Author Topic: Which FA? (Read 859 times)

alamogunr · « **on:** November 19, 2005, 02:27:08 AM »

I don't hang out here much except to browse and absorb the collected wisdom. I have been thinking about a Freedom Arms for some time now but am not sure what to save for. .454's and .475's are really more than I need (want), but the idea of something that no one else around here has sort of appeals to me. Right now I'm leaning toward a .44 mag. because it should be easier to load for and a local gun shop has one that is not moving and I may be able to get the price down to $1100-1150. It is a Premier model 83.
I know that most answers to a question like this are to get a new one direct, set up exactly how you want it, but the price difference is appealing too. Any advice??
John

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2005, 04:04:19 AM »

Unless that gun is a used one or has been there for a lot of years you're not likely to get it that cheap. That's several hundred dollars below his cost on a new FA83.

I guess no one can answer the question of which for someone else. My top three choices would be FA83 in .44 Mag., FA97 in .44 Special and FA97 in .357 Mag. But for some none of those would be of any interest I'm sure.

Prices listed on the FA site are retail and a dealer can sell for less but not a LOT less, not if they like to make a profit at least. The dealer's mark up between his cost and that retail price is some what thin.

TScottO · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2005, 04:39:00 AM »

The price of $1100-1150 is a real good buy if the gun is sound. I would pay that for a used premier grade in a flash. As time passes you may decide you want a bigger bore. As far as wanting a bigger caliber, FA might install a larger bore barrel and cylinder on your model 83 frame.

A new barrel is $276 and a new cylinder is $353 according to their retrofit price sheet. If they will convert calibers it looks like you could change calibers for under $700 bucks if you ever wanted to. Id call and ask.

If FA will do this you can have a 44 for a while to see how you like it and then change to a larger caliber all for about the same price as a new one.

Take Care,
Scott

bpjon · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2005, 07:05:10 AM »

Recently I sent an e-mail to FA asking about that. They said they would not change the caliber of an existing gun.

TScottO · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2005, 03:01:14 PM »

That's a shame.

Take Care,
Scott

msmith · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2005, 02:04:01 AM »

I have an 83 in 454 and love it. As far as reloading goes, it has a lot of versatility. It also makes an interesting conversation piece. When I break it out, people just love it when I let them shoot it. That being said, I wouldn't like an 83 in 44 any less, and would even consider one in 41 since deer are the largest thing I hunt.

alamogunr · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2005, 01:28:51 PM »

Thanks for the feedback. I'm sorry I can't use it. I went by the shop yesterday afternoon while my wife shopped and it was gone. After all that time, I was surprised. I've had to find my FA catalog and start dreaming all over again.
John