preimer grade or field grade?

[mray]

I'd be interested in your thoughts on premier vs field grade in the model 83...

Is premier worth the extra money?  I have a tendency to be a little tough on my stuff and the thing will get banged up before too long anyway... 

What do you think?

[makilly]

The finish on the premier grade is easily restored if scratched, all you need is red scotch-brite, which is what the factory uses. I also like the grips better on the premier, as compared to the rubber grips on the field grade. They are both excellent so either way you win. Best Regards makilly

[SM]

I bought my first FA about a year ago and I chose a Premier Grade. I'm 100% happy that I did. I wouldn't want the gun with Pachmayer grip, the rear sight is better and I believe that the finish is easier the get to look like new if you scratch it.

One more thing that I value is the grouping target. For me it adds to the fact that I've gotten a premium quality firearm. The Field Grade surely will be as accurate, but I recommend the Premier very strongly. I got mine with a 3 lb trigger job, an over travel-screw and micarta grips. All of those options have been well worth the money.

Only problem after the purchase has been that I'm reading forums like this one more and more. As Taffin has written, there aren't many FA owners that can stop at at just one FA. I feel that pain now...I need to get me some more...

BTW, this is my first post though I've been reading this forum for quite some time.

[Ken ONeill]

I own both. For many years, I preferred the subtle, soft appearance of the Field Grade. All of mine were ordered with the optional laminated hardwood or micarta grips. However, when you tell me that you're rough on guns, and are going to scratch them anyway, I have to say that the Premier Grade finish is very easily restored to a pristine unblemished condition with the Scotchbrite Red, as stated by makilly. Accidents can happen in the field, and for the ease of restoring the gun's finish alone, I now prefer the Premier Grade.

[paul105]

One other consideration (maybe).  The Premier Grade has a limited lifetime warranty, while the Field Grade is a limited 1 year warranty.  Personally, I'm not sure it really makes a difference -- if it wasn't right from FA to begin with, they will fix it for free (at least in my experience).  Most people will never have cause to use the warranty. 

I love the look of the Field Grade, but I too am hard on guns and appreciate the ability to touch up the Premier Grade with the scotch brite pad mentioned above.

Paul

[Wiking]

I would definitely go for the Premier Grade. Although I've only held 2 FAs, both Premier Grade... I'm sure the Premier Grade is the coolest. And I believe the lifetime warranty is worth it.

Now, sorry for hijacking your thread... but could someone be so kind as to tell me what scotchbrite is? I scratched my baby (felt sorry for days), and would like to fix it. I've never heard of scotchbrite before, as it is most likely called something different in Denmark. So I someone could explain to me what it is, or post a picture it would be greatly appreciated!

[GRIMJIM]

Scotchbrite is an abrasive pad made by 3m. It comes in different colors for different levels of coarseness, green, white and red. A web search can find out what they call it there I'm sure.

[Ken ONeill]

In the U.S. Scotchbrite red is most frequently found in automobile parts and supplies stores

[Lloyd Smale]

for looks its the finish of the feild grade hands down. Dont known what id buy if i bought another. that lifetime warantee looks good.

[Wiking]

Cool, thanks guys. I'll see what I can find....

[odoh]

Thot it was the 'maroon' colored pad ~ ?