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Post by tas6691 on May 11, 2010 21:40:35 GMT -5
OK, I'm really on the fence and need you guys input. Today I looked at a FA83 field grade in 44mag 7 1/2" barrel, and a Mag Research BFR shorty 44 mag 4 5/8"barrel. Both are new, and both are priced right I want them both, but since I just bought 2 Virginian Dragoons, I can only pay for one right now.
I know the features and strengths of the FA, but the Pach grips....would have to go. I am long barrel 44mag rich right now, but a FA field grade for under 1500 out the door is hard to ignore.
The BFR I dont know anything about. The Pach grips are horrendous and would have to be changed, but it sure had a nice trigger and smooth action and the fit/finish looked great.
So tell me about the BFR and give me yalls opinions between the 2 if you could only get one...or would you figure a way to get them both. Or would you get neither and buy the 44mag Blackhawk and spend the difference with a custom smith to get some enhancements??
Thanx for your input.
Adam
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Post by Boge Quinn on May 11, 2010 22:39:47 GMT -5
Get the FA.
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Post by AxeHandle on May 12, 2010 6:44:49 GMT -5
+1 For FA... I like the BFR but it isn't a FA..
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Post by bluecow on May 12, 2010 7:14:39 GMT -5
+2FA
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Post by Lee Martin on May 12, 2010 8:30:18 GMT -5
If you can afford the FA, go that route.....they're worth every penny. If you're trying to keep it under a grand, the BFR is quite a value. They're well built, accurate, and durable. -Lee www.singleactions.com
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Aggie01
.375 Atomic
max
Posts: 1,770
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Post by Aggie01 on May 12, 2010 9:36:50 GMT -5
Maybe it's cause i try to not buy new guns, but $1500 for a Field Grade FA with pachmayrs seems high.
I paid $1200 for one used - and it came with a leupold scope, a T'SOB base & rings, a second cylinder and 300 pieces of brass.
In a .44 mag, IF a BFR was acceptable, I'd get a Ruger and have it tuned a bit. At least that's what my track record shows so far. (I currently own 4, and am going to buy another today).
just my $0.02
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Post by kings6 on May 12, 2010 9:50:29 GMT -5
Okay, now we have Aggie "fluffing up his set!" Dang it, you and Axehandle doon't leave much but crumbs for us poor pikers.
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razor
.327 Meteor
Posts: 523
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Post by razor on May 12, 2010 10:01:53 GMT -5
I still wonder why BFR can't find a bisley grip frame?
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derekr
.30 Stingray
Posts: 353
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Post by derekr on May 12, 2010 11:26:54 GMT -5
One thing you get in spades with the FA is resale value. I don't like to even think about selling a gun, but sometimes things just happen.
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Post by AxeHandle on May 12, 2010 11:34:37 GMT -5
Scott Kolar can "fix" that Field grade FA weakness... This is my Field Grade FA 44 wearing Scott Kolar burl mesquite...
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Post by tas6691 on May 12, 2010 12:26:47 GMT -5
OK, that does it. The FA wins. BUT, I think I will check the used market a little more. Actually, the one I am looking at thats new has been there a while and priced below other shops with newer stock. But after reading the replies and making a quick GunBroker scan, it seems the used route might be an even better option. Might find a premier for about the same amount or a field grade with some extras.
Thanx, for yalls input. I really liked the BFR, but the Ruger with some smoothing and tuning seems a better value.
I wonder if a power custom #5 gripframe might fit the BFR.....hmmmmm.
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Post by Ken O'Neill on May 12, 2010 16:20:08 GMT -5
tas6691, It would be wise to pay attention to the used gun market, and Gunbroker is a good site to watch. I agree with the comments of others, and would select the FA 83 over the BFR and other options. I would also add these comments: The FA .454's are much more common than the .44's , .357's, .41's etc., and sometimes good buys can be had in that caliber, if that is an option that you would consider. Secondly, careful bidding will land many PG guns for $1500 or less, delivered to your dealer. $1500 is no bargain for a used FG gun, regardless of caliber. With the PG gun you get wood or micarta grips rather than Pachmayrs, thereby avoiding a ~$200-300 upcharge for aftermarket grips. In the last 2 years I've acquired used, but cherry, PG guns in .357, .44, and .454 from Gunbroker sellers for less than the $1500 mentioned. Finally, PG guns are more desireable than FG to acquire used because the buyer can VERY CAREFULLY use a Scotchbrite maroon pad to buff out the minor scratches and abrasions that will almost certainly be present on a used gun, despite what the seller claims.
It is also likely that a PG gun will hold its value better than a FG gun.
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Post by AxeHandle on May 12, 2010 16:56:14 GMT -5
And... Don't grab a deal thinking that you'll send the gun to FA for an extra cylinder, grips, or that barrel length you want... You will find that the "deal" can go south quickly... Check out the prices on the FA web site... It will be to your advantage to wait on the gun that you want...
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Post by tas6691 on May 12, 2010 17:37:19 GMT -5
I'm listening guys, and really appreciate your comments. Thats where I am at right now. I'm in no hurry, so I think I'll watch the used market and look for a PG at a good price. I really want to stick with 44 mag, as this is one of my favorite rounds, and Georgia whitetail dont require any more than a 44.
As far as deals going south, returning a used "deal" to FA to make any changes doesnt make sense to me. I would rather buy new than start throwing money at a used gun to send back and change barrels and grips and such. But wait...this isnt about making sense, its about guns and shooting!!
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rigby
.327 Meteor
Posts: 769
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Post by rigby on May 12, 2010 19:07:09 GMT -5
Also I would look at the FA 97. I like that gun better then the 83 because of the safety feature. It also can be had for prices similar to the FG 83 but with PG finish and grips. Its also a lot easier to pack.
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