Freedom Arms Question

[jkbrea]

Since the recent posts on the FA revolvers, I've been hooked. I only found one gun shop in my area about 50 miles away that stocks them but only in 454 with the long barrels. I was leaning towards a model 83 45lc in 4 3/4" barrel or the 97 in .357.
Does anyone here own a model 97. I was curious as to the size. The site says 90% of the model 83 but I've never held a 83. How does it compare to the size of a Ruger Blackhawk?

[Buck Elliott]

The FA Model 97 is roughly comparable to the SA Colt in size, but is somewhat heavier than the Colt, and has a different feel, mostly because of the grip-frame configuration. They are very tough, extremely well-built revolvers, as should be expected from Freedom Arms.

A good friend of mine has several, in .44 Spl. and .45 Colt, and goes for the shorter barrels as well.

[jkbrea]

I was also curious about the 454 caliber. I read you can shoot the 45lc from it but some come with a separate cylinder. Can the 45lc be fired from the same cylinder the same as.357/38 or .44 mag/44 sp.?

[Mich Hunter]

I have a FA Model 83 Premier Grade Fixed Sights. The sights are like a traditional SAA, but this one is in 454. I thought that it would kick more than my Ruger DA 454, but it doesn't. It is a pleasure to shoot and is the nicest pistol I hvae owned. It is slightly larger than a Ruger Blackhawk, but not by much.

[kimwcook]

Jkbrea, you can shoot 45 Colt through a FA 83 in 454 Casull, but you'll void the warranty from FA if you do. That's why there's usually a second cylinder fitted to a FA 83 in 454, so as to not void the warranty. I personally will not own another short barreled 83 in 454. I had FA cut a 7.5" bbl. down to ejector rod length and the recoil and blast is very, very stout. I sold it and bought another 7.5". I won't be cutting this one down. Love the 83's, but I have no experience with the 97's. I wouldn't some day mind having a 97 in 45 Colt.

[Paul105]

You cannot buy a FA Model 83 in .45 Colt -- you can buy one in .454 with an auxilary .45 Colt cylinder. Freedom Arms advises against using the short .45 Colt ammo in the .454 Cyl.

The M97 is about 3/4 of a pound lighter than a M83. Example -- 4 3/4" Premier Grade M83 .454C weighs 49 oz. and a 4 1/4" Premier M97 in .45 Colt weighs 36 oz.

Here's an article written by John Taffin on the .45 Colt FA M97. A quarter way thru the article is a chart comparing dimensions of the The M97 to the FA83, Ruger Blackhawk, and Colt New Frontier

http://www.sixguns.com/range/Fa45.htm

There is also a spec sheet on Freedom Arms website showing lengths and weights of various calibers with differnt barrel lengths for both Models (M83 & M97). If the following link doesn't work -- it's at the bottom of FAs Home page under "Revolver Specifications Chart.(pdf)" http://freedomarms.com/

One thing to be aware of is the relative short cylinder on the M97. You are limited to 1.600 OAL (Cyl is recessed for cartridge rims). This might limit your bullet selection or the way you can crimp your bullets in Magnum Length Cartriges (.357 Mag, .41 Mag and .45 Colt). I've never found this to be a problem in my 4 1/4" .45 Colt and I've loaded it with some pretty heavy loads (in accordance with FAs recos of course). It is a small price to pay for such a compact, easy handling, powerful little package.

If I could have only one handgun, it would be the 4 1/4" FA M97 in .45 Colt. With standard .45 Colt loads is a pure joy to shoot. Loaded with 300+ gr bullets it will handle most anything you are likely to encounter in the lower 48.



Compared to a FA83 (.475 LB) and a S&W 329PD.



Paul

[Hobie]

I have the FA97 in .44 Special. I want(ed) a .45 Colt. Might still get one. Maybe a .41 Mag, too. I might even lose the Rugers and USFAs to do it. Haven't decided as I am opposed to selling guns...

[jkbrea]

I have the FA97 in .44 Special. I want(ed) a .45 Colt. Might still get one. Maybe a .41 Mag, too. I might even lose the Rugers and USFAs to do it. Haven't decided as I am opposed to selling guns...

I'm in the same boat. I really want the M97 in 45 Colt with the 4 1/4" but I would have to sell off some others. I have two S&W .44's I would have to part with.

[Old Ironsights]

FWIW, I had the .45 ACP accessory cylinder for my old Field Grade .454. I could regularly hit a 185yd gong with it... though the flight time could be measured with a sweep hand...

[rjohns94]

I just ordered a 97 premier, .45lc w/ .45acp cyl, 4 1/4 inch octagon barrel, fluted cylinders, ivory micarta grips. 12 weeks is the wait. Ordered it 10 days ago so I'm getting excited. This one will match my .475 mode 83 premier which carries a 5 1/2 inch barrel.

[kimwcook]

Good on ya, Mike. You're so funny.

[rjohns94]

I know, I'm a basket case. but you guys are great enablers! and here I thought I was happy with the .22lr, .357 and .475. OH WELL

[Hobie]

Let me know when you sell it Mike...

[kaschi]

Have any of you ever seen, handled or owned the Model 97 with the rounded off grip and 3 1/2" barrel? It's supposed to be a special version offered by Freedom Arms. Brian Pearce (spelling?) wrote an article about it in RIFLE MAGAZINE a few years ago and gave it a good review. Looks like a really nice revolver.

[Paul105]

I've got one in .45 Colt. It is very easy to shoot, tons of fun, and handles recoil very well.



Paul

[kimwcook]

Nice FA's guys. Love the looks of the short tubes and they'd make a great packing piece.

The jury's still out with me on the octagon bbl.'s. I love'em on a rifle so I don't know why I hesitate on a handgun.

Paul, I can't stop looking at the bbl. on your 97.

[FF1063]

I've got the model 97 4.25" in .357 mag. The grip shape is quite different than a Blackhawk, it's more of a Bisley style. It does not roll up in the hand like a Blackhawk.
The other poster is right about the COL length, it is limiting with some SWC bullets.

[rodeo kid]

Does anyone have a Freedom Arms model 1997 in .17hmr? I saw one online at collector arms and it sure looks sweet. I was thinking of getting a Ruger Single-Six in .17hmr but the one I looked at was very stiff when cocking. The Freedom is $1650 compared to $425 for the Ruger. I know it's very well made, but I wonder if it is really woth four times as much. For what the Freedom costs I could get the Ruger, plus a USFA 12-22 12 shot revolver and a Cimarron Richards-Mason conversion and have a few bucks left over. All opinions welcome

[kaschi]

Paul105: That's the one! Beautiful!