Rolex of single action revolvers!

Thanks,
Darin

[KSFlatheadhunter]

I think you have the answer for the strength. I LOVE Mine - Its a 45Colt/45 ACP convertable, Octagon barrel. Adjustable sights. If you are interested, I have a very custom .45colt Ruger three screw (not modified, for sale if you want a bit more beef and excellent triger,timing, forcing cone work as well gun fighter grip frame, one piece custom grips with leather.





the one for sale.

Hi rjohns94,

I PM'd you about the Ruger. I really like your 97. You are giving me ideas! Thanks for posting the pics!!

Thanks,
Darin

[Hobie]

Yes, your right about the price point. I think they are the Lamborghini of revolvers and if they go used the price falls precipitously. I waited until I had money and a used revolver at the same time. Cyrus listed his here and elsewhere for over 4 months without a sale. I now have it. Nothing wrong with it at all.

If I were to get the .45 Colt (my ORIGINAL plan) I'd get the ACP cylinder, too and it would NEED adjustable sights.

[KSFlatheadhunter]

Yes, your right about the price point. I think they are the Lamborghini of revolvers and if they go used the price falls precipitously. I waited until I had money and a used revolver at the same time. Cyrus listed his here and elsewhere for over 4 months without a sale. I now have it. Nothing wrong with it at all.

If I were to get the .45 Colt (my ORIGINAL plan) I'd get the ACP cylinder, too and it would NEED adjustable sights.

Hobie,

Yes, this is where patience REALLY pays off! I agree about the .45 Colt with the second cylinder in 45 ACP and adjustable sights.

Have a great weekend!

Take care,
Darin

[Hobie]

Yes, your right about the price point. I think they are the Lamborghini of revolvers and if they go used the price falls precipitously. I waited until I had money and a used revolver at the same time. Cyrus listed his here and elsewhere for over 4 months without a sale. I now have it. Nothing wrong with it at all.

If I were to get the .45 Colt (my ORIGINAL plan) I'd get the ACP cylinder, too and it would NEED adjustable sights.

Hobie,

Yes, this is where patience REALLY pays off! I agree about the .45 Colt with the second cylinder in 45 ACP and adjustable sights.

Have a great weekend!

Take care,
Darin

For certain you need patience to find the gun you want, used... I have seen them.

[3leggedturtle]

Rjohns94, that is one nice looking pistol. Am almost tempted too ask what it cost, but couldnt afford one for a while, so it doesnt matter right now. FF1063 has M97 in 357. It is so accurate and handy, going to get one eventually, or 3 in 22LR/22Mag, 357/9mm and 45Colt/45ACP. Just got my credit card paid off so want to get some cash ahead

[Hobie]

They are so good I've considered selling off other guns to raise money to get a .22, .32 (S&W Long, Mag and .327 Fed), and .45 Colt/.45 ACP.

[Naphtali]

Hello,

I am considering a Freedom Arms Model 97 in 45 Colt and I am curious how strong the gun is. I have NO desire to shoot max loads through it but I wonder if it is considered to be a strong as a Ruger Blackhawk as far as what loads it can safely handle. . . .

I own 97 45 Colts with 4.25- and 5.5-inch barrels. Since strength, quality, and perceived values have been responded to, here are loading data I use.

1. Saeco 300-grain SWK-GC, W-W+2 air dropped; W-W brass; CCI 350 primer; 21.92 grains H110. This is a heavy hunting load.

2. Saeco 300-grain SWK-GC without gas check, W-W+2 air dropped; W-W brass; CCI 350 primer; 6.85 grains TiteGroup. This is a mild, easy-to-shoot load.

3. Two Speer .454-inch round balls; W-W brass; CCI 300 primer; 8.2 grains Unique. This is an interesting load. I had a box of the RBs from many years ago. At close range this is rather more effective than you might think.
***
The Saeco bullet requires no special crimping or effort to assure the cartridge's overall length meets 97's requirement. Meplat is very close to LBT's maximum usable diameter.

Hope this helps.

[KSFlatheadhunter]

Hello,

I am considering a Freedom Arms Model 97 in 45 Colt and I am curious how strong the gun is. I have NO desire to shoot max loads through it but I wonder if it is considered to be a strong as a Ruger Blackhawk as far as what loads it can safely handle. . . .

I own 97 45 Colts with 4.25- and 5.5-inch barrels. Since strength, quality, and perceived values have been responded to, here are loading data I use.

1. Saeco 300-grain SWK-GC, W-W+2 air dropped; W-W brass; CCI 350 primer; 21.92 grains H110. This is a heavy hunting load.

2. Saeco 300-grain SWK-GC without gas check, W-W+2 air dropped; W-W brass; CCI 350 primer; 6.85 grains TiteGroup. This is a mild, easy-to-shoot load.

3. Two Speer .454-inch round balls; W-W brass; CCI 300 primer; 8.2 grains Unique. This is an interesting load. I had a box of the RBs from many years ago. At close range this is rather more effective than you might think.
***
The Saeco bullet requires no special crimping or effort to assure the cartridge's overall length meets 97's requirement. Meplat is very close to LBT's maximum usable diameter.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Naphtali, That first load looks like it will THUMP a smidge and the last one looks pretty interesting.

Darin

[cas]

I think you will probably run out of enjoyment (cease to be enjoyable to shoot) before you run out of strength.



I took a year or two to make up my mind what I wanted, a .41 or a .45
I finally went with .45 Colt. I sold two valued Rugers to help get it, one custom and one a .44 Flattop. I miss them some, but I do not regret it.

[KSFlatheadhunter]

I think you will probably run out of enjoyment (cease to be enjoyable to shoot) before you run out of strength.



I took a year or two to make up my mind what I wanted, a .41 or a .45
I finally went with .45 Colt. I sold two valued Rugers to help get it, one custom and one a .44 Flattop. I miss them some, but I do not regret it.

Hi cas,

That picture looks great! I have placed that on my hard drive and I could see it take up a nice place on a custom screen saver!

Yes, I fondled a friend's 44 Spec FA 97 yesterday and it's small size and light weight made me quickly believe I wouldn't want to run anything too hot in it.

Worst thing I have shot was a 11 oz (or something nutty light close to that) S&W scandium frame, titanium cylinder .357 Mag J Frame with Speer 124 Grain GOLD DOT 357 MAG ammo. 3 shots and I thought I had broke small bones in my right hand. 38 special +P were plenty in that light thing.

Thanks,
Darin