I have a model 97 in 45 colt and really like it and love the size, but the length restrictions on ammo length as well as the recoil for such a light gun had me thinking of a BFR in 454 casull or saving up for an 83. Well, I just got a great deal on a used 83 in 454 Casull with a 7.5" barrel, Premier grade at well under 1/2 of list. I plan on sending it in the FA to get a 45 colt cylinder made, ( fluted ) and reducing the barrel length. I used to have a 6" 83 but was thinking somewhere between 5-6". I would appreciate thoughts from others who have had these calibers with short to medium barrels. I will likely use it most to shoot heavy 45 Colt with the occasional medium heavy 454. The really heavy 454 I will take a pass, too hot for me. Thanks.

I suggest that you shoot the 83 for awhile before you make up you mind. I personally would want to keep the 7 1/2" barrel.

I have heard that the chambers on the 45 cylinders are not as tight as the chambers on the 454. You may want to look into this.

Charles

DavT: AS TIGHT AS FA MAKES THEIR 454 CYLINDERS THE CHAMBERS (NOT THE THROATS) IN 45C CYLINDERS ARE NOT TIGHT BUT THE FA 83's WITH THE 45C CYLINDERS ARE VERY ACCURATE. I DID 9 SAFARIS USING FA 83's WITH 45C CYLINDERS AND 454 EQUIVALENT LOADS.

I HAVE A 6 INCH MODEL 83 BUT ONLY TOOK IT ALONG AS A COMPANION BELT GUN ON 1 SAFARI, AND I HAVE NOT CARRIED IT MUCH AFIELD. FULL HOUSE 454 OR 45C 454 EQUIVALENT LOADS ARE NOT PLEASANT IN IT AND WITH JUST MAGNUM LEVEL 45C LOADS I HAVE OTHER OPTIONS IN 45C REVOLVERS. I WUD NOT GO LESS THAN 5 INCHES.

Unless you have tons of 45 colt components you can just buy some hs6 amd longshot and just load away in a 454 case. Nice 60% type loads and easy to do. Neither powder is very critical at all. It would save money over a new cylinder. I have 45 colt cylinders for 2 of my fa 83?s and i think ive used em once due to the ease of the 454 with the above mentioned powders.

I have a 4 3/4 inch barreled model 83 in 454 and found the same issue. I liked the size and compactness of the gun, but anything close to full house loads were not pleasant at all. I ended up loading some 300gr LTC bullets over 9.0 grains of Unique in Casull brass for just under 1000 fps. This load is very usable and effective. I would not want to steer you away from a dream gun, but I would say to shoot it the way it is with loads that are equivalent to 45 Colt Ruger loads in Casull brass and see what you think.

I would not bother with a .45 Colt cylinder. I would use .454 brass and load heavy .45 Colt type loads in it as Tradmark suggested.
I have owned a 7-1/2" (scoped with a 4X Leupold) FA, as well 6" and 4-3/4" versions, and liked them all. I took the most game with the 7-1/2", followed by the 6". I never hunted with the 4-3/4" version, but it was extremely accurate, and I liked it. I used only full- strength loads in the 7-1/2", and somewhat lesser .454 loads in the others.
Barrel length preference is such a subjective thing, that I'm reluctant to make a flat "best" statement. I think you should try the gun as-is before making any changes. Shoot it, wear it, perhaps hunt with it, then decide.

Thanks for the information and experience. One of the reasons for the 45 Colt cylinder is that I have about 500 rounds of 45 colt from cowboy loads to +P Buffalo bore that would like to shoot. Also, at this point I am not reloading but that is in the planning stage. I am leaning heavily towards a 5 1/2"barrel but will shoot the 7 1/2" for a while before deciding. Thanks again.

The shorter barrels pack better for me, but they are harder to shoot well due to the shorter sight radius and lighter weight. You also give up some velocity. Shoot and carry before you cut,and if possible shoot a short barrel gun or two before you decide.

Well, as good a reason as any!!

I have to say one last thing about this.... Get a 50 caliber bronze brush (I know for sure Cabelas carries them) Shoot the gun with your 45 Colt loads but clean the cylinder very good before shooting the 454 loads. Good luck with your decision and Congratulations on the FA. Hope it brings a lot of joy.