FA97 357 Magnum/38 Special...

[Encore64]

I don't know whether to blame Bob (RJM52) or thank him. It's hard to decide.

He posted a list of FAs on Gunbroker. One was exactly what I've been wanting to add.

A 97 357 Magnum with a 38 Special Cylinder. Since the gun came with Black Micarta Grips, Overtravel Screw and an Action Job, there'd be no reason to ship back for upgrades.

More details after Ronnie posts pictures...

[pacecars]

Very nice gun!

[Encore64]

Thanks Ronnie...

The gun didn't look nearly this good in the ad. But, was an excellent price and I rolled the dice.

It took about 30 Minutes to have the gun in 100% LNIB Condition.

Interestingly enough, I want this gun as a 38 Special, AKA 38-44.

I've got to decide whether to scope or not. All suggestions are welcomed...

[rjm52]

U R quite welcome....Bob

[pacecars]

A silver 2x or 4x Leupold scope always looks great on a FA.

[harold89]

Congrats! Nice pistol…

[potatojudge]

I've got a 2x Leupold on my 357 and I think it's just right.

[Encore64]

I've got an extra T'SOB Base and lots of scopes. Agree that a 2x is about right.

This is the exact same gun as my 327 Federal/32-20. It wears a Weaver 2x which I'm particularly fond of. This one might get the same. I've got a spare one still in the box.

[Encore64]

I may have found the reason this gun was sold...

The bore had considerable lead build up. Nothing we all haven't seen and cleaned before. Cleanup wasn't as bad as expected.

The 38 Special Cylinder appeared unfired. I checked the throats at .357"+ and put the cylinder in the gun.

Later, I tackled the 357 Cylinder. It had obviously been fired extensively with 38 Special ammo. Why, I don't know.

After cleaning, I checked the throats at .354-.355". Inspection with a bore light showed heavy lead build up in the throats.

So, I Flex-Honed the throats until they were lead free. Then confirmed they were .357"+ as well.

That had to destroy accuracy, even in the excellent Freedom Arms.

Will never know for sure...

[45MAN]

WELL HUEY, LOOKS LIKE YOU BENEFITTED FROM SOME DUMBELL's LACK OF BASISC ROUTINE GUN CLEANING SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE.

[pacecars]

Would there be enough room in the cylinder to rechamber to the .356 GNR? I know you don’t want to do that but asking for a friend

[Encore64]

Oct 5, 2024 6:52:49 GMT -5 pacecars said:

Would there be enough room in the cylinder to rechamber to the .356 GNR? I know you don’t want to do that but asking for a friend

No, definitely not enough meat in the cylinder for that.

That's why FA goes to a 5-Shot Configuration for 41 Magnum.

[Encore64]

Oct 5, 2024 6:49:51 GMT -5 45MAN said:

WELL HUEY, LOOKS LIKE YOU BENEFITTED FROM SOME DUMBELL's LACK OF BASISC ROUTINE GUN CLEANING SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE.

Speculation on my part. But, seems to fit.

I'm going to do some load development today. I think the tight FA Tolerances and longer barrel will get every fps from the 38-44 Loads.

I've got some dual crimp groove bullets from Gardners that should be about perfect.

[Encore64]

I loaded a cylinder full of ammo using 12.0, 12.5 and 13.0 grn of 2400 and the 165 grn Gardners Bullets.

Note these bullets have two crimp groove. Seated to the rear groove, these bullets don't seat nearly as deep in the case as a typical 158 grn SWC. C.O.A.L. is 1.525".

12.0 grn 1225 fps
12.5 grn 1270 fps
13.0 grn 1290 fps

The 12.5 grn load produced an extremely low ES which is worth more than an extra 20 fps.

These are not blazing speeds. But, will do what I need.

Accuracy testing to follow...

[pleadthe2nd]

That's pretty good velocities for 38 special, when are you going to try #9, probably gain some , if wanted, great buy Huey, and agree, the scope would be a nice addition