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Post by 461tim on Oct 26, 2011 15:57:17 GMT -5
I'm back on track to buying my first Freedom Arms. I was all ready to buy one several years ago but life got in the way. Well, I'm gonna do it this time.
I'm thinking of a Model 97 adj. sight with 4 1/4 or 5 1/2" round barrel in .357Mag. Ivory micarta grips and a second (fluted) cylinder for .38Spl.
Any words of wisdom, good folks to buy them from, anything I should do differently? Any issues in .357?
Probably be a month or two to get the funds together from a few sales but it's gonna happen this time.
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Post by gunslinger454 on Oct 26, 2011 16:44:00 GMT -5
The Freedom arms gun is the best made, good choice but I would not even consider a 357. They just dont sell and if you ever go to sell it you'll sit on it for a long time. Single action 357's are taboo IMO. Why not go with a 45 Colt or a 44 mag and shoot 44 special if recoil is a concern.
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Post by taffin on Oct 26, 2011 17:09:05 GMT -5
I'm thinking of a Model 97 adj. sight with 4 1/4 or 5 1/2" round barrel in .357Mag. Ivory micarta grips and a second (fluted) cylinder for .38Spl.
GOOD CHOICE! I HAVE MORE THAN A DOZEN MODEL 97s FROM .32 TO .45 AND FOUR OF THEM ARE .357s. ONE 7-1/2" ADJ SIGHT; ONE 7-1/2" FIXED SIGHT; AND A PAIR OF 5-1/2" FIXED SIGHTS WITH EXTRA .38 SPECIAL CYLINDERS. THEY ARE ALL SUPERBPLY ACCURATE. I DO LOVE THE .44 SPECIAL AND .45s BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A .357 JUST FILLS THE BILL PERFECTLY. YOU WON'T REGRET IT AND THE IVORY MICARTAS ARE AN EXCELLENT CHOICE.
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Post by 2 Dogs on Oct 26, 2011 17:24:35 GMT -5
Boy, Ive killed all sorts of critters with a 357 mag. My 5.5" FA 97 wont be for sale anytime soon so resale value matters not to me!
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Post by Ken O'Neill on Oct 26, 2011 17:47:23 GMT -5
My 3 FA .357's are all 83 / 353's, but that's because they were all bought used. If ordering new, they probably would have all been 97's. NONE of mine are for sale. The ivory micarta is a great choice! If I was spending your money, I'd get the 5 1/2" version.
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Post by AxeHandle on Oct 26, 2011 18:01:36 GMT -5
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Post by gunslinger454 on Oct 26, 2011 18:18:21 GMT -5
Hey axehandle, those are some nice grips but they cant be from Reeder, they dont have his name scribed all over them LOL ;D
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Hobie
.30 Stingray
Posts: 206
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Post by Hobie on Oct 26, 2011 19:56:45 GMT -5
The FA97 is a joy to shoot. If .357 Mag is what you want, get it. The cartridge is flexible enough. Mine is a .44 Special although I wanted a .45 Colt at the time I got this good deal, I thought. I don't regret it a bit. GREAT revolvers!
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Post by AxeHandle on Oct 26, 2011 20:19:09 GMT -5
I think they may have neked women on the undersides!
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Post by 461tim on Oct 26, 2011 20:19:17 GMT -5
Mr Taffin solidified my .357 choice a while back when he stated that 90+percent of handgunning needs can be met with a .357 Magnum. I forget the exact exchange, but I realized he was right (duh) and I was in the .357 camp.
I have Rugers in .44mag and .45Colt that more than meet my needs and give me my big bore fix. This is to be my "taking it to the next level" handgun so I'm going with my favorite all around chambering.
Great pictures Axe.
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Post by WingMaster on Oct 26, 2011 20:27:53 GMT -5
I can't imagine not having a .357 mag in the safe.
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Post by paul105 on Oct 26, 2011 21:05:13 GMT -5
Unless you have a bunch of .38 special brass, I might be inclined to opt for the 9mm cylinder (or .38 spcl and 9mm). I like the fluted cylinder. I also like the ivory micartas. The one thing I have noticed and verified is that the black micartas are fuller/thicker than the rosewood grips. To me, the rosewood grips fit me better. Don't have any irvory micartas to compare -- will have to fix that. . 5 1/2", Octagon, M97, .357, Black Micartas, with Simply Rugged/Rick Gittlein Carved Threepersons holster . . . . Not so good picture of a 5 1/2", M97, .44 Special with fluted cyl, round barrel, and winewood grips (top gun). Bottom gun is a 3 1/2", round butt, .45 Colt. . . . 4 1/4" Octagon M97, .45 Colt. . Other than the Ivory Micartas, that should just about cover the options -- 3 1/2" -- 5 1/2" bbls, fluted and non-fluted cyls, round and octagon bbls, micartas and winewood grips -- only thing not covered Ivory Micartas. You should really enjoy what ever combination you choose. Paul
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Post by vonfatman on Oct 26, 2011 21:44:35 GMT -5
I am new to FAs...just bought my first one about a month or so ago. I got a deal on a used 97 and took the deal. I've not regretted the purchase for a nano-second. My gun is chambered for .45 Colt. I'd be happy to make the same deal on a .357 Magnum. My favorite caliber.
Enjoy!
Bob
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robl
.375 Atomic
These were the good ole days!
Posts: 1,415
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Post by robl on Oct 26, 2011 23:22:18 GMT -5
Please show me some hard to sell 97s! I'll even settle for a lowly 357:-) I'll even swap my 545 83 towards one.
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Post by 461tim on Oct 27, 2011 16:41:37 GMT -5
Great pictures Paul. Really excited about this, sold two guns so far which puts me over half way there.
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