Being a big bore SA shooter in this forum is quite interesting. There are a number of people here with FA guns and highly modified Ruger's such as the Linebaugh's, Clement's and Accusport. Freedom Arms makes a great product and their guns are very well respected for fit, finish and precision. You should also be able to get one fairly soon.
On the flip side is the highly customized Ruger based SA guns that run around $3,500. By this I mean you can purchase the Ruger Bisley donor gun and then send it in and wait your turn in line with one of the gunsmiths that specialize in this area. Although Freedom Arms still offers the .475 Linebaugh, I don?t think John Linebaugh has made a .475 revolver in the last two years. They are all .500 Linebaugh now. I think John is running about 8-10 months on orders right now. Dustin Linebaugh may not be that far behind.
I found the plow handled Colt style of the FA guns matched with the .454 round caused the gun to rotate so hard in my hand it cut the webbing between my thumb and index finger. I cant imagine what a .475 would be like.
Sorry I have no experience with this new .500 Wyo Express. Although this is what I know so far. It is proprietary to Freedom Arms. The .500 Wyo Express is .500 wide and is currently offered in 370, 400, and 440 grain. The speeds vary from 1370, 1300, 1250 respectively.
Linebaugh cartridges are used by a number of custom builders including Freedom Arms. The Linebaugh is not really .500 I think its actually .511 if memory serves me correctly. The .500 Linebaugh now comes in many different bullet weights including 400, 435, 460, and a 500 grain bullet. The speeds vary from 1350, 950 & 1250, 1,150, and 1,100 fps respectively. A 500 grain bullet moving at 1,100 fps is like throwing a Volkswagon from Jackson Wyoming into Idaho Falls. You don't want to be on the receiving end.
Either way getting ammo for custom calibers is tough. It's usually a mail order proposition. A box of .500 Linebaugh (20) 435 grain / 1250 fps rounds will run around $50. I suspect the .500 Wyo Express will be close in price. I buy mine from Grizzly cartridge.
I have fired and used guns from Freedom Arms and John Linebaugh and my personal preference is the conversion made by John Linebaugh himself. The Bisley grip is shaped better to handle the massive recoil of these cartridges. With the FA the recoil snaps viciously back into your hand. The Linebaugh Bisley is more of a push. They both require some getting used to, but I think you would be happy with either.
I will tell you I was dead set on an FA model and was already to write the check when I got an invitation to shoot with John at his home in Wyoming. After shooting his guns there was nothing more to be said.
If you decide you want to talk to John email me and I will send you his home number. I would recommend you check out the posting here called ".500 Linebaugh by David Clements" as there are some great Ruger conversion pictures there.
The FA 83 in .500 Wyo Express looks like it will be a great gun and being from Freedom Arms it will be reasonably priced. The custom conversions are in their own right the top of the class of custom guns. Your can go from mild to wild. It really depends on how much you want to spend.
Here is some pictures of my .500 Linebaughs, gun leather and saddle made by Keith Sediel, and a custom knife by Dennis Friedly. The last picture has Dustin Linebaugh, Keith Seidel, John Linebaugh and Dennis Friedly all of Cody, WY.
Good luck with your decision. Its always nice to see another big bore SA fan here!!