Freedom Arms 83 grip Questions and gunsmithing

[redd7]

I am planning on getting FA 83 in the near future. I prefer the looks of the premier grade, especially the way the grips look. The less attractive grips on the field grade look as though they would be more comfortable. So my question is are the grips on the premier grade as functional.
My second question is if it is practical to purchase a used one and have the barrel shortened and/or replaced with a premium barrel. How much does it cost to shorten or replace a barrel approximately. It seems as though with a little patience I could find a lightly used one for $500-$600 less than new. replace the barrel in the length that I want and end up with a semi custom pistol for less than the price of a new one.  Am I dreaming?I would appreciate any comments or ideas.

[palgeno]

Grips----the Pachmayr grips (which I absolutely must have on S&W 629's and heavy recoiling TC Contenders) are a complete bust on FA .454s in my not so humble opinion. The smooth rosewood grips which come on the premiers allow the gun to swing upward in recoil the Pachys have more friction and actually twist the wrist violently---not comfortable at all and without a glove, may actually pull skin off your hand---(ask me how I know)---I've tried 'em both as have several other shooters I know----we all agreed, the smooth grips really work and the Pachy's don't----counter intuitive,I know. :eek:  pg

[Graybeard]

The FA guns do not roll as badly in the hand as do the Ruger SAs or the old Colts. BUT roll they do and that's how they deal with recoil. As was stated I don't think I'd want the Pachs on a heavy rcoiling gun like a .454 Casull or .475 Linebaugh. On a light recoil gun it shouldn't matter so much.

My personal preference is the black micarta grip but the smooth rosewood grips are also nice looking and do the same job basically.

As to the barrel you're already getting a custom barrel on the gun when you buy it. Every thing about the gun is really custom. You'll get no better by replacing it. If you find one at a good price in the chambering you want but don't like the barrel length then sure you can get it made shorter or have FA replace it with a new one if longer is needed.

[redd7]

That is not the answer I was expecting about the grips but I am happy about it. I prefer the micarta look much better. I asked about the barrel because I would like a 6", but most of what I see for sale used are 7 1/2". If I could get one cut down inexpensively, and score a good deal on a used one, I could end up with 'my' dream gun and save several hundreds dollars. My dream gun is a 6' premier grade, micarta grip 83 in 454 casull or 475 linebaugh. The caliber I have not decided.

[targetshootr]

FA charges just under $200 to shorten a barrel, over $200 to install a longer one. I did what you've got in mind. I found a deal on a used 83 and saved enough to buy some extrys.

Buffalo horn also look nice and can be had for under $100. You'll have to send the grip frame though.

[44 Man]

The major difference between the field grade and the premier is the finish and the warranty.  They are both made of premiun parts.  I would definately get a good 'smith to shorten the barrel on that gun.  Ken Kelly at Mag-na-port did an excellent job for me.  (ported it too, which I like very much).  I have the pachmars on my Preimier 83 in .44 mag.  That is a scoped gun and they work very well.  Of course the .44 doesn't recoil nearly as bad as the .454.  My other 83 has the rosewood grips on it.  I felt they were too round and thinned them down.  Turned out excellent.  44 Man