Early Freedom Arms Quality

Looking at a used Freedom Arms 83 in 454 Casull. It was built in 1989. Just wondering about if the quality/accuracy has changed in the guns over the years. Looks in good shape, but we all know how that goes. He wants about 60% of a new one and it has micarta grips and express sights in a 6" barrel.

Hey Buddy without viewing your FA first hand I can only tell you about my experience with my 4 FA's. I have 2 in .475 Linebaugh and 2 in .454 all were bought used and, some older than others. One of the .454's was bought from a guy who lived and hunted with it in Alaska its still tight as ever and shoots great. ALL shoot better than I can hold.
With the heavy recoil of these calibers they just aren't shot a whole hell of a lot. Also the crew at FA are a great source of info and help anytime you may need it. Good luck.

Thanks FAH.

He said it only has about 50 rounds through it and he is the second owner. Would come with the box and paperwork. He is asking $1350 for it. Did all the 83's come with the hammer block or did they start doing that later?

That I do not know. Would suggest you call FA and ask for John, he's helped me on a few occasions.

In my own experienceI I have not seen a quality or accuracy difference throughout the years.

If it's a used Premier Grade that's a good price / average price if it's a Field Grade.

My 83 shot inconcistant,the gun was out of spec, John took care of that,he returned all my phone calls the same day, good folks!

Regarding a replaceable firing pin. Thought I'd throw this in just in case you-all were wondering. All of my FA's are of the old model, non replaceable firing pin, I wondered if I should send them off and have them modernized with replaceable types. Ran into Bob Baker of FA while at the SHOT show and asked him about this. Bottom line its up to the owner, but if it ain't broke why fix it. Yes its field expedient to have the replaceable type, but for me I always have a 2nd gun with me.

I broke the firing pin on my early 454 two weeks before my first African hunt. Sent it back where it was drilled and tapped for the new system. Then on a hunt at the YO with all the handgunnres I broke the pin on my FA`s 357. Ray Garza gave me a replacement that I changed and kept the gun shooting. I now carry an extra pin and spring with a screwdriver that fits the bushing... My experience

I have 5 of them and love em all. Wouldnt trade any of them for any other gun. I do however think the replaceable firing pin is a good idea. Ive had to change mine in the field on a hunt before. I would jump on that one.

Thanks guys. This guy is going back on his price so I think I will keep looking. May just buy a new one so it has the replaceable fp in it.

Rbros,
Elma ?????

Check out gunbroker.com

Yup, I live just outside of Elma. You must have recognized the name?

PM sent......

They don't really do the replaceable forcing cone anymore because it pretty much was the cost of a new barrel. Didn't make much sense over time I guess. I have an older 83. It will outshoot some rifles at 100-150 yards from the bench. Crazy accurate when I do my part. Crazy accurate. I had it rebarreled after about 10K full house rounds. Still shot lights out but I wanted a longer octagon barrel. They did the replaceable firing pin when they had it apart. Don't fret over what era your gun comes from. They are all excellent. I have new ones and old ones and they all shoot better than I can. John and Bob are awesome guys and you won't find a better company to work with.