Freedom Arms sights

[mnimrod45]

Guys,

I'm looking at a 10" Freedom Arms Premier grade that has the Silhouette sights on it. I don't really like the looks of the sights, especially the front hood. I think I can take the hood off but it leaves quite the hook of a front sight that might make using it for hunting or carrying a problem. I like the lower look of the standard adjustable rear sight better as well. I know looks are not everything and I have never used the sights though so maybe they are great. What do you guys who have these sights think of them? Should I consider spending the money to replace them with standard Premier adjustable sights for hunting and general shooting as I doubt I will ever shoot silhouette? If I keep these sights and remove the front hood, do you think filing the front sight hook a bit to flatten it so it would work better in a holster be a bad idea? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Mark

[bradshaw]

Oct 9, 2017 10:26:46 GMT -5 mnimrod45 said:

Guys,

I'm looking at a 10" Freedom Arms Premier grade that has the Silhouette sights on it. I don't really like the looks of the sights, especially the front hood. I think I can take the hood off but it leaves quite the hook of a front sight that might make using it for hunting or carrying a problem. I like the lower look of the standard adjustable rear sight better as well. I know looks are not everything and I have never used the sights though so maybe they are great. What do you guys who have these sights think of them? Should I consider spending the money to replace them with standard Premier adjustable sights for hunting and general shooting as I doubt I will ever shoot silhouette? If I keep these sights and remove the front hood, do you think filing the front sight hook a bit to flatten it so it would work better in a holster be a bad idea? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Mark

*****

The original 10-inch Silhouette Model 83’s were made before existence of a Field Grade. One was made in .454 Casull for John Taffin, the other in .44 Magnum for me. In my talks with Wayne Baker, president of Freedom Arms, I asked where cost could be reduced without sacrificing quality. The finish is labor intensive, replied Baker. That was the main area for potential savings; grips were second. I pressed for a Bo-Mar rear sight. Basically, John and I double-teamed the Bakers. This pair of original M83 Silhouette revolvers came through with Bo-Mar sights set in a base milled from stainless steel. Although the revolvers were not marked “Premium Grade,” these, like all other M83’s at that time bore the premium brushed finish. The Silhouette Model was then released with bead-blasted finish and frame marked “Field Grade.” Nearly all who bought the 10-inch for silhouette opted for the Field Grade. Sights were ISGW (Iron Sight Gun Works), an excellent micrometer rear sight with back-swept blade and----importantly----a DEEP NOTCH. The ISGW sight had already established its reputation for repeatability and a clean picture on the IHMSA firing line.

Mark.... If you want to shoot iron sights, ask Freedom Arms for a blank of appropriate height and have it filed as a target blade in the Smith & Wesson style, or as a STEEP RAMP with fine serrations. Either shape works from the leather. The Freedom Arms silhouette blade will shark-bite a holster. For extreme iron sight accuracy, the window of FA adjustable sights is too shallow, and likely too wide. I would instruct the holster maker to provide a generous barrel channel and to squeeze the frame/cylinder section. The long barrel keeps a revolver in the holster until you want it. When you want it, you want it like you need it----smooth, silent, quick.

Since the silhouette blade resembles a triangle, to file on it lowers its height. This will cause the fine revolver to shoot high. The hooded front sight came along after the first issue blade. Blades for the hood work with or without the hood. With hood removed, a step is visible at the base of the blade. Steel shooters have hunted with their silhouette M83’s, with and without the hood. To holster the revolver, use a dedicated blade.
David Bradshaw

[dvnv]

Ken O'Neill on this site makes (or used to) front sights for FAs...I have a couple and like them.
I prefer the silhouette rear to the standard which is too large and blocky for my eye. If you ditch
the rear sight and want to sell it, I would be interested.

[Alaskan454]

I believe David Clements also makes custom sights for the FA mount. $50 each I think?

[dhd]

And that's why I frequent this site so much! Mr Bradshaw (and many others) will freely give their experiences with us. Being an OCD type personality, I like knowing why things are the way they are, and now I know some small part of why Freedom Arms 83's are the way they are.

[Alaskan454]

Also, for what it's worth I've been using the undercut style sight on mine for a few years now. Couldn't be happier, though you need to consider your leather accordingly.

[mnimrod45]

Thanks guys,

Found a good deal on a 10" premier grade with those sights and was debating to buy it or not. I think I will with your input.

Mark