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Freedom Arms M97 Homage #175652 11/23/2016 5:24 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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As I sit here on a warm, rainy, and dreary day, the effects for cabin fever has set in. I've been searching through the forums and noticed that there's not been a thread dedicated to the M97. Freedom Arms needs no introduction, but I think the little M97 doesn't get much notoriety due to being in the shadows of it's big brother...the M83.

Now, I love the M83 and it's arguably the "Worlds Finest Revolver" and has taken every legal big game animal in the world, but the little M97 is just as "Fine". Once I purchased my first, I quickly became a fan of the small and lightweight package, not to mention it's superb accuracy!

Let's use this thread to post pics of your M97's and critters taken with them. I'll start...

My first M97 chambered in 45 Colt. It's topped with a JPoint reflex sight.


Maine Black Bear taken with a 250XTP over 20.5gr of 2400.


Texas hog taken with 250XTP over 20.5gr of 2400.


Illinois doe taken with 250XTP over 20.5gr of 2400.


My second M97 in 22LR/22Mag with black micarta grips, rounded butt and topped with w 2-6x Bushnell Elite.


Illinois Skirls...


Bandit...


Missouri Skirl...


Mississippi Skirl...


Wabbit...


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #175654 11/23/2016 6:33 PM
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Mark Hampton Offline
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Beautiful revolvers! And you obviously shoot them well! A Model 97 in .41 Mag. would be a wonderful addition.

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Mark Hampton] #175655 11/23/2016 6:46 PM
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Darrell H Offline
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I currently only own one model 97; a 5 1/2" .22 LR:


I hope to add two 5 1/2" Model 97's to my collection in the near future; a .327 Federal and a .44 Special . The .327 Federal is currently on order.
\:\)

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Mark Hampton] #175657 11/23/2016 6:58 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: Mark Hampton
Beautiful revolvers! And you obviously shoot them well! A Model 97 in .41 Mag. would be a wonderful addition.


Thanks, Mark! I agree on the .41. It's on my list. I want a 7 1/2" octagon with jeweled hammer and trigger with ivory micarta grips.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Darrell H] #175661 11/23/2016 7:52 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: Darrell H
I currently only own one model 97; a 5 1/2" .22 LR:


I hope to add two 5 1/2" Model 97's to my collection in the near future; a .327 Federal and a .44 Special . The .327 Federal is currently on order.
\:\)


That is nice! I'm envious about that .327, I want one of those as well. Dick Thompson's writings on the 32 has left me wanting one for a while now.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #175663 11/23/2016 9:15 PM
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Okie Hunter Online Happy
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Great looking guns and knives. Thanks again for the advise and help.


With God all things are possible. Matt.19:26
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #175684 11/24/2016 2:31 PM
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Mech 8 Offline
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Beautiful firearms! I own two, both 5 1/2 inch, a 44 spcl, and a 357 mag. I really like that J-Point on the 45 Colt. Where/who makes a mount for the M97?

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Mech 8] #175685 11/24/2016 2:55 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: Mech 8
Beautiful firearms! I own two, both 5 1/2 inch, a 44 spcl, and a 357 mag. I really like that J-Point on the 45 Colt. Where/who makes a mount for the M97?


I got my mount from freedom arms.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #175695 11/24/2016 8:40 PM
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Beautiful!


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #175715 11/25/2016 4:12 AM
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 Originally Posted By: KRal

My first M97 chambered in 45 Colt. It's topped with a JPoint reflex sight.



What's the max pressure FA rates the M97 45 Colt?

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Snyd] #175726 11/25/2016 2:29 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: Snyd
 Originally Posted By: KRal

My first M97 chambered in 45 Colt. It's topped with a JPoint reflex sight.



What's the max pressure FA rates the M97 45 Colt?


Not positive, but I think it's just rated for the Ruger only loads. Anything more would be overexciting to participate in
\:D


Maybe 500WE or someone else with more knowledge on the subject will chime in.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Snyd] #175729 11/25/2016 3:03 PM
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Nice guns, knives, animals, and idea, KRal!







Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Gregg Richter] #175732 11/25/2016 3:12 PM
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NRA LIFE MEMBER NAHC LIFE MEMBER
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: magman] #175733 11/25/2016 3:26 PM
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Great idea KRal! Hmmm, a M97 in 41 you say?

Breaking in the FA M97 in 41



More use...


and more...


and more...


and...


One of my favorites to carry afield!

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Snyd] #175734 11/25/2016 3:30 PM
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This has a .22 mag cylinder as well and shoots better than me. I've since put a scope on it so it's appearance has changed. I've got another is .44 special but have neglected to photograph it apparently.

Last edited by PythonHunter; 11/25/2016 3:32 PM. Reason: added text
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Darrell H] #175736 11/25/2016 3:34 PM
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 Originally Posted By: Darrell H
I currently only own one model 97; a 5 1/2" .22 LR:




That's a gorgeous 22...sure would like to have one like that...
;\)

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: SChunter] #175742 11/25/2016 5:57 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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Dur, your 41 has been proven! It needs a vacation trip to Texas and introduced to a big whitetail


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #175745 11/25/2016 7:08 PM
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Mark Hampton Offline
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SChunter, You're killing me with that FA 97 in .41 Mag!! Nice looking piece and obviously a killing machine. Well done.

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Mark Hampton] #175750 11/25/2016 9:36 PM
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SChunter Offline
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Kim - she's been to TX, but only been used on does and hogs there. So far.

Mark - it has been one of my favorites. So much so, I'm struggling not to take her to Iowa later in December. Right now, a pair of Mod 83's are on the dance card.

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: SChunter] #175751 11/25/2016 9:48 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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If it made the Iowa trip, what would be your choice of ammo?


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #175769 11/26/2016 12:09 PM
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KRal - I've had tremendous success with Speer 210 GDHP, both in factory and reloaded configuration. That'd be first choice given my experiences.

I have a bunch of the 210 XTP as well, but James' use of the Swift has me wanting to try that one. And of course, your experimentation with the Barnes.

Guess I need a couple more FA 41's, each set up for different ammo

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: SChunter] #175794 11/27/2016 8:09 PM
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the m-97 that tugs at my heart is a 22lr/mag......


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Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: jamesfromjersey] #175849 11/29/2016 1:49 PM
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Love the 97


Hunt hard,Shoot straight,Kill clean,Apologize to no one.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Mark Hampton] #175925 12/01/2016 3:25 PM
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 Originally Posted By: Mark Hampton
Beautiful revolvers! And you obviously shoot them well! A Model 97 in .41 Mag. would be a wonderful addition.


X2


"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"

I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Snyd] #176314 12/13/2016 6:26 PM
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Oscar Offline
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I enjoy Ruger and FA single action revolvers but the FA 97 is my favorite gun of any type. A 5.5" 44 special has been my "go to" deer hunting gun for several years now. I've had excellent success with this revolver with iron sights ( green fiber optic ) but the adjustable Trijicon RMR is even better. It's much better than irons early and late in the day and can still be carried in a belt holster.
Of course, this revolver can only be appreciated by a handloader. If I couldn't load then I would be looking for an FA 97 in 41 mag.

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Oscar] #176316 12/13/2016 6:47 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: Oscar
I enjoy Ruger and FA single action revolvers but the FA 97 is my favorite gun of any type. A 5.5" 44 special has been my "go to" deer hunting gun for several years now. I've had excellent success with this revolver with iron sights ( green fiber optic ) but the adjustable Trijicon RMR is even better. It's much better than irons early and late in the day and can still be carried in a belt holster.
Of course, this revolver can only be appreciated by a handloader. If I couldn't load then I would be looking for an FA 97 in 41 mag.


Would for to see some pics staring the 44 spec.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #176390 12/14/2016 7:56 PM
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I hope you'll forgive me but I don't generally post pics. In this case you're not missing much because it is almost identical to yours! The RMR is shaped only slightly different - it is a touch longer filling the flat on the front of the FA base. I think the combo is about as good as it gets for offhand shooting in the woods. You'd probably need a scope AND a rest to shoot better in the field.

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Oscar] #189877 02/22/2018 7:26 PM
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I have a M97 in .357 with 5 1/2? octogon bbl and a 45 Colt with 5 1/2 round barrel. Both with Trijicon RMR and FA mount. I love shooting them and have found comfortable and heavy loads for both. I used to have an 83 454/45Colt and traded it for these but am thinking I may want one again. I don?t like collecting things though so I will have to wait until I find that I need it. KRal, I will see if I can post some pics with the Trijicon.

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: DavT] #189913 02/24/2018 11:18 AM
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You guy?s have some sweet guns!

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: racksmasher1] #189919 02/24/2018 4:02 PM
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This was a thread from a little over a year ago. Surely there have been some more M97's added to our collection somewhere in that timeframe!! Let's see 'em!!!


A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!

Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Raptortrapper] #189952 02/25/2018 9:24 PM
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How about a 327 Federal?



Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Darrell H] #189954 02/25/2018 10:35 PM
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KRal Offline OP
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Ooooooh weee! That's a dandy, DH. My next FA M97 will most likely be a .327 - that is, unless I run across a .41 mag first.

We need a shooting report.


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #189955 02/25/2018 10:45 PM
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DARREL H: WOW, A REALLY BEAUTIFUL REVOLVER. WHAT HAVE YOU TAKEN WITH IT? WHAT DO YOU SHOOT IN IT?


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: 45MAN] #189960 02/25/2018 11:46 PM
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Darrell H Offline
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Thanks guys! This one has been in the safe since late summer/early fall last year and has yet to be shot. I hope to rectify that soon...

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Darrell H] #189961 02/26/2018 12:30 AM
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racksmasher1 Offline
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Sweet looking gun!

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Darrell H] #189963 02/26/2018 12:42 AM
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 Originally Posted By: Darrell H
How about a 327 Federal?


Sweet!!!


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: s4s4u] #189971 02/26/2018 2:22 AM
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DANG YOU DARRELL!!!!

That's a caliber I REALLY want. You just ruined me. Octagon and all. That's just awesome!!


A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!

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Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: Raptortrapper] #190029 02/27/2018 3:16 AM
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BRASF0311 Offline
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Some way, some how, I will have a 97 with a 5 1/2" octagon barrel chambered in 22lr/22mag, and black micarta grips, someday.

Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: BRASF0311] #196099 11/24/2018 1:27 PM
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One of my favorites.


Faith. Freedom. Family.
Re: Freedom Arms M97 Homage [Re: KRal] #196171 11/26/2018 2:00 PM
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 Originally Posted By: KRal
 Originally Posted By: Snyd
 Originally Posted By: KRal

My first M97 chambered in 45 Colt. It's topped with a JPoint reflex sight.



What's the max pressure FA rates the M97 45 Colt?


Not positive, but I think it's just rated for the Ruger only loads. Anything more would be overexciting to participate in
\:D


Maybe 500WE or someone else with more knowledge on the subject will chime in.


Earlier this year I started on a quest to find myself a FA 97 in the 45 Colt Caliber. But my mind was changed.
I spoke with the one of the folks at FA. and di find out that for a fact that the 97 in 45 caliber is rated at 50,000PSI.
The problem comes in with the cylinder length. The longest COAL that can be used is 1.600 That knocks out a lot of the heavier loads, that can be used in a Ruger. EX: a 335 gr Leadhead bullet. I will say this. That particular load in my 4 5/8 Ruger is quite lively. A 260-265gr bullet should take care of most things addressed with the 97. And if you shop around you should be able to find a few bullets that are made specifically for the FA 97.

Charles

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