My first Freedom Arms revolver.

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Hey all,
Back in November I created a thread asking you all if I should buy a new BFR in 500 JRH or wait on a possible (probable) deal on a Freedom Arms 83 in 454 casull from a guy I knew would need winter money (carpenter, happens every year). I was dead set on a big bore single action. At the end of that thread I mentioned that I had gotten the FA, posted a couple pictures and said that after I beat it up a little bit and got some rounds down range I would post a review. Here it is...

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10" barrel, born July 21, 1988 in Freedom, Wyoming. Wow, what a revolver. Tight, smooth and beautiful (to me). Everything I expected. I've wanted a FA since first learning of their existence about a decade ago. Sadly, the price was more than this man could negotiate out of his better 7/8ths for every used one that came up. Until this one, I won't mention the price but I couldn't get a new super blackhawk for the same money. Came with original manual and 50+ rounds of winchester factory ammo (250 grain hollow points and 300 grain semi jacketed flat nose) . the ammo was basically garbage because of the tight tolerances of the chambers and inconsistant rim thickness of the cases. Even with clean chambers several rims would protrude slightly too far for the cylinder to be turned, rim was just too thick on about 5 or so of them. They fired fine from my toklat. Starline and federal brass had no such issues.
First time at the range the front sight was flung off, the screw either loosened and fell out or it wasn't there at all. Either way, easy fix. After that I decided I should give this gun a little better check over. Removed the ejector housing, grips, sights and cylinder. Wiped off years of congealed rock hard oil from those hard to reach spots and gave her the clean up she needed. The obvious spots (barrel, frame and cylinder were all very clean when I got it). I suspect this revolver wasn't fired much at all, having no detectable wear on any parts. Grips are the old pacmyr rubbers that are not only horrible looking and out of shape while being unpleasant to feel as well, they require replacements. A company called Rowen was recommended to me by THE big bore experts on this forum(in my opinion , @MaxP & @CraigC ) and I think I'll pop for them when I can get the cost cleared here with the Department of war. No easy solution for FA grips...
"But how's it shoot?!"
Shoots well, better than this suffering meat bag can take advantage of. Put as many of those factory rounds through the FA as she would take, the rim issue left the rest for my other 454 casull. My normal load, a 360 grain true shot (Oregon trail) bullet over 26 grains of h110 with a Remington 7 1/2 primer. Accurate in my 5" super redhawk, accurate in the FA. great. Tried my lighter load using a 300 grain xtp mag , it also was very accurate. Waiting for my order of swift A frame bullets because I plan to get a general use load worked up using it (not plinking), I'm told it's superior to the xtp and I believe it.
Here is a 5 shot group @ 25' unsupported , I know others can do better and I pulled one but for me, not bad. I'm sure I can do better though.
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Here's an 8 shot group from 20 yards unsupported . same thing, decent group for me and will be working on getting it tighter.
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Overall very happy with this revolver, the barrel length isn't as big of an issue as I thought it would be. I would prefer a 6.5" barrel but it isn't too heavy and I doubt it would see much carry time at any length. If I get the chance to handgun hunt however, it'll be my first choice.
I'm sure this will be a keeper.
 
Very nice...

Am into .41s myself and have two 83s and two 97s... My first FA was a 83/.454/6" but it was just not "fun" to shoot so when I found an identical one in .41 it went down the road..

Would love to find a 10" .41 priced right...maybe one day...

Have fun with your gun...Bob

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Very nice...

Am into .41s myself and have two 83s and two 97s... My first FA was a 83/.454/6" but it was just not "fun" to shoot so when I found an identical one in .41 it went down the road..

Would love to find a 10" .41 priced right...maybe one day...

Have fun with your gun...Bob

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Wow. I could see a couple more FAs in my future (budget permitting) .
 
...be patient...save up about $1800 and watch the auction sites.

My first one was the top one in about 2003...shot one box of ammo, financial trouble forced sale...$1350.00.

Second was the bottom one about 2010...had 300 rounds through...$1900...but he gave me $600 worth of bullets, brass, holster, scope mount...

Third gun down was next in 2018...LNIB on GunBroker...no one bid...$1650.

Second gun down was found in December in a local shop and was a 6" just like the top gun. Whoever had the gun must have had close to $2700 in it because it had the factory receipt showing almost $600 worth of work and postage just a couple of years ago...and looks like new. $1875.00. Sent it back to the factory to have the barrel shortened to 4.75" as I wanted one like that with a round butt which is one of the things done when it was returned to the factory... Shortening cost $275 including all postage. There is one just like it on GunsAmerica but with black Micarta grips for $3060.00... $2100 is a LOT better than $3100...

Like I said, be patient and have cash or CC ready to go when the deal comes up.

Bob
 
Awesome! I fired one cylinderful with the Pachmayr grips and then sent it to Rowen. They're just too uncomfortable. You can get some really good deals on used FA's. I got my two cylinder 7.5" Field Grade .45Colt/.454 for $1500. Paid for the grips, a scope and mount and still spent a good bit less than a new Premier.
 
Awesome! I fired one cylinderful with the Pachmayr grips and then sent it to Rowen. They're just too uncomfortable. You can get some really good deals on used FA's. I got my two cylinder 7.5" Field Grade .45Colt/.454 for $1500. Paid for the grips, a scope and mount and still spent a good bit less than a new Premier.
I could resist the grip replacement a year or so if they weren't misshapen and poking out in a way they weren't designed to. They are truly terrible. I considered getting the barrel shortened but I think the long barrel is just cool and in this day and age if she wants to identify as a short rifle I need to accept that. Since I doubt I would ever choose such a long barrel if I had an option I'll just keep it as is, I can always have it shortened later if I get the urge.
 
As has been said, watch GunBroker and gun forums and you can luck into some good deals.
I bought my 2 Freedom Arms, a 6" 454 model 83 field grade and a model 97 5 1/2" 44 Special in 2010 when gun sales where slow off gun forums. The 44 was as new, the 454 the owner said it had 200 rounds of 45 Ruger level loads, it had a little holster wear but was still 95%. I have less money in both of them than the cost of either one if bought new.
 
I the early nineties, my kids were young, one summer I mowed yards in the afternoon after I got off work and on the weekends, to save the money up to buy a .Freedom Arms 454 Casual. I ordered a field grade with a 6” ported barrel. It was, and is the most well built revolver I have ever seen. When you pick it up, it is like no other revolver. I still have it and would be hard pressed to part with it. A few years a go I was looking on the FA sight at the revolvers they had in stock and seen they had a .44 special, with a 4 1/4” barrel in stock. I had my local gun shop order it for me. It is no different than, the big 454. Well made and tight. I am sure there are custom made guns that are as good but they would have to be really special to be any better. Freedom Arms revolvers are probably the best well made revolvers out there, short of custom revolvers. I don’t really consider Freedom Arms production revolvers and not quite custom made either. I read an article one time and it said Freedom arms does not make just a huge amount of guns each year. It went on to say the reason why, was so they could make the number, they make, as good as possible. From my experience with them, I would say that is true. You have a revolver that will serve you well, for a very long time. I have seen Freedom Arms bashed in some forums, and from what was said, I thought they were not seeing or handling the same revolvers I was. I believe a lot of the trash talk about them is just plain jealously. You did well. 304F8182-C05D-416E-AEF7-892CCE0B22FA.jpeg 9B62784D-710A-4A37-8E81-3E2FCC5FDDC2.jpeg
 
Question for FA owners: I love high end, well made revolvers - I would like to hunt with a scoped revolver such as an FA model. My only experience with an FA was at a range sitting next to a fellow shooting a 454. Recoil looked very stout (as expected with that caliber), gun was beautiful and felt/ appeared very well made with one caveat - the shooter had to check his frame screws after every cylinder - he told me that the screws shot loose very quickly so he checked them after every cylinder. In turn, the screw heads looked like they had been thru WW II from him working them so much.
I would seriously look into an FA purchase but watching that guy made me wonder. As far as frame screws shooting loose, what has been your experience? Thank you.
 
Question for FA owners: I love high end, well made revolvers - I would like to hunt with a scoped revolver such as an FA model. My only experience with an FA was at a range sitting next to a fellow shooting a 454. Recoil looked very stout (as expected with that caliber), gun was beautiful and felt/ appeared very well made with one caveat - the shooter had to check his frame screws after every cylinder - he told me that the screws shot loose very quickly so he checked them after every cylinder. In turn, the screw heads looked like they had been thru WW II from him working them so much.
I would seriously look into an FA purchase but watching that guy made me wonder. As far as frame screws shooting loose, what has been your experience? Thank you.
Doesn't seem to be the case on mine, but it's still new to me. Front sight screw was missing so I'd imagine it flew off at some point, I'll check mine over tonight if I find any loose I'll report back, I wouldn't be shy to use a little nail polish on the threads if I find it's a problem. Since everything I own gets used a solution will be required if it is happening, can't be losing screws in the woods.
 
Question for FA owners: I love high end, well made revolvers - I would like to hunt with a scoped revolver such as an FA model. My only experience with an FA was at a range sitting next to a fellow shooting a 454. Recoil looked very stout (as expected with that caliber), gun was beautiful and felt/ appeared very well made with one caveat - the shooter had to check his frame screws after every cylinder - he told me that the screws shot loose very quickly so he checked them after every cylinder. In turn, the screw heads looked like they had been thru WW II from him working them so much.
I would seriously look into an FA purchase but watching that guy made me wonder. As far as frame screws shooting loose, what has been your experience? Thank you.

I've had samples of a number of manufacturers shoot loose. It's the nature of the beast. They should all be regularly checked. But no, FAs aren't more susceptible to loosening up than other revolvers.
 
I've had samples of a number of manufacturers shoot loose. It's the nature of the beast. They should all be regularly checked. But no, FAs aren't more susceptible to loosening up than other revolvers.

I little trick that helps this situation a bunch. You don’t want to use locktite, on revolver screws, for obvious reasons. I use Malox, pepto or some of the chalky anti acids on the screw threads. Just a little dab, on a q-tip. It locks the screws, but not to the point they can’t be removed if needed. This little trick will help a bunch.
 
I little trick that helps this situation a bunch. You don’t want to use locktite, on revolver screws, for obvious reasons. I use Malox, pepto or some of the chalky anti acids on the screw threads. Just a little dab, on a q-tip. It locks the screws, but not to the point they can’t be removed if needed. This little trick will help a bunch.
Too true. Oft times, friction beats sticktion.

Todd
 
I little trick that helps this situation a bunch. You don’t want to use locktite, on revolver screws, for obvious reasons. I use Malox, pepto or some of the chalky anti acids on the screw threads. Just a little dab, on a q-tip. It locks the screws, but not to the point they can’t be removed if needed. This little trick will help a bunch.

I normally use red Loctite as I push my testing really hard. Bench shooting (an unfortunate necessity) takes a significant toll on equipment. I have broken numerous scope bases and split my scalp last year when screws holding a base sheered, launching the scope. I don't mind that removing screws becomes difficult as I just want everything to stay put. We even glue the base to the topstrap of the revolver in most cases.

I have never heard of your trick, but it sounds like a good one! Unfortunately, my needs are on the extreme side. Even with red Loctite, I still check screw tightness obsessively.
 
I normally use red Loctite as I push my testing really hard. Bench shooting (an unfortunate necessity) takes a significant toll on equipment. I have broken numerous scope bases and split my scalp last year when screws holding a base sheered, launching the scope. I don't mind that removing screws becomes difficult as I just want everything to stay put. We even glue the base to the topstrap of the revolver in most cases.

I have never heard of your trick, but it sounds like a good one! Unfortunately, my needs are on the extreme side. Even with red Loctite, I still check screw tightness obsessively.


Wow.....did you need stitches?
 
I the early nineties, my kids were young, one summer I mowed yards in the afternoon after I got off work and on the weekends, to save the money up to buy a .Freedom Arms 454 Casual. I ordered a field grade with a 6” ported barrel. It was, and is the most well built revolver I have ever seen. When you pick it up, it is like no other revolver. I still have it and would be hard pressed to part with it. A few years a go I was looking on the FA sight at the revolvers they had in stock and seen they had a .44 special, with a 4 1/4” barrel in stock. I had my local gun shop order it for me. It is no different than, the big 454. Well made and tight. I am sure there are custom made guns that are as good but they would have to be really special to be any better. Freedom Arms revolvers are probably the best well made revolvers out there, short of custom revolvers. I don’t really consider Freedom Arms production revolvers and not quite custom made either. I read an article one time and it said Freedom arms does not make just a huge amount of guns each year. It went on to say the reason why, was so they could make the number, they make, as good as possible. From my experience with them, I would say that is true. You have a revolver that will serve you well, for a very long time. I have seen Freedom Arms bashed in some forums, and from what was said, I thought they were not seeing or handling the same revolvers I was. I believe a lot of the trash talk about them is just plain jealously. You did well. View attachment 891381 View attachment 891382


What are the negatives about the gun that are stated?
 
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