gsokk
.30 Stingray
Posts: 100
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Post by gsokk on Nov 2, 2021 12:00:29 GMT -5
Hello All
looking at 5.5 inch model FA97s for a all purpose woods / bumping around the outdoors in northeast Pennsylvania. Looking at 41 mag, 44 special, and 45 colt. I do not reload so limited to commercial loads, mainly from Buffalo Bore. I think each would suffice for a general packing gun but I value the opinion of this community.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 2, 2021 12:06:55 GMT -5
45 Colt for a non Handloader...
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Post by bigbrowndog on Nov 2, 2021 13:41:59 GMT -5
Just based on general availability of ammo I’d agree with Encore, based on personal preference I’d go with 41 mag. If you’re not concerned with needing ammo in a pinch, 41 mag is awesome in that gun.
Trapr
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Post by cas on Nov 2, 2021 14:01:55 GMT -5
Have you shot one?
I took a long time choosing between the .41 Mag and the .45 Colt for my 97. I speculate that the 97 might be the perfect gun for the .41 mag, not bigger than it needs to be like most guns it's chambered in.
But... I went with the 45, and there are times where I still wonder if I chose right? (because I have so many other 45's) When I DON'T doubt my choice is when I shoot modern .45 colt loads. Small gun, big hands, poor combination. The warmer loads are not enjoyable to shoot for me.
Point being, were I limited to factory ammo, all .41 Mag stuff would be full power stuff. While there's plenty of traditional .45 Colt ammo out there along with more powerful stuff like BB. .45 colt offers you a lot more flexibly and options.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 2, 2021 14:48:53 GMT -5
It truly comes down to what you want. For versatility, the 45 Colt wins hands down. Especially if you get the 45 ACP Cylinder too.
Simple go to the online retailers and look at ammo selection for each caliber you're thinking about.
For the Handloader, the 44 Special is the best choice. Just my opinion...
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Post by randominator on Nov 2, 2021 14:57:45 GMT -5
45LC. It will give you a lot more options if you don’t handload.
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gsokk
.30 Stingray
Posts: 100
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Post by gsokk on Nov 2, 2021 15:02:21 GMT -5
I shot the 97s in all three of the calibers using Buffalo Bore ammo. 41 mag with their 230 grain Keith bullet (4.25 inch barrel) This is the largest length the cylinder will take, or step up into the model 83. 44 special with BBs 255 grain Keith bullet (from 3.5 inch barrel) and 45 wit BBs 255 grain Keith bullet (4.25 inch barrel) and their heavier 300 grain (forget bullet type) but it fits the smaller cylinder’s OAL The 44 special is the most manageable load but all of the mentioned loads are not too bad in terms of recoil.
Im not the outdoorsman as some of you folks but I always strive to do my best, own the best, and plan the best...if this makes sense. Never owned the 5.5 inch barrel before but like how it feels. Leaning toward a 44 special but the power of the 41 and big ole 45 makes deciding tough. I never seen the BB 41 mag load out of stock. Have seen both 45 loads out of stock but not at the same time. 44 special I think was always in stock throughout the pandemic.
thanks for your reply.
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Post by x101airborne on Nov 2, 2021 15:32:21 GMT -5
If you are going to buy strictly BB ammo, I see little to no difference between 45 Colt and 41 Magnum.
Both of those loads will handle most anything in the lower 48. Even in Griz country, those loads will do fine. It comes down to personal preference.
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bamagreg
.327 Meteor
Woodstock, GA
Posts: 857
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Post by bamagreg on Nov 2, 2021 15:34:04 GMT -5
45LC. It will give you a lot more options if you don’t handload. +1 on the 45 Colt. Many more choices available in factory ammo (plus a lot of versatility if you do hand load). I recently bought a 5.5" M97 in 45 Colt. It's a pure joy to shoot. I was a little worried because I have read on here that many don't like the smaller frame/grip but it works great for me (and I have big hands). I still wouldn't mind having one in 41 mag though  |
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Post by rjm52 on Nov 2, 2021 17:35:26 GMT -5
As said above there are a LOT of pluses and few minuses to any of those calibers...BUT you don't reload...
I have a 4.25" and 5.5" 97s in .41 Magnum as well as as a 4.75" and 6" 83... If you are going to shoot more than hunt I would go with the 97 size gun...just more fun...unless you are going to use mostly full loads...they do get tiring in a 97 pretty quick. There are several companies that make mid-range .41 Magnum that runs in the 1000 fps range. Reed's Ammo also makes .41 Special which is really ideal for the 97/.41. With full magnum loads the 83 can be shot cylinder after cylinder.... As to weight...the 250 grain loads from CorBon, Federal and several others use the LBT WFN-GC bullet that will run in the 97s. I use that bullet from Cast Performance running at 1309 fps and it will stop anything going...
.44 Special...friend has a 4.25" and it will probably his last .44 Special. He has sold off all his Rugers and Smiths except a 696 that is going down the road soon I think. If you handload this is a great round as it is just the perfect size for the 97. No bullet has to be deep seated.
.45 Colt has a lot going for it because it is a big bullet that doesn't have to go fast to be effective. And as was said above if you get one buy a .45 ACP cylinder. There are just tons of rounds out there that can be easily found vs. any of the other three. Plus there is .45 Super and many JHP defensive rounds that are much more developed than defensive rounds for the other calibers....I'm even thinking about picking up a 4.25" round butt with both cylinders....
Good luck in your quest...Bob
ps...if you have not seen them, there a bunch of 5.5" 97s in .41, .44 and .45 Colt/ACP on GunsInternational and GunsAmerica. I bought a 4.25" .327/97 from SMJ a few months ago. He was great to deal with, prices less than retail and has the biggest selection on the net.
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Post by 45MAN on Nov 2, 2021 18:42:18 GMT -5
IF SNAKE SHOT LOADS ARE SOMETHING YOU WANT, TAKE NOTE THAT I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY FACTORY SNAKE SHOT FACTORY LOADS IN 41MAG
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Post by rjm52 on Nov 2, 2021 18:56:52 GMT -5
..been hunting NE Pa. for 18 years...have never even seen a snake...
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gsokk
.30 Stingray
Posts: 100
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Post by gsokk on Nov 2, 2021 19:13:23 GMT -5
As said above there are a LOT of pluses and few minuses to any of those calibers...BUT you don't reload... I have a 4.25" and 5.5" 97s in .41 Magnum as well as as a 4.75" and 6" 83... If you are going to shoot more than hunt I would go with the 97 size gun...just more fun...unless you are going to use mostly full loads...they do get tiring in a 97 pretty quick. There are several companies that make mid-range .41 Magnum that runs in the 1000 fps range. Reed's Ammo also makes .41 Special which is really ideal for the 97/.41. With full magnum loads the 83 can be shot cylinder after cylinder.... As to weight...the 250 grain loads from CorBon, Federal and several others use the LBT WFN-GC bullet that will run in the 97s. I use that bullet from Cast Performance running at 1309 fps and it will stop anything going... .44 Special...friend has a 4.25" and it will probably his last .44 Special. He has sold off all his Rugers and Smiths except a 696 that is going down the road soon I think. If you handload this is a great round as it is just the perfect size for the 97. No bullet has to be deep seated. .45 Colt has a lot going for it because it is a big bullet that doesn't have to go fast to be effective. And as was said above if you get one buy a .45 ACP cylinder. There are just tons of rounds out there that can be easily found vs. any of the other three. Plus there is .45 Super and many JHP defensive rounds that are much more developed than defensive rounds for the other calibers....I'm even thinking about picking up a 4.25" round butt with both cylinders.... Good luck in your quest...Bob ps...if you have not seen them, there a bunch of 5.5" 97s in .41, .44 and .45 Colt/ACP on GunsInternational and GunsAmerica. I bought a 4.25" .327/97 from SMJ a few months ago. He was great to deal with, prices less than retail and has the biggest selection on the net. |
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gsokk
.30 Stingray
Posts: 100
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Post by gsokk on Nov 2, 2021 19:18:13 GMT -5
Thank you. Steve is great to deal with. I just bought his FA83, 4.75 inch 475 Linebaugh he had on guns international. He also has a bunch of FA 97s in the three calibers I’m considering. Want the 44 special but this forum has me going 45. Anyway, all good advice and listening the forum for advice.
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 2, 2021 19:20:08 GMT -5
Well, if we can talk you into starting handloading...
A 5.5" 44 Special would be my #1 choice...
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