Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,392
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Post by Snyd on Dec 15, 2017 23:09:46 GMT -5
You must have been leaning very far forward in the saddle here. Going from asking about the **** edition version to getting the Premier w/45 Colt cylinder in 7 or so hours. You just needed the barest nudge to push you over. Take the last paragraph as complete approval, nothing else. When I want something bad enough, home it comes. Does you yet to arrive 83 have the action job and the bushing? I'll guess it has the laminated grips? Ya, it was decision time today. I suppose the only reason I was leaning towards the one was because it's here in town. Not sure on action job. I'll email FA the serial number and find out what it was born with. No on the bushing. Perhaps at some point though. Ya, laminated grips. I'd like Micarta but was flexible on grips, barrel length and ported or not.
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Post by seak89 on Dec 16, 2017 2:52:04 GMT -5
Long arms for short? Shot arm inspection coming up,LOL
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Dec 16, 2017 9:17:19 GMT -5
They are where you find them. I was asking about the bushing due to the age of the revolver. I believe that they don't replace the bushing when they rebarrel if it ever even needs to be rebarreled anyway. The firing pin can be fixed with a trip to FA, which I know you know. Hey, it ain't broke til it's broke. I think you'll like getting the extra 45 Colt cylinder more than some etching on the backstrap and used don't scare me, or you obviously. This probably isn't your first one anyway....
I'm a beginner in FA's but quickly have decided what I like and one thing is the action job. I can lighten a Ruger, but won't mess with the FA. Short story is I bought a new one that was listed as having the action job but didn't (I never saw the end of the box). It will go back to FA to get the better pull as I don't feel comfortable messing with it. There's a world of difference between the supposed 1.5 pound reduction with the action job.
Just a small rant that a revolver that costs what they cost should come with the 3 pound trigger. My opinion stated, I am more than pleased with both of mine. They are picky about bullet nose diameter, but man they shoot and feel so tight!
Every one that pops up for sale, I look at and decide if I want it or not. I like them that much. A 97 in 327 Federal will reside here with me eventually.
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Post by bradshaw on Dec 16, 2017 10:26:16 GMT -5
Snyd.... congratulations. Between two things there is no choice. Had not noticed until reading again that the convertible is a Premium Grade, which, beside the elegant finish, comes with windage clicks on the rear sight. I like a trigger stop on the Model 83. Whereas, do not want trigger stop on a Ruger New Model----nor on Ruger’s “Peacemaker” lockwork. If you're not familiar with, nor accomplished at, trigger jobs on Freedom Arms, these are preferred factory...
Upgrades * Retrofit readily replaceable firing pin. * 2 extra firing pins & springs. * 2 extra mainsprings. * Any new or different height sights you want. (Be sure to target your new revolver with bullets you will use. Noticed rear sight on the “Master Guide” revolver is cranked up high.) * Install a new trigger with adjustable stop and clean, 3 lbs letoff. * If opting for a trigger stop, return original trigger.
Addenda * dhd is correct to expect a clean-breaking trigger should arrive on every Freedom Arms shipped (unless someone desires take-up). * “Jeweling” belongs on a watch, not a firearm. Never understood jeweling on a Mauser, Model 70, worst of all a sixgun. Pearl grips for the gun, mink running boards on the pickup.
Good shooting, David Bradshaw
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Post by paul105 on Dec 16, 2017 12:33:39 GMT -5
Congrats on a fine addition to your “short gun” collection.
Some random thoughts:
I have one of the early field grade 454s. Bought it in the late 80s. The chamber leades were very abrupt (you could call them ledges) and it was difficult to chamber a variety of different loads (the bullet nose diam prob mentioned above). Even the factory 300gr JSPs were extremely difficult to chamber. Mine also had the non replaceable firing pin. I sent the gun to FA and they retrofitted the replaceable firing pin bushing, chamfered the leades and fitted a 45 colt cylinder. This gun has been touble free since, chambers most bullets (within reason) easily and is very accurate with both cylinders.
Have had 3 other M83s (2 475 LBs and a 500 JRH). Also have 5 FA97s in calibers ranging from 22/22Mag to .45 Colt. I shot over 15,000 rnds thru one of the 475s and over 25,000 (lost count a while back) thru one of the 45 Colts. Both guns were bought used and don’t know how much they were shot before I got them.
I have replaced several bolt springs, trigger springs and one firing pin on the FA83s (the one high round count 475 and the 500 IIRC).
I have replaced bolt springs, trigger springs, pawl spring and trigger/hammer assy (don’t remember) which on the FA97. The trigger/hammer has a cam that actuates the transfer bar safety mechanism – mine had been shot enough to cause wear on the cam and you could squeeze the trigger and the gun would not fire because the transfer bar would not cover the firing pin.
These were older production guns and spring failure was a known problem. It is my understanding is that FA has changed specs or suppliers to fix the problem.
I have never had a problem with the mainspring.
I have had the trigger stop on both M83s and M97s. Nice on the M83 but, to me, not useful on the M97 due to the way the trigger resets.
All of this leading up to.
The various springs are not expensive and it is worthwhile to keep several spares on hand. As far as the firing pin goes, heed FA warning and DO NOT DRY FIRE. The only firing pin failure I had was on the used 475 and I was dry firing (with 1x fired cases in the cyl). But, I would still have the replaceable firing pin retrofitted and keep a spare pin/spring on hand.
None of the above is ment to be a “knock” on FAs products as they are some of my favorite platforms. Just might save some time/frustration, and cheap is insurance.
FWIW,
Paul
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Dec 16, 2017 13:28:15 GMT -5
Paul, between you and Mr Bradshaw, you've covered the bad and good with these revolvers. Experience counts, don't it! Glad y'all share it.
Hijacking here, but these revolvers (83's) are an safe platform for the beginning handloader. Hard to get in trouble and you definitely learn to assemble correct ammunition. Until you learn the dimensions of the cylinder, it's a good idea to use it as a loaded ammunition gauge (cylinder removed of course). They also make you appreciate a Ruger Blackhawk as you can almost throw any round in the air and it'll drop right in the cylinder on the way down.
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Post by Lee Martin on Dec 16, 2017 13:55:55 GMT -5
Snyd - thanks for posting this. Around 1996, I saw an Alaskan Guide Series .454 for sale at Potomac Arms in Alexandria, VA. Like the one pictured above, it had green laminate grips, magna-porting, express sights, and the backstrap engraving. As I recall, they were asking $1,100. It was used, but in fine condition. I wasn't in a position to buy at that time, but I wanted it. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Chasing perfection five shots at a time"
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Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,392
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Post by Snyd on Dec 16, 2017 17:15:08 GMT -5
Snyd - thanks for posting this. Around 1996, I saw an Alaskan Guide Series .454 for sale at Potomac Arms in Alexandria, VA. Like the one pictured above, it had green laminate grips, magna-porting, express sights, and the backstrap engraving. As I recall, they were asking $1,100. It was used, but in fine condition. I wasn't in a position to buy at that time, but I wanted it. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Chasing perfection five shots at a time" Well, the "Alaska Wildlife" series gun is still here at the local LGS. I saw it today when I gave them info for the FFL transfer. Not the Alaskan Guide Series but it does have green laminate grips but they are darker than the ones on the gun in the above pic. Lori at FA said it was made with Express Sights but it now has Premier sights on it. no pics... FA Link
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