Sidearms & Scatterguns Freedom Arms opinions...

[Bakwa]

Warning: I'm asking for opinions.

I want a Freedom Arms Model 83 in 454 something bad, but there's always the Lipseys exclusive Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley in 454 that seems close enough. Is the FA really that much better? Also, for a gun I plan to actually carry in the field and use, do you think it would be an insult to carry and put field wear on a FA?

Now, I already have a Bowen Custom RedHawk with a Colt barrel on it and love it. So I get the appeal of custom revolvers. I don't regret it at all. But I also got my Bowen at half price used. So I'm not in it $2800 or whatever it would cost now days.

If you weren't made of money [like me] and had to save to make large purchases such as this, which route would you take?

 

[J-Ham]

My dad had 2 Freedom Arms .454's before he died, pretty much all he hunted deer with the last several years of his life... I say go for it. If you're already second guessing the Ruger, in my opinion buying one & not having the Freedom Arms ain't gonna make that any better... Quite the opposite actually.

 

[Bigfatcock]

Warning: I'm asking for opinions.

Is the FA really that much better?

Yes

 

[W54/XM-388]

You know what you really want to get so just go ahead and break down and get it.

 

[Hoser]

I have several of them from 22 to 41 to 454. All model 83s.

Absolutely worth it.

 

[cooper_257]

Freedom arms is well worth it. I have packed a couple different ones over the years.

 

[J-Ham]

Not a single dissenter, you know what you must do.

 

[nockhunter]

The two thing I don't like about the Freedom Arms revolver is the price (high but fitted like a swiss watch) and carrying it with an empty chamber under the hammer (now a 4 shooter). I lusted for one for the longest time, I just never got around to getting one.

Mike

 

[Chief_Rick]

If you just wanted the 454, you would probably be more than content with a Ruger.

If you want the FA, then you won't be happy until you have one.

 

[surgeon260]

One of my most prized possessions. You won't regret it.

 

[Bigfatcock]

As for field wear, who cares? It’s your gun. Use the crap out of it. If you ever have to sell it you still get 75% of new cost even with cosmetic wear and blemishes, plus you have all the memories of actually using it.

 

[KYAggie]

I have a Premier grade with a 4 3/4” non ported barrel. It’s unparalleled in my opinion and I also have Ruger, S&W, and Uberti revolvers. I was fortunate and picked it up used with probably less than a box of ammo through it and the warranty card still in the box. My guess is the first owner had no experience with heavy recoiling pistols, shot it, didn’t know how to hang onto it properly, and sold it. It took a little getting used to with barrel length, but once I found out that 335 LBT’s at 1450 fps were a lot more comfortable to shoot than fast 260‘s I haven’t looked back. It’s stupid accurate, very comfortable grip with the heavy recoil, and fitted like a fine watch.

Buy it, there’s nothing like it.

 

[KYAggie]

Oh, and don’t mess around with Pachmayr grips on it, keep the originals. I‘ve found it’s a combination during recoil of the arms rotating up at the elbow, the wrist rotating, and a slight bit of the gun rotating in my hand that makes the gun comfortable to shoot; the Pachmayr grips keep it from rotating in your hand which forces that energy into your wrist, which you don’t want. It might be different with a longer barrel. There‘s a balance with the short barrel that all comes together nicely with 335 LBT’s.

I think it’s funny that the only negative comment about the gun comes from a person who has never owned one.