Freedom Arms Rimfires, Good, Bad, Ugly??

[bks]

I am considering selling my collection of S&W revolvers and purchasing 2 Freedom Arms 97s in 22LR and 17HMR. I would like to hear opinions from anyone that has these FA guns or has had them? I have a S&W 647 in 17HMR and it would be one of the ones I’m selling so feel free to base any comparison s on that gun.

[balin]

Do you like any of the Smiths? If so you could sell the ones you don't like and just buy one gun. Or save up if you like the ones you have. Freedom Arms won't be going out of business soon, I don't think.

[rjm52]

Have had two of the FA 97s in .22...one just Long Rifle and one with the extra Magnum cylinder. Both had the 5.5" barrel. Extremely accurate guns to shoot and the American Rifleman magazine said their test gun was the most accurate .22 handgun of any kind they ever tested.

That said I don't know if I would be selling off the S&Ws to buy FA. Unless you have a really great deal on a couple of mint used ones, on new ones you will loose 25-30% right out the door if you wanted to sell them. The Smiths are going to continue to appreciate in value, especially if there are any that are no longer made.

Bob

[bks]

Yeah I have a 647 17HMR 8 3/8” and a 617 8 3/8”.

I guess I’ll try to save my pennies.

Thanks for the replies

[bearskinner]

I’ve had a FA252 for many years. Yes, THE most accurate .22LR I have ever shot. It’s the same frame as a FA83 454’s, 475’s etc. probably a few ounces heavier as it’s got a small hole in the barrel. I have a 7 1/2” barrel with a Leupold DD mount and a 2x6 B&L. I don’t know anyone who has said they weren’t happy with how nice they shoot. It’s an investment, not just a firearms purchase.
Check my avatar, I walked around Alaska for 25 years with nothing but an FA83.

[nickb]

I have a 97 in .22 LR that has a 5 1/2” barrel, micarta grips and factory trigger job . Beautiful fit and finish and a great shooter that’s getting a lot of use lately because I’m saving my center fire ammo in all calibers .

[dvnv]

Another 97 in .22 LR with a 5.5" barrel owner here.

Don't be tempted by the match chambers (sporting is plenty good).
A 7.5" barrel would have helped me shoot closer to the guns potential.
Heavier than a 22 needs to be, just an observation, not a complaint.

Super accurate. If I miss, I know it was me...but, I have other guns that are easier to shoot well.

[bearskinner]

One more nice thing about using a full sized FA252, if you also have a big bore FA83, you practice with a firearm that feels the same as your hunting ( big game) rig. It will become so natural feeling, carrying and pointing, it will make you a better hunter in any caliber.

[Thunderjet]

If I could own only one rimfire handgun it would be a Freedom Arms.

[coltfan]

4.75” barrel guy here, dual cylinders. Most accurate .22 I own at 3x magnification. That includes a 10x rifle scoped Volquartsen.

I’m a Colt fan at heart, so the last revolver I will own in .22 will be my first, a 6” Diamondback. This one is next to last.

CF

[kevshell]

Another 5.5" 97. Its boring accurate. I have the same in a 45 Colt as well. The weight of the 45 feels like a light 22 and 97 IN 22 feels like heavy center fire. That said I seem to like the 22 Mag cylinder. More pop.