Author Topic: 1st Model 83 advice? (Read 984 times)

SJPrice · « **on:** December 23, 2005, 11:58:32 AM »

I am getting ready to order my first FA 83. I know I want the Premiere Grade, the express sights and the inverted crown. I also know I want a 4.75 barrel. The decision I am struggling with is caliber. I am down to 2. Either the 475 Linebaugh or the 500 Wyoming Express. Most of my shooting no matter the caliber will be 390 to 420 grain cast lead at 1,000 fps. I have shot this range of load in a 475 quite a bit and the recoil is moderate and easy to shoot. I find it to be very accurate in my BFR. So have at it folks. Which would you order and most importantly, WHY? I am placing my order Tuesday the 27th as my dealer is closed on Mondays and I want a few more days to decide.

Boxhead · « **Reply #1 on:** December 24, 2005, 01:37:44 PM »

I would go for the 475 and I would not get the express sights. I have tried them on a friends gun and found them difficult to use consistently anywhere beyond 25 yards or so. I would choose the 475 as it is really all (likely more) than one will ever need in a handgun and ammo is readily available. The 500 is too new for me and very much a proprietary round. Even as a handloader I prefer to own something for which factory ammo is more readily available. In fact, I am strogly considering a 4 3/4" 475 myself...

palgeno · « **Reply #2 on:** December 25, 2005, 03:31:25 AM »

Geez---good thing there is something for everyone! I sold my 10 inch model 83 .454 with scope to a friend and bought the same in 7 1/2 inch with the express sights. It was an extremely accurate combination, but I changed tactics. Why? I decided my scoped single shot pistols suited me better for long range hunting and wanted to use revolvers for closer shots in the woods. I wanted to use a shorter barrel and open sight for easy belt/holster carry and wanted something I wouldn't have to worry about in lousey Wisconsin weather-- rain, snow, sleet, etc. Since my trifocal glasses make notch and blade hard to use, I tried the express sights on a friend's Ruger and thought this would work. Well, the FA express sights with gold bead are much better and easier to use---fast aquisition of sight picture on target-- and I can hit a paper plate OK out to 75 yds without using a rest---about the max distance one would likely find still hunting in the woods. This will be my black bear gun when my tag comes up in the system. While I miss the scope for paper punching, revolvers really work for me better at short range. So far, I have not had any clear woods shots beyond 50 yds anyway.:grin: pg

TScottO · « **Reply #3 on:** December 25, 2005, 03:49:35 PM »

The 500WE allows you to own a 50 caliber cartridge chambered in the best single action built. The thought of having a handgun chambered in the companies cartridge is nice, similar to having a custom 500 Linebaugh built by John L. himself.

As far as which is better I dont see a need that either of these guns would not fill equally well except that someone would want to own a 50 cal handgun instead of a 475.

The 475 has been around longer and since the 475 can be made using formed 45/70 brass, in a pinch, youll probably never be in a shortage. The only disadvantage I see to the 50 is that no existing brass can be used to make 500WE brass in a pinch. I do believe, however, FA will remain loyal to their customers even if the cartridge fails.

Bullets should always be equally available for either round since we have production produced guns in each of these bore diameters already, 480 Ruger and 500SW. I see no downfall for either caliber as far as bullets go.

The 500WE must be pretty popular. I ordered mine a week or so after they were available to the public and upon receipt the SNs are already in the 1100 range. I enjoy the bigger bore handguns and would buy one regardless because they are what I like. Currently the 475 is my favorite and I do not know if the 500 will take its place. If I were only going to have one of the bigger big bores and chose the 500WE I would buy enough brass to where I would not have to worry about future availability.

Take Care,
Scott

Old Griz · « **Reply #4 on:** December 27, 2005, 08:00:01 PM »

:cb2: Well, if you already have a 475 BFR that shoots fine, then go with .50 and be a little different. Varity! Life is short!

SJPrice · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2005, 01:15:49 AM »

Okay, the gun is ordered, shipped and at the dealer waiting for me to pick it up tomorrow. 3 day Illinois waiting period baloney. Anyway, I decided to go with the 475 for my first 83. Got the 4 3/4 inch and order an express sight along with the standard sight so I can work with them both and decide which works best for me. Several things helped me make up my mind. One, I am already familiar with the 475 as was well pointed out and the 475 is a well established round with all the power I will ever need. I am already set up to load them and have good light loads as well as hot ones for special occasions. The 475 was in stock and ready for shipping as well. So now if I decide I would still like to have a 500 WE, and I probably will, I can get to know the gun and know what I would like to have worked over or special on the 500. I agree that if you are going to have a gun in a caliber offered only by the manufacturer then you should make it a very special gun indeed. So now I am sitting waiting for tomorrow when I can pick up my first Premiere 83 and run a few dozen rounds through it. My thanks to all who responded here, to Bob at FA for answering a couple of questions and especially to the great lady who answers the phone at FA. She was a great help and just plain fun to talk to. FA sure seems to have the customer service part of being in business under control. I will post an update after tomorrows range session.