FA97 - 41 Magnum

[Encore64]

This is a gun I got on a whim as the 41 Magnum is my least favorite of the 5-Shot FA97s.

I'm OK with the caliber, but like the 44 Special and 45 Colt better.

I bought this gun because I got it cheap and a 44 Special seemed contingent on me buying it. Then, it laid unused for some time. Eventually I shot it and found it leaded very badly.

I found throats undersized for cast bullets, so I sent the cylinder to Clements. He opened the throats to .411" and I honed them nice and shiny.

While the cylinder was out, I slugged the bore at .4095".

Once reassembled, it went back in the safe and laid there.

Today, I broke it out and loaded some Missouri Coated Cast Bullets 215 grn SWCs over 8.5 grn Unique.

Recoil is mild, accuracy was great and no leading.

I'm not sure I'll ever love this gun. It's sharp looking with Evergreen Grips, O'Neil Front Sight, Action Job w/ O.T. Screw.

But, at least I can shoot Cast Bullets without the leading...

[pleadthe2nd]

I know what you should do with it, can you guess, what I'm thinking? It needs to be loved.

[Encore64]

I know you're a 41 Magnum Fan. It's not a cartridge I've dealt with much even though I share a birth year with it. That was before your time...

In 2014, I'd told myself I'd buy a FA97 a year until I had them in all calibers. But, didn't follow thru as I'm still missing the 357 Magnum and .224-32.

[drycreek]

I used to be a .41 mag fan, had three of them, but I’m down to my last Blackhawk in that caliber. Nothing wrong with the cartridge, but like you said, I like .44s and .45s better. I keep it to those two calibers for the most part in single actions and that cuts down on the reloading chores also.

[Encore64]

This one, like all FA, is very accurate.

With my more sedate Unique Powder Loads, it is shooting high. The lower velocity, aka dwell time, allows the light gun to rise more.

I'll text Fermin to make me a .050" taller front blade. He's quick to get those built and shipped out.

[rjm52]

Have got two 97s in .41 and the 4.25" round butt will be one of the last SAs to go...when the time comes that is...

Have had zero issues with cast or jacketed bullets and they seem to eat everything from 165s to 250s... There are only a couple of 250s that will work when crimped into the proper crimping grove but really such a small gun and 250s at 1300+ fps isn't really pleasant to shoot...

[Encore64]

Mine is a 5.5". Just like the top one in your picture with the exception of Evergreen Grips.

Mine just had too much throat restriction. What didn't make sense is that the forcing cone was perfect for .411" Bullets.

Once that modification was made, it's drop dead accurate and no leading problems.

Had the exact same scenario with the 44 Special. Once throats were opened to .4305", it's a one ragged hole gun.

Of course, both shot great with jacketed bullets. Logical since they were built for factory ammo...

[tdbarton]

[Encore64]

Thanks Tim...

I'm about ready to wrap this project up.

Can tell you guys Flex-Honing 17-4 is a challenge. Got it nice and slick, but even getting .0002" +/- wasn't easy.

But, the gun is consistently accurate now. No leading either.

I texted Fermin and he responded on getting a custom front sight. He's always quick to provide shooters with what we need.

I'll do final sight adjustments and load development after the new sight is installed...

[Encore64]

New sight arrived from Fermin today. Great product and fast service as we all know we'll get from him.

Much improved sight picture. Hopefully pictures and range report to follow...

[foxtrapper]

Mar 26, 2024 16:13:23 GMT -5 Encore64 said:

New sight arrived from Fermin today. Great product and fast service as we all know we'll get from him.

Much improved sight picture. Hopefully pictures and range report to follow...

Can’t wait to see and hear the results!

[tdbarton]

[Encore64]

Thanks Tim...

This is my only FA with Evergreen Grips. They are actually nicer in hand than in pictures.

The Fermin Front Sight definitely provides a better Sight Picture. The only .430" Height I had on hand was a standard ramp. Fermin had me a new one in short order.

Of course, it doesn't make the gun shoot better. But, definitely easier for my aging eyes to see.

I'm well pleased with the finished product.

[potatojudge]

I'm surprised how my FA97 in 357 with a 10 inch octagon barrel balances. It's actually light and nimble feeling, even with a 2x scope (in titanium mount, which helps).

That rig makes me want a 7.5 or 10 inch FA97 in 41 magnum. If you're limited by cylinder length to a certain bullet weight, might as well maximize velocity and trajectory. I have 4.25 and 5.5 inch FA 97s in 45 Colt and 44 Special, but if I was doing a 41 the barrel would be longer. As much as folks love the 10 inch FA83 in 41, I think the same concept in a 97 would work great.

I like the green grips more now than when I first saw them years ago. Fermin sight looks perfect. I've pulled a pile of sights for him to replicate with improved versions. Just need some time to get them dropped off...

[Encore64]

I've often thought a FA97 41 Magnum 7.5" with a 2x Scope would be nearly ideal as a hunting gun.

Shoot 210 grn XTPs and nothing else...