Freedom Arms pistols?
#125573
01/04/2013 2:17 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 335
S.B.
OP
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OP
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To start with, I've read nothing but, good about these revolvers! But, I don't think I'd buy one after researching them recently. I've been told that only four rounds should be carried in the cylinder? There's no firing pin block or other safety devices, stickly old style SA handguns. So, $2500 for a four shooter? Anyone who can shed some light on this, I for one would welcome their input, please. I don't believe I've read this in any of the articles writen here? If the authors have mentioned it, I apologize. I should also say, I've been fond of their 500 WE ever since I saw and read about them. Steve
Last edited by S.B.; 01/04/2013 2:26 PM.
"The Original Point and Click Interface was a Smith & Wesson."
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: S.B.]
#125577
01/04/2013 2:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
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First off the FA-83 does indeed have a hammer block, they do not have a transfer bar system. The hammer block can break if dropped just so and an accidental discharge can occur
The FA's are precisely fit and finished and are very accurate as well as very strong. I own about 7 or so of them
The 500 WE is nothing more than a 500 JRH with a belt instead of a rim to head space on. The 500 JRH can be made from 500 S&w cases.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: jwp475]
#125590
01/04/2013 3:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
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S.B.,
My advice is "do not buy one." They are addictive. I also own several. One is never enough.
The 500 WE is a fun round. I really have no need for a 50 cal handgun, but I have one. If one loads it hot enough, the recoil is very noticeable. LOL
I have hunted with FA revolvers numerous times. I have never needed all four rounds that were in the cylinder. For me, loading only four, is not an issue.
Last edited by wtroper; 01/04/2013 3:54 PM.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: wtroper]
#125601
01/04/2013 6:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101
Bearbait in NM
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Well, considering a lot of folks here have single shot pistols that probably cost as much once all duded up, capacity seems like an odd requirement for a hunting handgun. And we have had more than a few conversations here about the FA and carrying methods.
If you are concerned about capacity for backup to defend yourself, there are plenty of suitable 6 shot revolvers and semi-autos. As I have noted in those mentioned threads, do your homework, understand any risks, and make your decision. There is not a gun made that you cannot have an accident with. I feel accidents are less about the gun, and more about the person.
Craig
Northern born and Southern bred
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#125618
01/04/2013 9:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
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Steve,
Wtroper is right, they are addictive. FA guns have a couple of advantages in my opinion. First is that you have an excellent handling gun in a smaller package. There are others that are more powerful, like the S&W's or even DA Rugers, but many of them feel unwieldy to me in the revolver platform. They also have the best fit & finish of any gun out there and, for the most part they are very accurate and with good technique and a scope will shoot under 2" at 100 yards. The grip frame on a FA with wood or micarta grips is simply the best there is for heavy recoiling cartriges.
You mentioned the 500 WE. I'm generally not a fan of 50 cal's and that one is no exception, the 475 Linebaugh or the 454 is a better choice if for no other reason than the proprietary nature of the 500 WE case. They are expensive, yes, but well worth it if you have the budget for it and want something more than a 44 Mag. in a single action.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Gary]
#125629
01/04/2013 11:15 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
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the FA is the best. i hear the "only 4" argument made alot but no one feels they're undergunned with "only 5" when compared to a SRH ruger. i've never ever needed more than 4, really never needed more than 2. i've never had any handgun that if i throw a scope on it would shoot sub 1" groups. with FA i have 4. i've never had any more accurate than them. worth every penny imho.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: tradmark]
#125630
01/04/2013 11:19 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
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if ya wanna 50 the WE is as good as anything, i'd get one, get a JRH cylinder made from jack huntington. i have no use for a 50 though, but they are fun.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: tradmark]
#125633
01/04/2013 11:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,116
GlennS
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If you need more than 4 shots of Casull or WE, you should do more practicing because a 5th shot probably wouldn't have helped
They are the best by far if the factory produced sixguns in my opinion. I actually prefer them to the full blown customs I've had built over the years. $2500 may seem expensive but that is just the starting point for custom sixguns and doesn't even figure in the cost of the base gun at $2500. So when you think about that, FA guns are a screaming deal.
"Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt"
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: GlennS]
#125636
01/04/2013 11:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Shootist
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I love my Freedom, but to me the actions always feel a bit clunky compared to those of my custom Rugers. I just prefer them. That said, you can't go wrong with either.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#125642
01/05/2013 12:59 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 349
240
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When you look at Freedom Arms fit & finish, super tight tolerances, and the fact they are linebored for accuracy, have really nice interchangable sight sets, top of the line factory optic mounts in a handful of styles, choice of grip materials, will rebarrel or upgrade existing gun, ... they stand alone. No other gun company offers you so many options. The only downside is price. If you shop around you can buy "used" at half price of new. And then if you have to selling it, you loose nothing.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: 240]
#125644
01/05/2013 1:17 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Shootist
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When you look at Freedom Arms fit & finish, super tight tolerances, and the fact they are linebored for accuracy, have really nice interchangable sight sets, top of the line factory optic mounts in a handful of styles, choice of grip materials, will rebarrel or upgrade existing gun, ... they stand alone. No other gun company offers you so many options. The only downside is price. If you shop around you can buy "used" at half price of new. And then if you have to selling it, you loose nothing. No doubt. Out of the box, there is no equal in a number of areas.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#125653
01/05/2013 2:46 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,116
GlennS
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As 240 mentioned, there are some really great deals out there if you look on used guns. Buddy just bought a nice octagon 475 new at less than dealer with an extra cylinder and a very nice used 500 with brass dies, etc much less than new. Just got to be ready when they pop up
"Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt"
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: GlennS]
#125654
01/05/2013 2:55 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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As 240 mentioned, there are some really great deals out there if you look on used guns. Buddy just bought a nice octagon 475 new at less than dealer with an extra cylinder and a very nice used 500 with brass dies, etc much less than new. Just got to be ready when they pop up Most definitely!
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#125662
01/05/2013 6:06 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408
Seasons44
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I am probally going to get heckled over this,
But I think fit and finish is bar none for out of box, though freedom's grips are a love or hate thing, for me I prefer a ruger bisely grip, and for price point I would prefer a custom ruger over an FA.
But all in all its personal and its what you prefer.....
Simple, Elegant, but always Approachable
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Seasons44]
#125667
01/05/2013 7:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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I am probally going to get heckled over this,
Naw.... I agree completely, FWIW.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Seasons44]
#125675
01/05/2013 3:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
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I am probally going to get heckled over this,
But I think fit and finish is bar none for out of box, though freedom's grips are a love or hate thing, for me I prefer a ruger bisely grip, and for price point I would prefer a custom ruger over an FA.
But all in all its personal and its what you prefer.....
One point to consider, FA's can be purchased used for a considerable savings making them the best deal going for the money spent
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: jwp475]
#125676
01/05/2013 3:29 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 66
whywait
journeyman
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journeyman
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The worst thing about FA is it's hard to own just one!
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: whywait]
#125682
01/05/2013 4:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,642
BBwheelgunner
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I have a bisley hunter in 45 colt and love it. I thought that was the best handling grip out there on a single action (recoil wise) , but then I got my FA 454 casull with the wood grips and dang...
its different, and took me a bit to get used to it, but now I actually prefer it. shoots my hot loads and does not beat you up at all and handles nicely
"If you are going to go through all the trouble to put a hole in something, why not make it a big one?"
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: BBwheelgunner]
#125683
01/05/2013 5:03 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 830
rlb
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Has anyone ever had to Cary an extra firing pin and tools when hunting with a custom Ruger?
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: rlb]
#125685
01/05/2013 5:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
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old hand
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Has anyone ever had to Cary an extra firing pin and tools when hunting with a custom Ruger? I have not
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: rlb]
#125686
01/05/2013 5:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
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Has anyone ever had to Cary an extra firing pin and tools when hunting with a custom Ruger? Neither have I.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#125687
01/05/2013 5:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
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Had two pins break on my Freedom model 83`s. 454 and 357. The 454 was 2 weeks before Africa and was an early version that had to be sent back, drilled out and the new pin bushing installed.Took them 3 days... The 357 broke while hunting at the YO. One of the members had an extra...
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#125689
01/05/2013 6:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Had two pins break on my Freedom model 83`s. 454 and 357. The 454 was 2 weeks before Africa and was an early version that had to be sent back, drilled out and the new pin bushing installed.Took them 3 days... The 357 broke while hunting at the YO. One of the members had an extra... I find that more than a little disconcerting.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#125691
01/05/2013 7:32 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
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had firing pin break on my redhawk 45 colt. i have the FA replaceable bushing on all my guns that i can screw out and just replace a pin, i carry extras, haven't had to do that on any gun in over 10 years till i had my lastest 7.5" gun break a pin after having it for 2 weeks, talked to a guy at FA and they had a run of bad pins, not hardened properly i guess?
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: tradmark]
#125692
01/05/2013 7:32 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
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my ruger took alot more than 3 days to get back.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: tradmark]
#125693
01/05/2013 8:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Shootist
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my ruger took alot more than 3 days to get back. As it should, costing a quarter of the price -- LOL!
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#125704
01/06/2013 2:44 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
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I have owned three FA's, plus about a half dozen at least Rugers in .44 magnum and .45 Colt, plus now own a customized Ruger (.475 Linebaugh.)
All have been/are functional and taken game. But for my own personal reasons, my go to revolver for big game would be one of my FA's.
FWIW
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#125707
01/06/2013 2:53 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,116
GlennS
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I may have one break tomorrow but after 12 years and 5 different freedoms shot a substantial amount of times over the years, I've never had one mess up or break. I have had custom rugers hitch up on the actions. All were by VERY notable smiths. Things happen, that's all. But when something absolutely has to be taken down, I grab a FA every time as they are the ones I have utter confidence in. The gripframe on a FA is for me personally, a much better handler of recoil than the bisley. But after thousands and thousands of full house Casulls and such downrange, maybe I'm just a little biased. I always joked saying that God himself sent that gripframe down to us for use in the gamefields. It's that nice
"Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt"
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#125708
01/06/2013 2:56 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306
EricS
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The freedom arms are probably the nicest production guns out there. I would rather have a custom bisley but would settle for a freedom arms if I find a good deal on one.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: EricS]
#125722
01/06/2013 6:49 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,642
BBwheelgunner
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I had my firing pin on my FA 83 break, but that was more my fault than anything (long story) .
That being said, like the other guys have said, if you have a newer gun with the pin bushing and an extra pin taped some where it will always be when you need it... you will be prepared for anything.
owning a FA was just a dream for me a few years back, but I had the opportunity to get one and took advantage of it. I do not regret it one bit. I hope I will be able to get another someday
Last edited by BBwheelgunner; 01/06/2013 6:50 AM.
"If you are going to go through all the trouble to put a hole in something, why not make it a big one?"
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: BBwheelgunner]
#125791
01/07/2013 7:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
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Like BB says above, its easy to carry an extra pin and a driver tip that matches the bushing, which goes with me and my FA`s handguns.....
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#125799
01/07/2013 8:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
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I love my Freedom, but to me the actions always feel a bit clunky compared to those of my custom Rugers. I just prefer them. That said, you can't go wrong with either. My sentiments exactly but not all customs are equal. I would suggest sticking with someone like Huntington, Linebaugh or Bowen. There are some other good ones out there as well as bad ones. For now I'm out of building guns except for the ones I'm finishing up. If I were having one built for me the top of the list would be Jack and the bottom would be Reeder. The latter puts all kinds of lazer engraving on them but unless things have changed the actions suck as bad as factory and the internal parts are factory so they aren't tight at all.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: wapitirod]
#125800
01/07/2013 8:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: whywait]
#126701
01/22/2013 7:36 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 35
claimbuster
newbie
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newbie
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The worst thing about FA is it's hard to own just one! I wish somebody would have told me about this problem earlier. A little less than a year ago, I didn't own one and in fact, I hadn't even held one. Now I have four of them! Two M83's and two M97's. Absolutely absurd!
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: claimbuster]
#126710
01/22/2013 2:27 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
Shooting Expert
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Nice claimbuster! Same thing happened to me
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: tradmark]
#126728
01/22/2013 10:32 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244
Mad Dog 1954
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enthusiast
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I want one I load for 454 so that my caliber choice. Getting ready to retire again and its my present to me
Sometimes it is entirely appropriate to kill a fly with a 12 pound sledgehammer!
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Mad Dog 1954]
#126730
01/22/2013 11:32 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 62
Wyatt 545
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journeyman
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I have a matching pair of 7.5" 454s. One wears a Burris 1.5-4 and the other is open. Absolutly love them both. Had numerous Bisleys in 44, 45, and 41. Would not go back for nothing!
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Wyatt 545]
#127389
02/01/2013 3:28 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 52
Oscar
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I like Ruger Bisleys and FAs. The best deal is a stock Ruger Bisley - most shoot quite well. But, If you want a near guarantee of an outstanding revolver you really can't beat FA. I've had one full custom Ruger 45 (with line bored cylinder) by a top notch pistol smith of very high regard. It was strong, smooth, tight and good looking but shot only a little better than my stock Ruger 45 -- made me feel kinda foolish as it cost a heck of a lot more. I traded it for my first FA 454 with octagon barrel and my groups were easily cut in half. In fact the FA83 is the most accurate revolver that I have shot in 30 years of hand gunning.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Oscar]
#127390
02/01/2013 3:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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3 shots, 1/4-inch at 50 yards.....
BFR
Enough said..... I have a number of top-shelf customs and an FA 83, and nothing has shot as well as this particular BFR that has come into my possession. If it won't shoot, it won't find a home with me, generally speaking. But all of my customs shoot lights out as well.
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Re: Freedom Arms pistols?
[Re: Whitworth]
#127394
02/01/2013 4:01 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,116
GlennS
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old hand
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That's nice Whit but the gun didn't hit the bullseye, what good is a small group that isn't on target....hahahahahahaha.. Sorry, couldn't help it You know, I see lots of good things on the BFRs, I've never actually fired one though. I wouldn't turn one down though with the groups I've seen them shoot for folks across the board....
Last edited by GlennS; 02/01/2013 4:01 PM.
"Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt"
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