bt8541
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 40
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Post by bt8541 on Nov 12, 2015 23:21:17 GMT -5
I have had a couple FAs in the past and currently have two 97s on order. I am 17 months in on the first, a 45 colt and 11 months in on the second, a 44 special.
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diddle
.30 Stingray
Posts: 471
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Post by diddle on Nov 13, 2015 8:19:00 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 Nimrod45, I have a 5.5" M97 in 44 Special. You will love it in 45C. I ordered two more FA's at the same time you ordered yours. I received my M83 (454/45C) about 6 weeks ago. I also ordered another M97 (357/38). When I last talked with the good folks at FA, I sensed that they would be making a run of 97's right behind the M83's. FWIW ... my gut says delivery will be about Feburary or March. I hope we get them sooner!
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bt8541
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 40
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Post by bt8541 on Nov 13, 2015 10:19:48 GMT -5
They were supposed to start a run of 97 in October.
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Post by jeffer on Nov 13, 2015 13:44:51 GMT -5
Taking my 97 out deer hunting tomorrow morning. How many here on the farm hunt with their 97's?
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 13, 2015 13:50:06 GMT -5
I do my 32-20 / 327 Federal. Have to admit the 45 Colt just a back up gun. Capable of hunting no doubt, just not what I bought it for.
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Post by jeffer on Nov 13, 2015 18:33:53 GMT -5
That's interesting. I think a lot of guys are using a 45 colt in that gun as more of a back up versus a primary hunting tool.
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Post by mnimrod45 on Nov 13, 2015 18:46:10 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 Nimrod45, I have a 5.5" M97 in 44 Special. You will love it in 45C. I ordered two more FA's at the same time you ordered yours. I received my M83 (454/45C) about 6 weeks ago. I also ordered another M97 (357/38). When I last talked with the good folks at FA, I sensed that they would be making a run of 97's right behind the M83's. FWIW ... my gut says delivery will be about Feburary or March. I hope we get them sooner! diddle That's good news. I was back and forth between the 44 special and .45 but I really lean towards the 45 most times. I don't think the cylinder restrictions will be an issue for me, we'll see. I am still kind of wishing I ordered the model 83 too now but too late. Maybe I'll put an order in this year. Thanks
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razor
.327 Meteor
Posts: 523
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Post by razor on Nov 14, 2015 10:40:38 GMT -5
My 41 malkes a real good muzzle loader. Ha ha.
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Post by paul105 on Nov 14, 2015 10:45:18 GMT -5
mnimrod45
You can work around the "short" cyl on the .45 Colt M97. There are plenty of bullets available that crimp normally at 1.600" OAL. You can always seat/crimp over the front dr band on SWCs or up the ogive on ohter nose profiles. You can also trim brass, a process I avoid at all costs. Couple of examples:
1. 270gr RCBS SAA seated deep, and crimped over the front drive band over a charge of 8.0gr of HP38/WW231. Load is accurate and clocks a little over 900 fps from my 4 1/4" M97
2. 300gr LFNGC (from MT Bullet Works), seated to 1.595" OAL and crimped along the front ogive over a charge of 21.5gr H110 w/CCI 350s, chonos right at 1,150+- fps from both my 3 1/2" and 4 1/4" guns. Never had a problem with crimp jump (my dies provide great neck tension) and the little 3 1/2" shoots this bullet amazingly well.
3. 300gr (315gr actual) RCBS SWCGC seated to crimp normally will be just below the face of the cyl. If crimp jump is worrisome, you can crimp over front drive band. I've done it both ways. This bullet is one of the most accurate I've run across in the .45 Colt.
4. 300gr Lee FNGC dual crimp grove seated and crimped in the top crimp groove, accurate and powerful.
Many other possibilities.
FWIW,
Paul
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Post by Encore64 on Nov 14, 2015 10:47:14 GMT -5
Think my favorite cast bullet for the FA-97 45 Colt is the Matt's 305 grn SWC.
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Post by paul105 on Nov 14, 2015 11:00:22 GMT -5
Matt's 305gr is a perfect fit for the M97 -- for some reason, I could never get it to shoot in my M97s. I've also had great luck with the above mentioned 300gr Lee FNGCDC -- works in both M97s and M83 w/.45 Colt cyl.
Paul
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Post by Alaskan454 on Nov 14, 2015 18:43:14 GMT -5
I was recently lucky enough to join to FA club and I can't believe it took me so long. They are pricey but still a bargain for what you get and I wish I'd forked over the cash for one sooner. I like my Rugers but I can see most of them getting replaced with 83s and 97s as funds allow. If I were in the market for a 97 it would be in 45. Likely a round butt 4.75 or standard grip 5.5 barrel. The 45 Colt cartridge is so flexible in a 97, with published data from 155gr SWCs up to 300+ gr you can always find a combo to for your needs. Even if you punch paper it's always better to do it with the biggest bore you can.
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Post by Thunderjet on Nov 15, 2015 9:52:21 GMT -5
I have owned 4, and two were sold off due to stupidity on my part. Currently own one in 22 LR and another in 44 mag. Both are optioned pretty heavy and include octagon barrels. There is no finer factory revolver ever made in terms of fit and finish. Some members here have their nose in the air when it comes to FA's and it makes no sense. Maybe they think if they gather the parts them self then send it off to a custom maker it's a better revolver? If they do, to each their own. Nothing compares with the feel when you work the action of a FA. Worth every penny and the long waiting times to order one.
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Post by jeffer on Nov 15, 2015 10:22:15 GMT -5
While there are some heavy LBT designs that work in the 97 45 Colt, mine rarely sees anything but the 250 XTP over a full dose of H110.
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diddle
.30 Stingray
Posts: 471
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Post by diddle on Nov 15, 2015 13:50:23 GMT -5
I like the 45-300G from Tom over at Accurate Molds. Lubed with Lar's Carnuba Red and sized to 0.451", my FA likes them in both the 45C and 454 configurations.
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