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Post by longoval on Jun 3, 2024 21:29:51 GMT -5
I really like mine. It is a unique configuration- fixed sights, 5-1/2”, .357 with action job and ivory micarta.
I should say I like mine despite the grip frame. Being 6’-6” with long fingers, I’m used to shooting ill fitting guns.
That said mine is due a trip back out West for some correction unrelated to accuracy or shootability.
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Post by ridgeline on Jun 16, 2024 15:52:38 GMT -5
I recently got my first two 97's, a 357 Magnum w/ separate 38 Special cylinder and a 44 Special, both 5.5" barrels. The 357/38sp is easily my favorite so far. It's as smooth as silk, and I shoot it very well. The 44 is much more stiff for some reason, both rotating the cylinder and working the hammer. Not sure if that's due to super tight tolerances on the one I got or something else. I thought some use would smooth it out a bit, but that hasn't happened, so I may be contacting FA to see what they say about it. They are both identical except for the chambering and grip color, and both have the action job, so it was odd that the actions feel so different. Other than that one issue, I'm very happy with them. As for the 97 grip, it works very well for my hands, which are a bit smaller than the average guy. These and my Single Sixes fit me very well, and both fit my hand better than my Blackhawk. So, I would give the 97 a solid thumbs up so far, but they're still pretty new to me. As a brief update, I seem to have solved the stiffness issue with my Model 97 in 44 Special. I've been trying out a cleaner/lubricant product called Prolix on a couple of my other revolvers with good results, so I decided to give it a try on my 44 Special after my most recent range trip. A couple of days later I pulled it out and voila!! Smooth as can be. It's almost like a different revolver and just as smooth as my 357 now. Prolix is a very thin liquid and I used it generously so I guess some of it must have made its way down into the action and smoothed things right up. I'd be curious if anyone else has tried this stuff. They also have a grease product as well. Hard to believe it could have been that simple. In any case, I would give the Model 97 an even stronger thumbs up now that I have that sorted out. |
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 16, 2024 17:59:11 GMT -5
That's great news...
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Post by rjm52 on Jun 17, 2024 8:12:39 GMT -5
...anyone see the .22/.22 Magnum 4.25" octagon that sold for $4k yesterday on GunBroker...
Some people really like octagon barrels...
Bob
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Post by paul105 on Jun 17, 2024 9:07:06 GMT -5
Back in 2008, figuring my big bore shooting days were probably numbered, I ordered two FA97s. Twins, one in 22LR/Mag and one .357 Mag. Bob's post above brought back the memory. Wow, how time flies. Here's a picture of the .22. .  . Paul |
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Post by rjm52 on Jun 17, 2024 9:34:43 GMT -5
I've got the same two guns but with round barrels for the same reason...
This afternoon I'm picking up a three cylinder 4.25" .327/.32 H&H/.32-20 from a friend...
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 17, 2024 10:53:31 GMT -5
I've got the same two guns but with round barrels for the same reason... This afternoon I'm picking up a three cylinder 4.25" .327/.32 H&H/.32-20 from a friend... Bob, we look forward to hearing about that one!!! |
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Post by lockhart on Jun 18, 2024 15:03:31 GMT -5
The only thing "polarizing" to me, about ANY Freedom Arms product is the PRICE! They are way above
my pay grade! They are beautifully built single actions, but won't fit in my firearms budget*
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diddle
.30 Stingray
Posts: 475 
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Post by diddle on Jun 18, 2024 18:08:55 GMT -5
Mark me down as a fan of the M97. My 44 Special would be the last revolver to go … it rides easy in a Barranti shuck, shoots like a laser and hits like the flat of an axe swung by a 7-foot Swede.
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Post by jeffer on Jun 19, 2024 0:19:58 GMT -5
We're going to need pictures Bob... Pictures!
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Post by Big Bore on Jun 20, 2024 5:03:20 GMT -5
Just got my 97/41 magnum back from Alex Hamilton. He chopped the barrel down to 6” and added a custom front sight (Fermin) to it. Front sight is .110 width, narrower than standard. I’ve already had an action/trigger job done on it and the pull is near perfect at 1.5#. Last step is to have a set of custom grips made for it by Zane. I’m trying to get a set of grips made to match a knife I just acquired from Kim Ralston. Once complete, this will be my primary Texas set up for deer, hogs, turkey, cactus, cans, etc.   |
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Post by ridgeline on Jun 20, 2024 8:24:26 GMT -5
That's quite a knife handle. What's it made of?
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Post by Big Bore on Jun 20, 2024 8:43:01 GMT -5
That's quite a knife handle. What's it made of? Deer antler he picked up on my lease when he visited this past April. |
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shorty500
.327 Meteor
too many dirty harry movies created me!
Posts: 934
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Post by shorty500 on Jun 20, 2024 9:43:29 GMT -5
Polarizing is the best description ever. Fabulous revolvers with that unmistakable FA quality and the influence of Dick Casull is evident but they aren’t for everyone.
As wonderful as I know they are I never went down that path because when handling several and shooting a friends .22- my hand feels cramped on the scaled down grip frame. It’s sad really cuz I feel a shorter barrel in either .44 or .45 would be a great near perfect packing pistol.
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Post by handloadingnotes on Jun 20, 2024 22:19:14 GMT -5
I do love my 45 Colt M97. The grip isn’t perfect for me. Sure seems like longer grip panels could fix that without altering the frame. Dunno who to reach out to about it.
I’m also not a fan of the rear side not being click adjustable for windage. I’ve had it come loose and lose zero. And it’s maddening trying to get it dialed in. Hope I never have to change it again 🤞. At least elevation is a well behaved screw.
But just can’t beat that balance of overall size. It’s something special.
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