Which one and why?

[tecrsq]

Let's say you could only own 1 Freedom Arms Revolver:

- Which model?

- which caliber?

- Which Barrel length?

[tuckerdog1]

The darn things cost so much, I never thought I ever own "even" one, much less "more" than one. Only unusual circumstances have made my "collection" grow to two FA.

But my answer would be the 83 in 454Casull 7.5 inch.

For my taste, the 7.5 inch is correct for the frame size.
And if you're going to build a revolver as strong as a tank,
shoot a tank round.

Tuckerdog1

[Rod in Pa]

I have owned two Freedom Arms revolvers in my life. A model 83 in a 475 linebaugh with a 7 1/2 bbl and a 44 mag model 83 with a 7 1/2 bbl. I hunt only whitetail deer. I have kill deer with both models. I had to sell the 475 Linebaugh after I had shoulder surgery. As far as deer hunting is concerned, the 44 mag has all the power you need to kill a deer. The 475 Linebaugh also did a good job but I didn't need all of the power. If I had to choose one it would be a Model 83 44 mag with a 7 1/2" bbl. The balance is perfect for me. It is fitted with the Lovell mounts and a Leupold 2 1/2 to 8 scope. I hope this helps. Rod. PS... Also get a factory trigger job( mine is set at 3 lbs), they are awesome.

[JOE MACK]

As of now, I've got three FAs. One M83 Premier .475Linebaugh w/6inch barrel, one M83 Premier in .41Magnum w/6inch barrel, and one M97 Premier in .41Magnum w/5.5 inch barrel. I'd hate like heck to have to part with any of them.

However, if I had to I'd have the M83 Premier in .475Linebaugh w/6 inch barrel. Since it would be my only one, I'd have to embellish it. It would have a 6inch octagonal barrel, fluted cylinder, trigger job, and an extra fluted cylinder in .480Ruger. This way, I could take everything from field mice to cape buffalo. I just wouldn't be as happy as when I had my two .41Magnums, too.

[SmackFactor]

Model 83 Premier with Express sights, 2.5 lb trigger, smoothed action
.475 Linebaugh(Maybe the new 50)
7.5 inch

The .475 reloads from light to heavy loads well and will take care of most of my shooting. Of course a little more power wouldn't hurt   :grin:

7.5 inch has a good overall sight radius for me. I like a 10 inch when on a stand, but the 7.5 is best for only one gun. I don't shoot the short ones very well and I Hate their balance.

Regards,
Jerry

[myronman3]

model 83, 44mag 7.5 bbl.   oh, wait, that IS what i own.  i think a 10.5  inch 44 or 41 model 83 would be the nuts.   if i get another, it may well be a 41 '83 with 10.5.

[TScottO]

I have a few of each frame size. The two 97’s are 22lr/22magnum and a 44special, both have 5.5” barrels. The two 83’s are 454/45lc and a 475 Linebaugh, both have 6” barrels.

If I were to have only one it would be a model 83. I prefer for a gun to have a little weight to it. The six inch barrel is just about perfect. There is enough sight radius for iron sight shooting and the barrel is long enough to where blast and powder residue will not coat the end of your scope/optics. I also prefer the way a six inch barrel holsters.

If I were to have only one it would be the 475. The 475 is one probably the most well rounded cartridge in existence. A slow moving hardcast bullet doesn’t even damage a rabbit too much. You also have power available to hunt elk or moose with much power to spare.  Accuracy is excellent from 850fps all the way through 1450fps. You can load the 475 to recoil levels equal to, or a touch below, the 44 magnum or to levels I find hard to believe anyone would enjoy for an extended range session.

I don’t see the need to have the 480 cylinder being that you can reload to any level of power you want with the 475. The only thing I might see is being in a pinch for ammo and having to buy 480 stuff and you don’t want to void the warranty. Of if it were to be a while before you take up reloading you could have a 480 cylinder and shoot factory ammo in the meanwhile.

If I did not reload or did not plan on reloading the 44 magnum would be my choice.

The 475 is simply a fine round and is my personal favorite.

Peace be with you,
Scott

[SJPrice]

I agree, but if you do not want to purchase the 480 cylinder and you do not reload, then simply order a large supply of the Buffalo Bore "light" loads.  They send a 420 grain LFN down range at a mild 950 fps.  I find them to be even milder than the factory 480 stuff to shoot and at least my FA83 seems to like them very well.  One hole groups at 25 yds.

[Redhawk1]

It would be the one I own. 83 in 454 Casull 7.5 inch PG