4 3/4" or 6" ?

[doghawg]

 I couldn't make up my mind between the two barrel lengths........I've got a soon-to-be scoped 7 1/2" .454 and wanted a shorter Mod 83 for hip carry. About a week ago I spotted a Mod 83 Premier .454 on Gun Broker with a custom order 5 1/2" barrel. Hmmmm........Micarta grips, factory action job, 2 ports and new in 2004 with 1 box of factory loads fired through it since then. Well, the check is on it's way and it will hopefully be here next week.

 Question now is this....Will two 83's bring true happiness or should there be a 97 added to the mix?

[IronAir]

Dawg, congrats on your auction win.  I was watching that exact gun until the very end waiting to see if someone was going to challenge you for it.  I was very close to bidding myself, but I just ordered a 4 1/4 inch model 97 three weeks ago. 

[kennisondan]

true happiness does come with two 83s possessed...
true happiness does not last... more guns are necessary, the numbers may vary... but the truth still remains..
you did good..
dk

[paul105]

Dawg:

I see a 97 in your future -- what slick little packages they are -- caliber of your choice of course.

Paul

[doghawg]

Dawg, congrats on your auction win.  I was watching that exact gun until the very end waiting to see if someone was going to challenge you for it.  I was very close to bidding myself, but I just ordered a 4 1/4 inch model 97 three weeks ago. 

 I fully expected my opening bid to get topped and believe the seller did also. My usual procedure is to buy too high and sell much lower.........

 Paul and Dan........You two gents are a couple of the "enablers" that throw gas on the fires of this addiction.   

 Yep, there'll probably be a 97 in either .41Mag or .44 Spl. but the war chest is in dire need right now.

 Doghawg .... er...I mean Dawg

[doghawg]

 It came today and it's everything the seller claimed. I'm not a machinist but sure can appreciate the creations of those that are. The only problem so far is the action job...........I was completely content with the other 83's action and trigger untill I tried this one. I'll try to post a pic or two later.

[doghawg]

 Doesn't this pic look incomplete without a Mod 97 in it? Would a 4 1/4" .44 Spl complete the family?

[2 dogs]

There is only one solution! Get one of each!

[paul105]

Dawg,

Before you scope the 7 1/2", would you mind shooting the 7 1/2 non ported and the 5 1/2" ported side by side with the same ammo and post your impression of the ports effectiveness.

Thanks,

Paul

[doghawg]

 Paul

 For the most part I'm a 30,000 psi and 1200 fps kind of loader (read WIMP) but.........I also am curious about the effect of porting. I have some 300 gr. Sierra bullets over a starting charge of 2400 that are loaded now but suspect that the difference will be much more obvious with a good dose of 296 and I'll load some up tonite. I remember you seemed pleased with porting on your .475. I don't know if I'll get any shooting done this weekend though...all the people coming to work sick have caught up to me. 

[doghawg]

 I spent some time with the 83's and a chronograph today. The temp was in the teens and the 7 1/2" clocked about 100 fps faster than the 5 1/2" ported with 300 gr. Sierra's over 296....from the high 15's down to the high 14's with the shorter gun. This is by no means scientific but if I had to pick a number I'd say the recoil was 20% to 25% less with the ported gun with the same loads....definitely more pleasant (less unpleasant?  ). Of course, the noise level under the tin range roof called for ear plugs plus muffs.

 With a starting charge of 2400 under some 300 gr. XTP mags (1260 fps) the recoil was again noticeably milder with the ported gun and some 1100 fps loads with HS6 were downright pleasant. Accuracy with both guns is spooky good, no surprise there.

 Bottom line? If I would have been the person ordering this gun I don't think I would have sprung for porting but after a couple dozen rounds of experience with it....well, I think it's going to work out just fine.

 dawg

[paul105]

Dawg,

Thanks for your impressions.  I know everybody's recoil perception is different.   My standard hunting load is a 420gr WFNGC at a chronoed 1,278fps using a hefty dose of H-110 (I wouldn't go higher) out of my .475.  It i more comfortable to shoot than my .454 with 300s at 1,500 +.  I also ran some 330WFNGCs out of the 475 using Lil'Gun.  I didn't chrono the 330s, but guess they're running real close to 1,500 fps -- it also was more comfortable than the 300s out of the .454.  In the .475, The 420s at 1,278 are more comfortable than the 330s at approx 1,500fps.

My .454 is a FA83 and has a 6" unported barrel -- the .475 is also a FA 6 incher, but the barrel is magnaported.   It has been a while since I've worked with the .454.  I have to change the priming system on my 550B for the .454.  I've been shooting the .475 so much that I just haven't gotten around to it.

I bought the .475 in August on Gunsamerica, and now have 4,100 rounds thru it.  Most of those are 400 grainers right at 1,100 fps.  I really like the .475 with the ported barrel.  Like you, I wouldn't have ordered it that way, but wouldn't hesitate buy another one with ports.

Paul

[doghawg]

 Paul 105

 One question for you........After 4100 rounds, which is more than most guns will ever see, is that Mod 83 showing any sign of wear or "loosening up"

[paul105]

Dawg,

None that i can detect - still locks up like a bank vault and zero end shake.  I put a drop of Automatic Trans Fluid (generic synthetic stuff from Wal Mart) on the cyl nose, ratchet, hand, bolt, center pin and center pin holes every 100 to 150 rounds. I bought this gun used, but don't think it was shot much at all by the prior owner(s).  Also, I'm not running it full out  most of the time -- mostly 400gr right at 1,100 fps (actual chronographed fps).


Paul