BFR vs FA 83

[tas6691]

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

[Boge Quinn]

Get the FA.

[AxeHandle]

+1 For FA... I like the BFR but it isn't a FA..

[bluecow]

+2FA

[Lee Martin]

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

[Aggie01]

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

[kings6]

Okay, now we have Aggie "fluffing up his set!" Dang it, you and Axehandle doon't leave much but crumbs for us poor pikers.

[razor]

I still wonder why BFR can't find a bisley grip frame?

[derekr]

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.

[AxeHandle]

Scott Kolar can "fix" that Field grade FA weakness... This is my Field Grade FA 44 wearing Scott Kolar burl mesquite...

[tas6691]

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.

[Ken O'Neill]

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.

[AxeHandle]

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...

[tas6691]

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!!

[rigby]

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.