custom vs. Freedom Arms

[buck]

an intentionally open ended discussion of the pros and cons

[coyote]

if one likes what FA offers, they might well be very happy with that.

if FA don't offer what one desire, then custom is a possible answer.

you just looking to start a fight? ;-)

[2 Dogs]

Both and lots of them!

[AxeHandle]

+1 On both! How about a custom FA? ;D

[nonpcnrarn]

A FA 97 would be OK as it is a 6 shooter. Otherwise I would want a custom 5 or 6 shot Ruger depending on chambering. I prefer not to have a 4 shot FA 83. I know it is only psychological but for me a revolver should be at least a 5 shooter, either by design or when carrying a gun that needs the hammer resting on an empty chamber. For me a 5 shooter that requires only loading 4 is too non traditional for me. But that is just me. I want a minimum of 5 shots.

[kings6]

It all depends on if you arel looking for the finest factory revolver that is built to the tightest tolerances or if you want something that speaks to you personally as an individual "work of art". Personally thanks to the neferious influence of 2 Dogs I lean more towards the custom idea simply for the freedon to "create".



Closest I come to a custom FA. Modle 83 in 41 Mag with 5 1/2" barrel, micartas, action job, trigger overstop and Harton bisley spurred hammer.

[coyote]

i'm happy with mid-range loads (a 265 grainer at 1000 fps) so don't wish the weight of the 83, nor does the 4-shot concept excite me.

yet my reading seem to indicate that while the handier Model 97 is safe to carry with all 6 rds (like a Ruger), the extremely complicated transfer-bar/trigger mechanism doesn't appear to lend itself to particularly smooth actions.

thus so far, i've resisted purchasing a FA.

am i incorrect in my thinking here???

[bigbores]

May 27, 2010 13:10:22 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

+1 On both! How about a custom FA? ;D

Only an insane evil Genius would want to customize a FA's revolver!
Here's the one I had made! MOHHA HAHA ;D ;D ;D

[bisleyfan41]

May 27, 2010 13:46:02 GMT -5 coyote said:

yet my reading seem to indicate that while the handier Model 97 is safe to carry with all 6 rds (like a Ruger), the extremely complicated transfer-bar/trigger mechanism doesn't appear to lend itself to particularly smooth actions.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The 97s trigger/transfer bar arrangement is not "extremely complicated" and is just as smooth and crisp as any found on any FA. Go getcha one! And you're welcome ;D

[coyote]

May 27, 2010 14:13:38 GMT -5 bisleyfan41 said:

May 27, 2010 13:46:02 GMT -5 coyote said:

yet my reading seem to indicate that while the handier Model 97 is safe to carry with all 6 rds (like a Ruger), the extremely complicated transfer-bar/trigger mechanism doesn't appear to lend itself to particularly smooth actions.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The 97s trigger/transfer bar arrangement is not "extremely complicated" and is just as smooth and crisp as any found on any FA. Go getcha one! And you're welcome ;D

hey BF41,

i borrowed these images of the 97 system:







no offense, but that really does look way more complicated than my Colts and UFSAs.

and threads i've read, like the one i've linked below, seem to indicate that smooth actions aren't as common as we'd wish, even if one pays extra for an action job (and if i read this thread correctly, FA's own gunsmith agreed its a problem):

www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/topic,95707.0.html

here's the original poster's comments:

"Well I picked up my new M97 in .41 mag with a 4-1/4 bbl. I had ordered the gun with an action job and trigger set at the 3 lbs.

What a disappointment on the AJ [action job]. The M83 with an action job is much smoother. Spoke with John, one of the gunsmiths and he explained to me that they are not able to do much to smooth out the action because of the small frame, componentry etc. Boy, what a stiff action. My custom ruger and smith are both much smoother. Not to mention that my 83 is a dream.

Test target is one hole; literally. My results were very good as well, but they could be much better if that trigger weren't so dang hard.

Anybody else have an action job on their M97? How did yours turn out? I've thought of sending it back, but the smith at FA told me they won't be able to do much with it. He said he'd like to see them change the action altogether; more like a mini 83 than the transfer bar arrangement."

[AxeHandle]

Looks pretty simple from here... I remember how complicated the NM Ruger inards looked the first time they fell out in my lap... I only have something like three 97s and twelve 83s. No bad triggers in the bunch. IIRC only three of the FA 83s have the factory trigger job so I don't know how much of a judge I can be but I do know that there are some real serious gun butchers out there who have no business turning a screw on any gun...

[razor]

They are ALOT different after you put 500 rounds through them. I have a 97 41, and I would not want a smoother trigger pull. Rugers have good triggers to.

[rWt]

How does resale value compare?

[tek4260]

That transfer system doesn't look too complicated to me. Actually, it looks very well machined under that grease.

[Hobie]

I like my 97. I am thinking of selling other guns to fund a 97 in .45 Colt/ACP and in .327 Federal/.32 HR/.32 S&W Long. I am not a fan of the octagon barrels on revolvers and prefer more classic lines and simple, functional, quality. If I were to get a Ruger (say) customized, it would be more along the lines of improving fit and finish rather than anything else.