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Post by savit260 on Nov 8, 2015 18:32:11 GMT -5
Got to handle a couple of brandy new Freedom Arms 97's yesterday. WOW! I've often wondered if they really were "all that" and after holding a couple of them in hand, it seems they really are.
I know a few of you guys have some F/A's in your safes, and all I can say is that is a group I'd like to join.
It really seems to me that they are honestly a good value at their price point.
The level of attention to detail and the lock up on these things pretty much floored me.
Now I'll just have to figure a way to adopt one of these fine revolvers for myself.
...but what caliber? Decisions decisions... 22lr/22mag, 357, 44 Special, 45 Colt.
Leaning towards the 22 because this would be purely for punching paper.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 8, 2015 18:39:40 GMT -5
I have two. One is a 7 1/2" model in 327 Federal / 32-20 WCF. The second is a 5 1/2" 45 Colt.
IMO they are worth every penny. Admittedly, it's a lot of money to spend on a gun. But, a great gun with very high resale values.
Accuracy matches many rifles. My 32 gun wears a T'SOB scope base with Warne rings holding a Weaver 2x in place. It's a wicked small game getter.
Have heard a few complaints about bullet length restrictions in the 97. But, have found bullet selection excellent.
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Post by savit260 on Nov 8, 2015 18:53:20 GMT -5
A few years back, I got to handle a long barreled , ported , Field Grade 454 Casull, with Rubber Pachmayer's and was impressed with the lockup, but it didn't really "move me" otherwise.
These 97 Premier Grades, REALLY got my heart pounding though!
Such a nice size and weight. The hammer fell right under my thumb, plus the finely fitted grips and nicer finish...sooo nice.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 8, 2015 18:56:09 GMT -5
I long for the day I can own one in 41 Magnum. It would be set up exactly like my 327 Federal.
Would be an ideal hog and deer gun.
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Post by savit260 on Nov 8, 2015 18:58:17 GMT -5
Have heard a few complaints about bullet length restrictions in the 97. But, have found bullet selection excellent. I normally shoot "standard for caliber" bullets, so cylinder length likely wouldn't be an issue. I'm a bit bread and butter at my reloading bench. Nothing too fancy.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 8, 2015 19:01:29 GMT -5
I don't mean to start a debate as everyone has their preferences. But, in my 45 Colt, I have never found anything Hornady's excellent 250 grn XTP won't handle.
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Post by Markbo on Nov 8, 2015 19:15:51 GMT -5
My one and only FA is a .41 mag. It is in a word...magnificent.
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Post by paul105 on Nov 8, 2015 20:02:03 GMT -5
I've had this 4 1/4" .45 Colt for about 10 years. It's handy, accurate, powerful and flexible. Have shot it with open sights, STS red dot, and both 2x and 4x Leupold EERs. The .45 ACP aux cylinder adds to the flexibility (although the ACP cyl has been pretty much dedicated to a 3 1/2" round butt M97). Was out shooting it today (the 4 1/4"). . . Here's the 3 1/2" Round Butt. . . And a 5 1/2" .22 LR/WMR . . Lots of possibilites, the choices are pretty much endless. . Enjoy the journey! Paul
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mrbfr
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 12
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Post by mrbfr on Nov 8, 2015 20:06:37 GMT -5
I'd love to have two, one in .45 Colt the other in .41 Mag!
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Post by jeffer on Nov 8, 2015 21:05:23 GMT -5
I sure like my 45 colt. v
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Post by savit260 on Nov 8, 2015 21:15:29 GMT -5
I've had this 4 1/4" .45 Colt for about 10 years. It's handy, accurate, powerful and flexible. Have shot it with open sights, STS red dot, and both 2x and 4x Leupold EERs. The .45 ACP aux cylinder adds to the flexibility (although the ACP cyl has been pretty much dedicated to a 3 1/2" round butt M97). Was out shooting it today (the 4 1/4"). . . Here's the 3 1/2" Round Butt. . . And a 5 1/2" .22 LR/WMR . . Lots of possibilites, the choices are pretty much endless. . Enjoy the journey! Paul Can you tell me a little more about your 22/22 mag? ? Anything you would have done differently with it? Except for the octagonal barrel it's pretty similar to what I'm looking at.
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Post by trueat1stlight on Nov 8, 2015 22:21:44 GMT -5
Completely agree- I'd love to own one someday, myself! I'd take a hard look at a .32 though, as it seems the .22LR is nearly as or more expensive than many .32 handloads!
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 8, 2015 22:30:24 GMT -5
Completely agree- I'd love to own one someday, myself! I'd take a hard look at a .32 though, as it seems the .22LR is nearly as or more expensive than many .32 handloads! My thoughts exactly. Plus, there is nothing as satisfying as shooting something with home crafted ammo. Finding the right bullet and powder combo. Crafting everything to perfection, then hearing the shot.
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Post by faca454 on Nov 9, 2015 7:21:35 GMT -5
This is a passion..owning Freedom Arms revolvers.... These two are a Model 83 454 Casull "Primus Inter Pares" and a Model 83 .44 magnum. The knife is a Randall "Bushmaster".
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diddle
.30 Stingray
Posts: 470
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Post by diddle on Nov 9, 2015 7:29:45 GMT -5
They are amazing to hold. They even more amazing to shoot. That is where they really shine. I have three FA's. If I could only keep one, it would be The M97, 44 Special. To me (and maybe only me), this is the perfect combination of caliber and revolver.
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