Considering a 3 1/2 inch 97

[SJPrice]

I am considering purchase of a pair (one at a time as the piggy bank can cover it) of 3 1/2 inch 97's in 45 Colt.  I would like them with fixed rear sights, dovetail replaceable front sights, round butt, 3 lb trigger, and ivory micarta.  I would like to use them for Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition and for CCW on occasion.  First, does anyone know if 97's in this configuration would be CMSA legal?  I have requested an answer from CMSA via email, but have no response as yet.  Second who out there has 3 1/2 in 97's and in what caliber.  How do you like them, how do they handle and is it worth the difference from a 4 1/4 inch barrel?

[Ken ONeill]

I'm not a CMSA shooter, and can't answer your question, but I will have to ask still another question: Wouldn't the rules require you to load with an empty chamber under the hammer, and thus carry just 4 rounds?

[SJPrice]

I believe the transfer bar safety of the FA 97 would allow for loading five. In addition in CMSA you use 45 colt blanks to shoot and break baloons. I am unsure about the transfer bar issue however.

[RMF]

I own a round butt 3.5" M97 in 22lr/22mag; its a quick handling, accurate little gun.  Be sure to get the ejector tab that allows clearance of the cylinder pin (see my post a few threads down) as installing this will negate the only negative (IMO) aspect of owning a 3.5".  As for choosing the round butt.... its really more of a subjective thing.  I like round butt for the quick handling but I have to admit that my std. butt M97 is more comfortable and points more naturally for me. Someday I might consider sending this gun back to FA to have a std. grip frame fitted to it.