Got a line on a couple of FA model 97 44 specials

[tominboise]

A shop here in Idaho has two new FA 97 44 specials - one a 4-1/2", the other a 5-1/2".  I've been contemplating and looking for one of these for a long time.  Is it worth unloading some of my other handguns to pick up one of these?  I know they are pretty highly thought of here on the board.  I can't afford all the guns I want, of course, so I have to unload some to buy one.  Trouble is, I like most of the ones I have now!  FWIW, I' d most likely go for the 5-1/2" as I like the balance of this size barrel.

What say you guys - will the quality blow me away so that I won't miss my other scrap iron?

[pastorp]

Tom, The quality of the Freedom arms revolvers is the best there is from a factory single action. Don't know what you have now. If your present guns would be hard to replace and you like them why not put the FA 97 on lay-a-way. Pay it off in a few months and have them all. Regards, Byron

[De41mag]

Tom;

That is exactly what I did, unloaded a couple of S&W's and a Ruger rifle.
And to tell you the truth, I haven't looked back. Heck, now I want another one.
I bought the 5-1/2" barrel in 44 Special. To me, it's the ideal size to carry around on the hip, but enough barrel for good target pratice. I'm shooting the 250gr. Keith bullet from Leadheads ahead of HS-6. Very accurate. It's just what I was looking for to be able to shoot thousands of rounds through without having to send it back for repair. I bought the gun also to shoot 44Spl. or 44Spl.+P, not make it a 44 mag like Elmer did. My idea was to have a gun that I could go to the range with and shoot 150 to 200 rounds without getting the shakes, Like I get shooting MAGNUMS!
I enjoy shooting as much as I can, as ACCURATE as I can. And the FA 97 is a lot more accurate than I am.
I'm VERY well pleased with mine as you can see.  :grin:
Good Luck on your choice!

Dennis  

[tominboise]

Yeah, I am going to sell a Blackhawk 41 mag, a blackhawk 30 Carbine, and two contenders.  I figure to move 4 pieces I don't shoot often, for 1 that I will shoot......... :wink:

[myronman3]

seeing as how it is two blackhawks... and two contenders  (nothing against the contender)  YES!   scrap them blackhawks.  contenders are nice,  but not as nice.  i have the 44 special on my list also.  made a vow to myself i would not buy another gun this year.  trading is allowed; but no buying.    am doing good so far,  couple more weeks and i will have three months under my belt.   :cry:    but hey, my birthday is in early january,  and if i make it to then,  i will reward myself with a nice f.a. 44 special (and a glock 20, and another kimber, and....)    

[sharps4590]

When we lived in Wyoming across the highway from Freedom Arms I acquired a Mod 97 in 45 Colt with the 5 1/2 in. barrel.  The sign by the factory which reads "The Worlds Finest Revolver" is no idle boast.  I carried mine back then whenever I went into the mountains.  Fishing, hunting or hiking it went with me.  I had it loaded pretty hot with some 300 gr. LBT's over Win. 296 and it liked them.  Fortunately I never had to use it for the reason I bought it, last ditch against bear or a bull moose in rut.

Now that we're back in Missouri I'm going to work up a load for the 255 gr. Keith Type SWC at about 1000 fps.  I don't know if I'll carry it here as much as I did in Wyoming as I have other single actions I like to carry also. Obviously I don't need to worry much about bear and certainly no concern for bull mooose in rut.

You'll never regret acquiring a FA

Vic

[tominboise]

Well, thanks to all your inputs - today I had the local Sportsmans Warehouse order me a model 97 5-1/2" in 44 Special.  Should be here Friday or Saturday.  I'm looking forward to it getting here.  Now I just need to move some of my other iron to pay for it... :?

Of course, I am also freaked out that I should have ordered the 4-1/4" in lieu of the 5-1/2" - don't ask me why, just the mind playing games.  My two favorite revolvers are a S&W Model 27 with a 5" barrel, and a Ruger Bisley .45 Colt with a 5-1/2" barrel.  I hate second guessing myself.....

[De41mag]

Tom;

No use second guessing, it's on it's way.
But yea, I know at that price you want to be sure you get what you really want.
I think you made a good choice with the 5-1/2 incher. It will be easier to push those bullets at 1000 fps.  :wink:
Keep us posted and CONGRATS on the FA.

Dennis  

[redawg]

Here's my take on the barrel length.  You can have that 5 1/2" barrel cut to 4 1/4" if you decide to, but you can't stretch a shorter barrel!  FWIW, I'd have gone with a 5 1/2" barrel myself.  Enjoy your new gun!

[TScottO]

Myronman---reading your post makes me chuckle. I cannot count the times I’ve told my self I’m going to take a break from buying guns. I may be able to hold off a while but when I do give in to buy one I end up getting 2 or 3 back to back lol. So much for self-control… If you make it a full year you’re a more disciplined man than I. Good Luck!!

Tominboise, I do think trading guns for the purpose of acquiring a FA is a good thing; however I would not get rid of a gun I really liked to do so. The price you would sell a used gun for you could probably make up in a short while of dedicated saving so it really isn’t worth it. I have two 97’s, one is a 22lr/22mag and the other is a 44 special. Both have 5 ½” barrels. If I had it to do over again I may have ordered the 22 with a 7 ½” barrel since I think the extra barrel length would help the little 22 bullet to have more umpth. With the bigger calibers I much prefer the 5 ½” barrel. I don’t think you would be able notice the difference between how a 4 1/4” barrel and a 5 ½” barrel carries. In my opinion you made a fine choice.

Be Safe,
Scott