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Post by zac0419 on Nov 10, 2015 5:54:57 GMT -5
The 97's are a real gem. I owned one for about two years but in the end I just couldn't shoot it as well as my bisley. All my fault I know, but it still got sold off.
Shop around and find the right used deal to jump on. When I did sell mine i made a bit on the sale. They do hold their value well.
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Post by faca454 on Nov 10, 2015 6:52:22 GMT -5
The great thing about Freedom Arms platforms ie: the Model 97 and Model 83 is how many different cartridges are chambered for them. These guns are the strongest (Model 83s) in their respective calibers.. the two FAs pictured are a Model 83 in 500 Wyoming Express and a Model 83 in 224-32 FA.
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Post by paul105 on Nov 10, 2015 13:00:20 GMT -5
Just to clarify, the Model 97 isn't offered in .44 magnum -- the bigger M83 is. Paul This has always intrigued me. The 44 Magnum operates at pressures too high for the FA-97. But, the 45 Colt is safe with "Ruger Only" loads which perform as well as the 44 Magnum with larger diameter bullets. It makes for an interesting gun. In this Brian Pearce article www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/Brian%20Pearce%20on%20the%2044%20Special.pdf , Brian says that he could have included a 4th category with pressures up to 36,000 PSI (current .44 mag spec) and it would include the FA97. I measured the chambers (rear - narrowest dimension) of my S&W M69 (L Frame .44 Mag) and my M97 .44 special. The M69 = .060", FA97 - .070"). Both of these measurements are larger than the bolt cuts on a S&W M629 (per B. Pearce article on the M69). At one time I wanted to have my M97 reamed to .44 Mag. Either Hamilton Bowen or Jack Huntington (can't remember which or maybe both) were willing, but I decided against it because my gun is just too accurate to mess with. I even contemplated adding a second cyl in .44 mag but FA wo't do it, and it just gets too expensive. I've loaded the 315gr Lee FNGC DCG, crimped in the lower cr groove (longest OAL") to a chronographed 1,200 fps from my 5 1/2" M97. The OAL was the same as Speer listed in their .44 Mag RIFLE data for the 300gr JFP crimped in upper cr groove (short OAL). Not a recommendation, just sayin' -- the FA97 .44 Special is a very flexible gun/cartridge combo. FWIW, Paul
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Post by BigBore44 on Nov 10, 2015 13:06:30 GMT -5
The great thing about Freedom Arms platforms ie: the Model 97 and Model 83 is how many different cartridges are chambered for them. These guns are the strongest (Model 83s) in their respective calibers.. the two FAs pictured are a Model 83 in 500 Wyoming Express and a Model 83 in 224-32 FA. Faca454 Those are fine lookin revolvers for sure! Can you tell me/Us more about that 224-32 please. That sounds like a pretty interesting round to me.... Thanks BigBore44
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 10, 2015 14:01:34 GMT -5
This has always intrigued me. The 44 Magnum operates at pressures too high for the FA-97. But, the 45 Colt is safe with "Ruger Only" loads which perform as well as the 44 Magnum with larger diameter bullets. It makes for an interesting gun. In this Brian Pearce article www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/Brian%20Pearce%20on%20the%2044%20Special.pdf , Brian says that he could have included a 4th category with pressures up to 36,000 PSI (current .44 mag spec) and it would include the FA97. I measured the chambers (rear - narrowest dimension) of my S&W M69 (L Frame .44 Mag) and my M97 .44 special. The M69 = .060", FA97 - .070"). Both of these measurements are larger than the bolt cuts on a S&W M629 (per B. Pearce article on the M69). At one time I wanted to have my M97 reamed to .44 Mag. Either Hamilton Bowen or Jack Huntington (can't remember which or maybe both) were willing, but I decided against it because my gun is just too accurate to mess with. I even contemplated adding a second cyl in .44 mag but FA wo't do it, and it just gets too expensive. I've loaded the 315gr Lee FNGC DCG, crimped in the lower cr groove (longest OAL") to a chronographed 1,200 fps from my 5 1/2" M97. The OAL was the same as Speer listed in their .44 Mag RIFLE data for the 300gr JFP crimped in upper cr groove (short OAL). Not a recommendation, just sayin' -- the FA97 .44 Special is a very flexible gun/cartridge combo. FWIW, Paul I have no trouble believing this. I suspect the FA-97 would hold standard 44 Magnum loads. Proof loads may be where the problem lies. I believe the 44 Special in the FA-97 would be an excellent gun. If I found a good used one, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
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Post by faca454 on Nov 10, 2015 15:24:48 GMT -5
Big Bore44 Here is a link to the official Freedom Arms PDF info sheet on the 224-32 FA: www.freedomarms.com/224-32fada.pdfIt is a really beautiful gun..BUT it is one for the serious reloader. This cartridge head spaces on the case shoulder..not on the case rim.(even though the chambers are counter sunk for the case rim). I have a 17 HMR on order that will look virtually identical to the 224. BTW those who want a .41 mag should really look at the Model 83. That gun with a 7.5" barrel is possibly the MOST accurate revolver FA makes..period. Ask John Taffin......
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Post by faca454 on Nov 10, 2015 15:28:49 GMT -5
Remember Model 97 FAs are designed as SAAMI spec guns.. Model 83 FAs are the Hot Rod guns..Don't be stupid and blow up a $2000 + Model 97..
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 10, 2015 15:35:28 GMT -5
I can't imagine blowing up any gun. I want a FA 41 Magnum bad. But, mine will be a 97 with a 7 1/2" barrel.
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razor
.327 Meteor
Posts: 523
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Post by razor on Nov 10, 2015 20:27:50 GMT -5
I have had a 5 1/2" 41 mag for about ten years. It has been one great gun. It has killed many groundhogs and one big 8 point white tail deer. The deer ran about 10 yds and feel. I would like to send it back to FA's and get a 7 1/2" barrel installed since it has been wearing a Ultra dot sight. I sure would like to have a 5 1/2" 44 Special to go with it. As much as I like the 41, I think the 44 Special was made for this gun and would be better because you can use almost use any length bullet in them.
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4597
.30 Stingray
Posts: 182
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Post by 4597 on Nov 11, 2015 10:17:53 GMT -5
Hey diddle, I like your thought about the 44 Special. Mines a 5.5" and I love it.
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Post by savit260 on Nov 11, 2015 16:26:13 GMT -5
I think the 97 is the perfect platform for the 32 mag/ 327 cartridge. This little guy is the only FA I have left in the safe. Perfect. Love the grips. 32 is the new 22. Enlighten me on the .32 What are the benefits? I'm wide open to new calibers.
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Post by kings6 on Nov 11, 2015 16:34:49 GMT -5
The 32 Mag is just a fun little center fire that does not use much powder when handloaded and is not too noisy or nasty sound or recoil wise but is heads and shoulders above the 22 in pinecone slaying ability. If I wanted to hunt with this little gun I would slide the 327 mag cylinder in and come close to some 357 ballistics.
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Post by mnimrod45 on Nov 11, 2015 16:48:59 GMT -5
I have wanted a Freedom Arms since I was 14-years-old and first read about them. I have been thinking about one ever since (I'm 40 now). I realized I have bought thousands of dollars worth of guns that I wanted much less so I finally ordered my first Freedom Arms last December, a no frills 5.5" round barrel model 97 in .45 Colt. I almost went crazy and ordered an octagon barrel model 83 at the same time in 500 WE but decided to wait. Wish I had ordered both now.... Well my 97 isn't here yet but I'm hoping in the next couple months to have my first Freedom Arms! Threads like this still get me excited though.
mnimrod45
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Post by rjm52 on Nov 11, 2015 16:57:56 GMT -5
I have three... .327/6.5"/standard square but w/laminated grips .22 Long Rifle/5.5"/standard square butt w/laminated grips... .41/4.25"/black Micarta round butt This is my .327 with my friends three cylinder .32/.32-20/.327 4.25"... As was stated above this gun was made for the .44 Special. With .41 and .45 Colt the short cylinder limits the cast bullets one can use...as in Keith and LBT LN have to be deep seated to work...not so with the .44 Special. The .22 is a great gun but if you reload and want just a light recoiling tack-driver get the .327. Unless you already have a bunch of .32 H&R brass the .327 can be loaded up and down the velocity and bullet weight scale... As to the .44 Magnum in the 97..it can be done and my friend had it done. My friend ordered a 4.25" octagon round butt and spoke with Mr. Baker about having the cylinder cut in .44 Magnum. Mr. Baker said the factory would not do it but it was safe for standard pressure .44 Magnums. Since my friend just wanted to be able to run his target and mid-range reloads he ordered the gun with two cylinders and when the gun came in (about 14 months) he had a local smith rechamber the second cylinder to .44 Magnum. In reality anything that the .44 Magnum could do in this gun can be done with hot loaded .44 Specials... The 97 is small and light enough and recoil heavy enough what would need an extra 100 fps for... That and the already short cylinder is not going to increase the powder capacity anyway as the bullets are going to have to be deep seated... Wonderful guns.... Bob
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Post by jeffer on Nov 11, 2015 21:59:48 GMT -5
My little 97 in 45 colt is my favorite piece. Packs like a dream and with a 250 xtp over a full charge of H110, it can do most anything I would ask of the old Colt. Shown next to my 83 in 454 casual. That 97 packs just like my single six!
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