Heard they are made like a watch. 97 and 83. 97 is a smaller frame? Compared size wise to a ruger blackhawk? Same, smaller?

Looking at a 5.5 inch in 45colt.

Very pricey.

I have a 83 model with a 7+" barrel that's Magnaported in 454 Casull, I also have a matching 45auto cylinder. Its practical to shoot since I can shoot 454 Casull, 45 Colt,45 Scofield, or switch the cylinder and shoot 45 auto.
It is built like a tank!
If I compare it to my 7" Ruger 3 screw, 357mag, Blackhawk, the Freedom Arms is a much larger, heavier gun. Its size and weight match my Dan Wesson 8" heavy barrel 44 magnum.
It is not as big and heavy as my S&W 460 with a 8" barrel.
Shooting 45 colt rounds is very comfortable,I would not want to spend a lot of range time shooting the 454 Casull rounds, The 45 auto are like shooting a bb gun.

Its a great revolver buy one.

So is the 97 smaller (frame) than the 83?

Yes, it is a smaller frame than the Model 83. I have one in 45 Colt with 3 1/2" barrel, rounded grip frame and fixed sights. Beautiful little five shot revolver that balance well and points great. There was a 6 month wait from time of ordering till it was completed, but the workmanship and finish are so outstanding that it was well worth the wait.
A couple of things I'd like to point out. Should you opt for the 3 1/2" barrel version, the guide rod assembly has to be removed if you want to remove the cylinder. Another thing is regarding the safety set-up on both revolvers. They are different. I'm not sure how the Model 83 works, but on the 97, there is a "transfer bar" I believe it's called on the inside of the hammer.

I have a question for "armored" about the 83. Somehow I thought the cylinder for the 454 Casull was specifically for that round and not for the usage of 45 Colt ammo. The reason I say that is because Freedom Arms' website says that they can fit a 45 Colt cylinder to a revolver chambered for 454 Casull. What gives here?

Bottom line: a Freedom Arms Revolver is definitely worth owning and you won't regret buying one..... just be prepared to wait a few months!

I have the exact configuration you are looking at, I purchased mine from Mark at First Stop Gun in SD. They have some decent deals every so often. Here are a few pic's. If you don't already know, the transfer bar system is unique, check it out.



G

I have five Freedoms:
M97 in .44 Spl. 4.5”
M97 in 44 Spl. 5.5”
M97 in .357 5.5”
M97 in .22LR 5.5”
M83 in .44 Mag 6”
The fit and finish is outstanding.
Yes they are expensive but you get what you pay for . I gave up on Ruger . Their quality control is hit or miss .

Probably sell the 2 rugers I have. A 44special bisley and a 45 blackhawk. That has 2 cylinders but I've never shot the acp one.
Freedom is another 500 for dual cylinders. Deciding on that and maybe a 4 inch barrel?
Pricey so I want to get it right.
So the 97 will kinda fit a blackhawk holster?

Yes a M97 will fit a Blackhawk holster .
M83 will fit a Super Blackhawk holster .
Freedom Arms also sells holsters for their guns .

97's are closer to Single Six size.
83'are smaller than Blackhawks.

83 over 97



83 and a Blackhawk(all be it with an oversized cylinder)




Love the 97 but it doesn't love me. Big hands, small gun. when the loads start to get hot, it stops being fun. More a "carried a lot, shot a little" gun for me in .45 Colt.

So the 83 is the same size as a blackhawk frame? It fits blackhawk holsters?

Are the front sights pinned? (blade)

wish someone in AZ had them in stock in order to handle them.

Legendary Guns in Phoenix used to stock them, and may still.

I ordered my model 83 .454 with extra .45ACP cylinder. Had it for over 20 years now. Just beautifully made revolvers. Mine is perhaps the last revolver I'd ever want to get rid of...

83 is smaller than a Blackhawk and will fit in a holster for them. It's what I use. Front sight is removable on the adjustable sight guns, simple set screw up front.

Well my kinda sad ending to this.
Now I know these and rugers are apples and oranges comparison, ie no comparison. I do have a couple flattop blackhawks and they are basic tools.

While shopping, and grinding my teeth about dropping $2900 on the Freedoms, I ran across a gunbroker ad for a NIB ruger stainless new model blackhawk, 5.5, stainless, from Tyler gunworks.

I try to avoid gunbroker due to fees, taxes, the whole bidding thing etc. Use it to kinda guage things like availability and current prices.

Went to the Tyler site and he had 2! He had the same ruger, bisley grip frame, but with his action and accuracy package installed. $1200. He has a pretty good reputation so I went for it.
Not a Freedom for sure but with Tylers work, this ruger should satisfy my thirst for awhile, and I still have money left.

thanks for all the good Freedom info guys. Maybe in the future.

No you did the right thing. You're getting a good gun, and you still get to buy your first FA in the future.

I've said it many time, FA will prove to you that everything else you own is junk. Even customs from the most respected builders. But most people don't stop buying other brands when they buy FA. (though some do)

I have a few hand cannons designed by Dick Casull and Freedom Arms.

[IMG:left] 927F7D69-A00A-46BC-8FD4-E597AEBB8B45 by David King, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG:left] CC6BBFDC-0428-45E8-B65B-50C848B70C4A by David King, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG:left] AEEE046B-4B08-4385-9A6B-1B4B43DB7FC3 by David King, on Flickr[/IMG]

An 83 is on my bucket list of firearms I would like to own for no particular reason other than they are beautiful.

Still got my Agent Zero W buckle from mattel. Uses a greeny stickm cap!

I own a Ruger Vaquero from Tyler Gun works. Quality gun. You will be happy. Here is my 9/357 conv.

Nice.
Thinking of having him fit some stags before it leaves. Not sure how they look on stainless?