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Post by potatojudge on Jun 14, 2020 22:41:54 GMT -5
I can't speak to accuracy comparisons except by reputation, which is to say they are functionally equivalent in nearly everyone's hands.
To choose between the two, I'd go with weight, ergonomics, and chambering. In 50 caliber the BFR has better offerings, or if you need a stretch frame gun like the 45-70. If the BFR 454 is a stretch frame, I'd prefer the compact design of the FA, but I don't know which frame length BFR uses for that round.
I think the scope mounting options on the FA are better looking, as is the gun overall. The 83 grip frame and grips are nice and wide for the big kickers.
I shoot my FA guns out to about 300 yards and they do their part, both the 83 and the 97.
If you haven't been able to, handling them both might give you the answer you're looking for because asking us to compare accuracy probably won't lead anywhere definitive.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Jun 15, 2020 7:54:21 GMT -5
I can't help much with your choice with the 2 brands as I've never held or shot a BFR.
What can do is add my FA experience and it has been extremely good. There are 4 of them with me now (3 83's and 1 97) and they have given me a new perspective on handgun accuracy. The 83's will all place bullets in the same spot on steel at 50 yards and will do under 2" at 100 yards. That's a 357, a 44, and a 45 Colt/454. Hot loads shoot that good and milder loads shoot that good. All I have to do is put quality bullets and consistent charges of powder in the cases, and focus on trigger pull and the crosshairs.
My 327 Federal 97 (which you have no interest in) is more picky but will do the same as long as I shoot what it likes.
2 of my FA's were bought new and 2 were used, but accuracy has been fantastic with all. With the last stated, bullets have to be either jacketed or properly sized cast for them, or they won't fit.
Maybe the BFR is as accurate.
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Post by justahunter on Jun 15, 2020 14:51:43 GMT -5
Zeus
Is that a typo or did you really mean you've never seen an FA that "did" shoot exceptionally.
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cmillard
.375 Atomic
MOLON LABE
Posts: 1,948
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Post by cmillard on Jun 15, 2020 15:45:56 GMT -5
I can't speak to accuracy comparisons except by reputation, which is to say they are functionally equivalent in nearly everyone's hands. To choose between the two, I'd go with weight, ergonomics, and chambering. In 50 caliber the BFR has better offerings, or if you need a stretch frame gun like the 45-70. If the BFR 454 is a stretch frame, I'd prefer the compact design of the FA, but I don't know which frame length BFR uses for that round. I think the scope mounting options on the FA are better looking, as is the gun overall. The 83 grip frame and grips are nice and wide for the big kickers. I shoot my FA guns out to about 300 yards and they do their part, both the 83 and the 97. If you haven't been able to, handling them both might give you the answer you're looking for because asking us to compare accuracy probably won't lead anywhere definitive. MRI uses short frame for the .454
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Post by buckelliott on Jun 15, 2020 17:50:49 GMT -5
Inherent accuracy is one thing, and will differ from gun to gun. The most imprtant variable is YOU, and how well a gun performs IN YOUR HANDS.
Unless you are built like a Ransom Rest, you are the final, determining factor.
How well does the gun's configuration "interface" with your hand/grip ? Having a 1/2 MOA revolver does you little good, if you can't hood within 1/2 Minute of Barn Door.
That said, my nod goes to the FA, simply because I can shoot it better than abBFR..
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Post by samb1611 on Jun 15, 2020 18:25:17 GMT -5
I get the shooters ability is a major factor, but if the gun is only capable of shooting a 5 inch group from a ransom rest. Then the best that can be shot is 5 inch group. The shooter can train and have a chance of getting better. Then when things go awry I know it is not the gun it is me.
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Post by oddshooter on Jun 16, 2020 10:14:27 GMT -5
Welcome samb,
I'm with you about finding the right gun as well as doing the training. It seems to me you need both.
I always try to wring every little bit of accuracy I can get out of a sixgun. I measure for dimensions. I shoot as many powder/bullet combos as I can out of my library and with factory loads as well. I even make custom rounds occasionally for just that one gun.
Once I have done the above, I feel like I know the standard accuracy of the piece. I love chasing to find that standard. Missing that standard is on me after that.
Prescut
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Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,388
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Post by Snyd on Jun 18, 2020 1:34:46 GMT -5
There's just something special about the FA 83 454. It's Freedoms Flagship gun as well it should be since it was built for the cartridge. If a guy buys a 454 FA I seriously doubt you'd ever have second thoughts and regret NOT buying the BFR. Turn the tables and somewhere in the back of your mind.....
A good buddy and self proclaimed gun-aholic get in these discussions about cartridges and guns and it always seems that we come back to comparing everything against the FA 454. It really does set a standard.
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Post by 45MAN on Jun 18, 2020 6:22:03 GMT -5
ON 10 OF 11 AFRICAN HANDGUN SAFARIS A FA MODEL 83 454 (USING EITHER A 45 COLT CYLINDER AND 454 EQUIVALENT HANDLOADS OR A 454 CYLINDER) HAS BEEN MY PRIMARY HUNTING GUN. I HAVE LIMITED EXPERIENCE WITH ANY BFR AND NONE WITH A 454 BFR. NO KNOCK ON A BFR 454, BUT IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT GO FA FOR YOUR 454, BFR's FOR THE LARGER CARTRIDGES.
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tomc
.30 Stingray
Posts: 126
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Post by tomc on Jun 18, 2020 7:55:37 GMT -5
The problem I have with Freedom Arms is the lack of a transfer bar, so you can only safely carry 4 rounds in the cylinder. BFR doesn't have that problem.
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 18, 2020 12:26:05 GMT -5
BFRs are great. 1/3 the cost of FA, can get the Bisley Gripframe, comes with a great scope base.
Like the FAs and they're fine guns. But, having BFRs in 454 Casull, 475 Linebaugh and 500 JRH for the same money is just too tempting for me.
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Post by CraigC on Jun 18, 2020 14:15:40 GMT -5
BFR's are excellent guns and a great value. If you're wanting to get into a heavy duty sixgun on a budget, they're tough to beat. For a stretch frame, they beat the hell out of an X-frame. That said, there are things I don't like about the BFR and they are insurmountable. I don't like the design of the ejector housing. It's round and looks like an afterthought. A minor gripe but I think most of us are all about details. I don't care for the blocky shape of the frame or triggerguard. The FA and Ruger are much more refined in that regard. I also don't care for the screwed-on front sight. My biggest gripe and the one hardest to do anything about is the grip frame. What they call a "Bisley", ain't. When I heard they were going to do a Bisley I got excited. Then I saw it. It's a modified Super Blackhawk profile. I get along fine with the SBH if it has thicker and rounded custom grips and is no more potent than the .44Mag or .45Colt. No issues shooting mine with the Buffalo Bore 340gr load. However, it's not as comfortable as the Bisley (my #1) or the FA (my #2) for that matter and is more likely to roll in my hand during recoil. I will go on record right now by saying that if MRI introduces a BFR with the Ruger Bisley grip frame and in carbon steel, I'll be first in line. I could live with or fix the other complaints if that happened. They cost three times as much new but used FA's can be had for only slightly more than a new BFR. That's where I shop. It took me a long time to come around to FA's but when I did, I explicitly looked for used Field Grades. I ended up with a dual cylinder .45Colt/.454 for $1500 and had Rob Rowen fit it with bighorn sheep grips. They still cost a good bit more but between the two, I'll take the FA every time.
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 18, 2020 14:20:19 GMT -5
I like reading these peaceable debates. Everyone has posted their likes and dislikes without slamming others.
The original OP asked which was most accurate. Thru all these posts, everyone agrees both are accurate, great guns.
Kudos to all...
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Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,388
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Post by Snyd on Jun 18, 2020 14:40:27 GMT -5
If a guy shops around you can pick up a not so used, used FA. I bought my 7.5" Premier Grade online from a Cabelas in Washington for 1400 shipped to me here in AK with a 45 Colt cylinder. The gun looked brand new. The 454 cylinder didn't look like it had been shot. The 45 colt cylinder had some evidence of being shot some. I did choose to send the gun back to Freedom for the upgraded firing pin and had John do an action job on it as well. Basically he went through the gun. Including AK to WY shipping I'm in the gun 1700 and it's like a new gun. I don't regret NOT buying a new BFR! Now, I have a buddy who has the itch for a 50, actually a 51 and for him, the BFR is a no brainer.
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Post by jfs on Jun 18, 2020 15:10:23 GMT -5
After reading John Taffin`s article in the FACA journal about the FA`s m-83 in 41 I ordered one from the factory... When she arrived I loaded up some of JT`s handloads and made the best 100 yard 3 shot group of my life.. I can`t duplicate that group today as my hands are not as steady but a picture is worth a 1000 words.... I cannot speak about BFR because I`ve never shot one...
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