Freedom Arms Fan Boy?

[Gary W. Strange]

Back in the early 90’s, I scraped the money together to buy a field grade 454. They were not called model 83 back then. It’s a 6” barrel. A few years back, I bought a model 97, 4 1/4” 44 Special. It is the perfect woods carry revolver. I believe they are the finest revolvers made and give up nothing to a custom made single action revolver, in the respect to quality. You can have more variety in a custom revolver but as far as quality of build, fit and finish Freedom arms revolvers give up nothing to a custom. In a custom one is basically getting what Freedom arms builds to start with. I have fired many rounds of .454 through mine, a lot of very hot loads and it is still just as tight as the day it come out of the box. I have only shot loads in the 97, that clock 1000-1100, maybe 1200 fps range. I didn’t get it for a magnum, but I see no reason it would not handle much heavier loads, and still not shoot loose. I consider Freedom Arms more of a semi custom maker than production company. They don’t build no where near as many revolvers as others. More quality than quantity. I believe they will compare , complete and shoot with the best out there.

 

[Mark_Mark]

My 83 .454 came with a extra cylinder.45 Colt. I installed the .45 cylinder last night, and it has play in the lock up. It locks, but the .454 is tight as a vault. The .45 Colt cylinder is loose like a Italian SA Clone

Gun is probably from the 90’s but Has never been shot

I’ll call FA right now and see what they have to say

 

[Mark_Mark]

after messing with it… it’s a slight wiggle on the 45Colt cylinder. the bolt was probably fitted for the .454 cylinder, so I don’t care. I’ll give it some range time soon and see if I can shoot the difference

 

[captain awesome]

I just got my FA 454 today. WOW. The thing is crisp and TIGHT, and the trigger is amazing. I compared it side by side to my BFR 475 Linebaugh of the same size. The BFR is nice, as I have always thought it was...but the Fit, and finish aren't even close to the Freedom Arms. The cylinder locks up with NO motion what so ever on the FA, there is a small amount of wiggle on the BFR. The trigger is better on the FA, I can't say whether accuracy is better yet, but everything else is better on the FA across the board. I'm Very pleased with the purchase, even though I probably did spend too much for it.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I just got my FA 454 today. WOW. The thing is crisp and TIGHT, and the trigger is amazing. I compared it side by side to my BFR 475 Linebaugh of the same size. The BFR is nice, as I have always thought it was...but the Fit, and finish aren't even close to the Freedom Arms. The cylinder locks up with NO motion what so ever on the FA, there is a small amount of wiggle on the BFR. The trigger is better on the FA, I can't say whether accuracy is better yet, but everything else is better on the FA across the board. I'm Very pleased with the purchase, even though I probably did spend too much for it.

I need more FA guns! ! ! this is going to SUCK!

that 97 .41 or .44 or even .357 is calling me!

Remember, FA don’t recommend using other cartridges in the cylinder, just what it was make for.

 

[captain awesome]

I need more FA guns! ! ! this is going to SUCK!

that 97 .41 or .44 or even .357 is calling me!

Remember, FA don’t recommend using other cartridges in the cylinder, just what it was make for.

Amen brother. I can see my self getting addicted to them.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Amen brother. I can see my self getting addicted to them.

I’m going to put a RedDot on my! would be the ultimate Cool Guy gun

 

[tuckerdog1]

My 353


My 454



Looking for a 252

 

[Mark_Mark]

Anybody got any .454 Casul brass they looking to trade or sell?

 

[paul105]

My 83 .454 came with a extra cylinder.45 Colt. I installed the .45 cylinder last night, and it has play in the lock up. It locks, but the .454 is tight as a vault. The .45 Colt cylinder is loose like a Italian SA Clone

Gun is probably from the 90’s but Has never been shot

I’ll call FA right now and see what they have to say

Too lazy to go look, but here is a target that shows various loads using both .454 cyl and .45 Colt cyl.
.

.
This was shot with an early field grade gun that was sent back to FA for retrofit of both 45 colt cyl and replaceable firing pin.

 

[paul105]

The Gun
.

.

.
Paul

 

[Mark_Mark]

Too lazy to go look, but here is a target that shows various loads using both .454 cyl and .45 Colt cyl.
.

.
This was shot with an early field grade gun that was sent back to FA for retrofit of both 45 colt cyl and replaceable firing pin.

that 29.5 H110 300gn XTP LPP looks good!

I have those components too!

 

[DukeConnor]

Are they still making these ? For some reason I thought they closed up shop.

 

[paul105]

that 29.5 H110 300gn XTP LPP looks good!

I have those components too!

Upped it one grain to 30.5 and shot several days later.
.

.
Paul

 

[Mark_Mark]

Upped it one grain to 30.5 and shot several days later.
.

.
Paul

HECK YEAh

1.75” - 30.5 H110 - XTP/Mag - LPP

 

[paul105]

HECK YEAh

1.75” - 30.5 H110 - XTP/Mag - LPP

The 300gr XTP was .55 inch - the clover leaf in the center. The lower 1.75" group was with an LBT cast gas check.

 

[Mark_Mark]

The 300gr XTP was .55 inch - the clover leaf in the center. The lower 1.75" group was with an LBT cast gas check.

got ya! what did you COL it to?

 

[paul105]

got ya! what did you COL it to?

Notes only say crimped in crimp groove (XTP Mag only has a single crimp groove). I'll go look and see if I have any still loaded and mik the OAL.

 

[paul105]

Notes only say crimped in crimp groove (XTP Mag only has a single crimp groove). I'll go look and see if I have any still loaded and mik the OAL.

Notes only say crimped in crimp groove (XTP Mag only has a single crimp groove). I'll go look and see if I have any still loaded and mik the OAL.

 

[Mark_Mark]

thank you sir!!!!

1.75 Col - 30.5gn H110 - 300gn XTP

 

[captain awesome]

Well I did it again and bought the new in box Premier Grade Model 83 357 mag with a 7.5" octagon barrel that was listed on Gun Broker. It was one of only two listed, and they didn't have it listed as a 353, but I doubt that makes any difference? the other is a field grade with a 9 inch barrel. I Decided buying the nicely finished and unfired premier grade was worth the extra $500, though I like the idea of a 9" barrel to wring a little more velocity out of it. I will probably put a scope on it, or at the very least a nice red dot and try it on some coyotes with some mid weight screamers. Time to go empty the rest of my discretionary budget for the month out of my bank account..

 

[Mark_Mark]

Well I did it again and bought the new in box Premier Grade Model 83 357 mag with a 7.5" octagon barrel that was listed on Gun Broker. It was one of only two listed, and they didn't have it listed as a 353, but I doubt that makes any difference? the other is a field grade with a 9 inch barrel. I Decided buying the nicely finished and unfired premier grade was worth the extra $500, though I like the idea of a 9" barrel to wring a little more velocity out of it. I will probably put a scope on it, or at the very least a nice red dot and try it on some coyotes with some mid weight screamers. Time to go empty the rest of my discretionary budget for the month out of my bank account..

I normally impulsively buy expensive guns … but with a 1-2 month in between!

You went 1 week! LOL

I’m going to look for a 97 Premier in .357 too!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Well I did it again and bought the new in box Premier Grade Model 83 357 mag with a 7.5" octagon barrel that was listed on Gun Broker. It was one of only two listed, and they didn't have it listed as a 353, but I doubt that makes any difference? the other is a field grade with a 9 inch barrel. I Decided buying the nicely finished and unfired premier grade was worth the extra $500, though I like the idea of a 9" barrel to wring a little more velocity out of it. I will probably put a scope on it, or at the very least a nice red dot and try it on some coyotes with some mid weight screamers. Time to go empty the rest of my discretionary budget for the month out of my bank account..

Do a SRO or New RMR! Old Meets New!

No offense but, the big pistol scope makes the gun look not that cool for carry.

 

[captain awesome]

Do a SRO or New RMR! Old Meets New!

No offense but, the big pistol scope makes the gun look not that cool for carry.

View attachment 1183269

I like the SRO a lot, but I might try that new RMR. Yes I agree, the scopes are a bit large for handguns, and I don't like packing them around with them on.

 

[bigpower491]

Bout time you came off that wallet @Mark_Mark