Freedom Arms 44 spl

[cellar701]

Another post discussed the challenges of acquiring Freedom Arms revolvers, with long wait times for specific configurations/orders. Got me thinking about the model 97 which I haven't taken out of my safe in awhile... Thought I'd share a couple of photos and perhaps prompt some of you to share some photos of your FA revolvers.

I didn't buy this one new, but stumbled on it in a local shop several years ago. Hasn't been used much.

 

[Gator89]

Drooool!

 

[Kevin]

Sweet!

 

[Kevin]

This seems like as good a place as any to ask.

How is the 44 Special as a caliber? What does it compare to? I have just about zero experience with any 44 caliber anything. Just 41 Magnum and 45 Colt.

Cellar701, you say you haven’t shot this very much. But what are your impressions of the Freedom Arms as a revolver?

 

[hittman]

Send Cholo what you’re wanting for it ….. he’ll pony up!

 

[Cholo]

↑ Hey!

 

[cellar701]

I’ll let others weigh in on the caliber. I’m a fan of the 44 special but certainly no expert.

On the quality, fit and feel of the FA revolvers I feel they are exceptionally nice. I own two premier grade revolvers, this 97 and an 83 in 454 Casull/45 colt. They are both nicely finished, tight and smooth. Custom ‘smiths could figure out ways to improve them I suppose but these are nicely done.

 

[Cholo]

The 44 Special is by far my favorite big bore cartridge. It can do anything I ask of it from mild to pretty wild if handloaded. The chamber wall thickness is thicker than with the 45 Colt. This also allows it to be chambered in smaller framed guns like OM FT and 3 screw medium framed revolvers, and can still be loaded fairly hot. Plus it works in the classic guns like the L Frame S&W 44 Special 696 and others.

45 Colt is a fine cartridge, there's no denying that. I'll take the 44 Special. In fact, I don't even own a 45 Colt--blasphemy! LOL

It really does fall under the--If I have to explain it...

 

[gramps]

This seems like as good a place as any to ask.

How is the 44 Special as a caliber? What does it compare to? I have just about zero experience with any 44 caliber anything. Just 41 Magnum and 45 Colt.

Cellar701, you say you haven’t shot this very much. But what are your impressions of the Freedom Arms as a revolver?

Kevin, ballistically the .44 spcl and the .45 Colt are equals. I have had both, and the recoil is the same if you are using same weight projectiles driven to the same velocity. IMO
gramps

 

[contender]

gramps,,, let's clarify that a bit. If using factory ammo, made for older guns,, then they are close to the same.
But I can attest to the fact that my handloads in .45 Colt are stouter than .44 spl. I have both calibers, and handload for both. The .45 Colt really shines in a Ruger or FA with good handloads.

The .44 Spl,, is a good medium caliber,, that is pleasant to shoot & enjoy. I never feel undergunned with a .44 Spl on my hip.

 

[Johnnu2]

I like BOTH calibers equally..... well, maybe 45Colt a tad more....hell it was the TV Cowboy gun(s) of the 1950's no?
This one is a .44Spl converted from a .357:



This one is my old .45 (purchased from Hawkey28 MANY yrs ago and 'fixed-up' by Clements and Turnbull)"



Here's my FA .327/.32-20 and you'll "understand" my meaning in the last sentence below:



If given the choice, the Rugers would be my go-to gun for hunting and field work; the FA's that I own are for owning a precision instrument just because.............

IMHO and just showin't off ...,
J.

 

[BearBiologist]

I like BOTH calibers equally..... well, maybe 45Colt a tad more....hell it was the TV Cowboy gun(s) of the 1950's no?
This one is a .44Spl converted from a .357:



This one is my old .45 (purchased from Hawkey28 MANY yrs ago and 'fixed-up' by Clements and Turnbull)"



Here's my FA .327/.32-20 and you'll "understand" my meaning in the last sentence below:



If given the choice, the Rugers would be my go-to gun for hunting and field work; the FA's that I own are for owning a precision instrument just because.............

IMHO and just showin't off ...,
J.

Felt that way about my Reeder SBH (Gave it to my daughter 2 years ago)