matts
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 59
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Post by matts on Aug 27, 2019 10:19:14 GMT -5
Hello,
Got a small hunt planned for late December and figure that’s a great excuse for a new pistol. I’m looking at the 357 or 41 mag freedom arms. I have lots of big boomers and want something capable of turkey, deer, rams and maybe hogs. Does anyone have any experience with these on the critters mentioned? Also, is there any other in those calibers I’m forgetting and should consider?
Thanks!
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Post by squigz on Aug 27, 2019 10:26:55 GMT -5
Specifically for Freedom arms I cannot comment on them as I've only lusted over and never owned.
For the calibers, the two you listed I do own multiples of both and can say without a doubt that I prefer the 41 over the 357. I believe for the listed species; 41 would be the better of the two, though I'm sure all listed was taken without issue with a 357.
Don't overlook a viable 44 special or 45 colt either, where these can both be "boomers" they don't have to be and can still be considered above adequate for harvesting the animals listed.
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Post by sixshot on Aug 27, 2019 11:17:19 GMT -5
What can't you take with he 41 magnum? you can load it down to 357 magnum power if needed but not the other way around. This spring a couple of eastern friends were visiting me & hunting some rock chucks & had to drop off a Freedom Arms for some cosmetic work, I only live 45 minutes from the factory. While they were there they ask what was the hottest selling caliber right now, the answer, the 41 magnum.
Dick
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Post by potatojudge on Aug 27, 2019 11:33:21 GMT -5
You won't go wrong with whatever you pick.
Have you had a chance to handle a FA 83 and a FA 97? I have both, but only one 83 as the 97 does all I need in a MUCH more compact, lighter package. I'd strongly recommend handling both first, if possible.
I have three FA97s- two 44 specials and a long barreled 357. I've taken them all out after deer and pigs. The 357 you'll have to decide for yourself what your range is going to be and what bullet weight and design you'll run. The 4X guns don't take so much consideration, just accuracy testing and a proven bullet.
The 357 FA 97 is a 6 shot compared to 5 for the 40+ calibers.
I think a 41 splits the difference nicely, but the reality is that the 44 special loaded hot is equivalent to a 44 mag which is equivalent to a 41 mag and they'll all take game equally as well. Even the smaller 97 will take hot loads, including Ruger only 45 Colt and top tier 44 special loads.
For the same platform, the 357 will be heavier than the 41 will be heavier than the 44 will be heavy than the 45.
I'd recommend a shorter barrel if you pick a big-bore. Velocity difference will be minimal, weight will be less, and it'll be easier to carry. I use an RMR (on sale now) with the factory mount so sight radius isn't a consideration. For the 357 I think you need all the velocity you can muster.
FA holsters are acceptable, price is ok, and they're immediately available.
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Post by jfs on Aug 27, 2019 11:33:55 GMT -5
From bobcat to boar to mule deer, with the proper bullet the Freedom model 83 in .41 Mag can do it all... A great caliber made even greater in Freedom`s single action....
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Post by bradshaw on Aug 27, 2019 11:50:00 GMT -5
matts.... if you have a chance to shoot both Model 83 and M97, do so. I do not get along with the Model 97 grip, to me the least friendly single action conformation for recoil. Whereas, I generally shoot the M83 to the same Point of Impact with both factory wood and Pachmayr neoprene. I do not believe in trying to skimp on weight in a hunting revolver. Dick Casull made the three pound revolver which became the model 1983 for his cannon .454 Casull, a torquey brute at full house. Due to tight specifications, a Freedom Arms milks velocity better than any other revolver. On top of that, you can upload in the Model 83. By upload I always mean SLOW POWDER. David Bradshaw
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Post by taffin on Aug 27, 2019 11:50:35 GMT -5
Hello, Got a small hunt planned for late December and figure that’s a great excuse for a new pistol. I’m looking at the 357 or 41 mag freedom arms. I have lots of big boomers and want something capable of turkey, deer, rams and maybe hogs. Does anyone have any experience with these on the critters mentioned? Also, is there any other in those calibers I’m forgetting and should consider? Thanks! The Freedom Arms .41 Magnum 10 inch is the most accurate single action revolver I have ever fired. I have used it on feral pigs. The .357 Freedom Arms can be loaded pretty hot with 180 grain bullets and I have used it on deer and rams and with 125 grain jacketed Hollow points it makes a perfect turkey gun with no problem taking head shots. Whichever one you choose is a Win/Win, HOWEVER if you are planning on ordering one from Freedom Arms for a December hunt you have probably already waited too long.
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matts
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 59
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Post by matts on Aug 27, 2019 12:18:06 GMT -5
Thanks for all the pics and suggestions.
I do own a couple FA 83 and 1 97. The 97 has a rounded butt and doesn’t fit me very well. But the standard 83 is pretty good.
What scope and bullet are you all using in the 41? I was thinking a leupold but didn’t know on fixed versus variable?
I spoke to a dealer that sells FA and he said he can convert an order and possibly have it in 4 weeks, but up to 8. I’m asking about 9” barrel, no sights, and sling swivels. Maybe add a trigger job.
Thanks again for all the help and convincing. Not that it took much. Any info on loads/bullets for 41 let me know. I think that’s the way I’m heading. I know 357 in FA can be hot rod fed but think the 41 will take care of my itch for now.
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matts
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 59
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Post by matts on Aug 27, 2019 14:48:20 GMT -5
They have a premier grade 10” in stock so I may end up with that. I wanted a field grade without sights but that will take longer.
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Post by squigz on Aug 27, 2019 14:54:15 GMT -5
My 41 Blackhawk has really been enjoying 8gr of Unique under a 215gr LSWCHP from GTBullets; it also shoots 17gr of 2400 extremely well with the same bullet.
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Post by wildcatter on Aug 27, 2019 15:35:05 GMT -5
For Hunting I would go with the 41 but the most important thing with either is knowing your limitations with either, and what to feed them for each situation in my opinion.
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Post by jfs on Aug 27, 2019 16:21:51 GMT -5
The Freedom Arms .41 Magnum 10 inch is the most accurate single action revolver I have ever fired. It was this recommendation by JT that I bought a ten inch 41 model 83 and never looked back. I use 210gr XTP and Swift bullets and a JT handload using #9 powder that makes my 41 a "one load" handgun.. The following is a short article on the terminal performance of the 41 bullets I mentioned above.....It was written in 2015...PS- The scope is a Burris 2-7X that is now held in a Lovell scope mount... TERMINAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS OF .41 CALIBER 210 GRAIN XTP AND SWIFT A-FRAMES Pulled out my box of recovered handgun bullets and removed all those of .41 caliber. There were eight XTP`s and three Swift A-frames. There original weight was 210 grains. The range the animals were shot was from 20 yards out to just over 90 yards. Most of the game were boar in the 200+ pound range plus a large body aoudad, a blackbuck and a Axis deer. HANDGUNS and HANDLOADS: 1) S&W 657 with 7 1/2" barrel shooting a 210gr XTP over 22.7grs of H-110 for 1400+fps. 2) Freedom Arms m-83 with a 10" barrel shooting a load from John Taffin that uses a heavy charge of AA#9 under both the 210gr XTP or Swift A-frame. The XTP ran at 1745fps while the Swift A-frame ran at 1674FPS. average recovered weight of 8 XTP bullets: 138.95 grains average recovered weight of 3 Swift bullets: 201.6 grains average expansion for 8 XTP bullets: 0.620" average expansion for 3 Swift bullets: 0.660" The Swift is a premium, bonded, partition bullet and well worth the money they cost. As you can see in the photos the expansion and weight retention are consistent and almost perfect. The XTP`s gave higher velocities with extremes at weight loss. While the XTP is not in the same class as the Swift it must be remembered that these bullets were taken from dead animals so they worked when placed in the right spot. I hope you 41 mag guys may find this as useful information. You will be able to tell which 3 bullets are the A-frames as they show the same expansion.....
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Post by jfs on Aug 27, 2019 16:24:48 GMT -5
They have a premier grade 10” in stock so I may end up with that. I wanted a field grade without sights but that will take longer.
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Post by wildcatter on Aug 27, 2019 17:16:54 GMT -5
I couldn't agree more with the performance of the Swift A-Frame. I have used the 44 and 45 caliber A-Frames in a wide range of velocities, and found like the ones you show James, they just do what a bullets should do day in and day out. I have a lot of friends that think they are over priced, but like you, If I want a Jacketed bullet that will open up and stay together, the A-Frames are the only ones I would recommend.
Good to see this same performance in other calibers, just concludes the fact, they are a bargain!
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Post by bradshaw on Aug 27, 2019 17:22:48 GMT -5
Have ‘em put a TRIGGER with STOP SCREW. Unless you specifically don’t want the trigger stop. I prefer a trigger stop on the Freedom Arms. Don’t want a trigger stop on a Ruger, New Model or old. Prefer a trigger stop on a Smith & Wesson but can live without.
Consider also buying the Freedom Arms snap caps. Although, the firing pin lasts longer when you dry fire with a chunk of lead, leather, or rubber in the hammer slot of frame. Good hunting, David Bradshaw
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