I got to handle 2 FA 97's today

I stopped in a shop that I found list on FA's web site & they had 2 in the case. When I walked in a young man asked of I was looking for anything in particular? I told him Freedom Arms; his reply "finally someone with some taste comes in"! What they had in were a 41 mag 3 1/2" & 45 LC 4 5/8. Both we're round butt grip frames with micarta (kinda color blind) so, orange or red somewhere in that spectrum of color. Very well made, fit & finish was exquisite! The hammers we're zip tied down, no toying with the action & can't blame the shop owner there. I must say I have something I want to save up for now. I'm interested in the 327 federal chambering & alt cylinder for 32 h&r & the 32 long. Do any of you shoot the 327? I plan to buy some reloading equipment soon & see this as a fun caliber. I don't do large game hunting & think it would be perfect to load down for small game/plinking fun. Then load hot for larger vermin. At any rate I understand a little better now about owners of these fine guns enthusiasm for them.

It gets addictive!

KRal is right Mike, I bought one, then another, and am waiting for #3 to arrive. Ugh...

I have gotten to the point now that I leave one out all the time so that I don't have to open up the safe every time I want to handle it. Buy one, you'll have no regrets.

PH

You guys are killing me. I need to shoot one

I have three M97s --- 41 mag, 45 Colt, & 327 (32H&R). I love them. The 32 was made before the introduction of the 327 mag cartridge. It was originally chambered in 32 H&R. However, Bob made a 327 cylinder for it later. It is THE fun gun that I own. The ladies particularly like to shoot it with the low recoil & accuracy.

I also enjoy the 327 cartridge. It is my "vermin/varmit" cartridge. I carry a Ruger BH in 327 in my farm pickup all of the time. It shoots quite flat out to 100 yds for me from these revolvers.

IMHO, I would not waste the money on the other cylinders. The 327 is the best of the group. Since I received the M97 with the 327 cylinder, the 32 H&R has not been put in the gun.

Bought #1 just a year ago, a M97 41M, 51/2". Right now I am considering purchasing #5. What is happening here?

Mike_B,

Have a bunch of 'em. Lov 'em all. Just addressed claimbuster thread on the 22/32 FA. The '97 I have has cylinders for 32-20 WCF, 32 Mag, and 327 Fed. My daughters are really attached to that one. Like stated, lotta bang for the buck, minimal recoil, flat trajectory, etc. Only problem has been getting XTPs in the heavier weights for the bigger varmints. Therefore, found decent cast bullets to fill the niche, problem solved.

Doc

Mike i own 7 now, if you decide on buying one you won't be disappointed. I've really come to love the model 97's.

As I posted in another thread, I broke down and bought a M97 4 1/4" 45C last night. It should ship on Thursday and be here next Monday. That is #5, the third M97. So it's 41M, 44SP, 44M, 45C & 454. That's it....NO more! Although a M97 327 and a M83 475 would be awfully nice. Never planned on leaving anything for those kids after I'm gone anyway, so I guess it is OK.

Uh huh, I've been guilty of that statement before - and the "good deal" caveat always trumps it! The inventory for the FA's continues to grow...

No more ---- Today?????

The 327 would be a nice addition to your 97s. Mine is a hoot to shoot ---- mild, accurate & flat. The ladies love it.

Wtroper-

The 327 sounds like fun. Agree with everything save one, I DON'T share.

Hi Claimbuster, I'd love to hear a little more about your new FA97 in 45 Colt. Is it standard or round butt? Have you had a chance to shoot it? Also, you have quite a variety - do you have a favorite 97?

Square butt. Yup, I got it out last week. Ran about 100 rds. through it. Had several different loads on the shelf that were leftover from previous 45's. Everything I took along was in the "wuss" category so I had fun w/o recoil. A load of 4.5gr. Clays under a 250gr. LRNFP shot very nicely.

It is definitely going to fall in the fun category. Nope, no favorites.