Freedom Arms 44spcl

[Heliman]

Today I stopped in at a local gun shop. Their pricing for new and used handguns is on the upper end of the pricing scale. That being said, they had a 1997 production Freedom Arms 97 in 44 Spec. It was brushed stainless, 4 1/4" barrel with ivory grip panels. Appeared to be like new with no handling marks. The action was smooth as butter. A very attractive firearm.

They were asking $2000 for it, which I thought was a very good price. If I weren't downsizing I would buy it. Still might....

What say you guys? Fair price??

 

[Cholo]

A new one is $2,800 +/- so if it's exactly like you want it... Is it the Premier model with adjustable sights? Keep in mind if you want to move it on other Model 97 calibers will be more desirable, but not to me!

I don't believe the old ones are better than the new ones, so that shouldn't play a part in it.

44 Special is my favorite big bore caliber!

 

[Heliman]

It does have adjustable sights and I have always been a 44 spec fan… Tempting…

 

[mhblaw]

Had one. Sold it. Couldn’t take the beating the trigger guard did to my index finger. No complaints about the gun, great shooter, just my hand did not fit the grip.

 

[mhblaw]

Good price too.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Buy it!

 

[HW11]

I would say that is a good price. I think that is within a few dollars of what I gave for a new one 5 or 6 years ago.

 

[Heliman]

One thing I am on the fence about is the jeweled hammer and trigger. Is it factory??Also has a non-fluted cylinder.

 

[Cholo]

Non fluted cylinder was, IMHO, an undesirable option on a 5 shot revolver. Jeweled hammer and trigger is a deal breaker, and I don't believe a factory option. Ugh...

Edit: Oh my goodness! I meant to say: Fluted cylinder was, IMHO, an undesirable option on a 5 shot revolver.

 

[seasterl]

I had a Model 97 but sold it because it was too small for my hand. I enjoyed several of the larger Model 83 over the years, though. I think it boils down to which one fits your hand the best. The Model 97 only came in Premier Grade. While most had adjustable sights, they could be ordered with fixed sights, too. Plus, the Model 97 could be carried with six shots whereas the five-shot Model 83 should be carried with only four shots (hammer over empty chamber).

 

[Rock185]

I suspect that 2K might be in the ball park for a post Covid price. FWIW, I ordered my Model 83 .454/.45ACP in '97. Finest revolver I've ever owned, and I never came to regret my purchase. I don't doubt that the Model 97s are just as nice.

Just had a look at possible options available back then that might have been listed on my factory box end label. Couldn't see any I could decipher as jeweling.

 

[skeen]

Fair price. The jeweling is likely factory. The end of the box will have the factory options, assuming they have the original box.

If you’re not a buyer, PM me the stores info, please.

 

[Hankus]

Personally, that’s a lot of money… I would buy a beat-up $500 Ruger and spend the other $1500 getting an action job and other customizations. That’s what I’m doing, just waiting for Tyler to start taking jobs again. That’s just me though, you do you! Others seem to think that’s a good price.

 

[rammerjammer]

Personally, that’s a lot of money… I would buy a beat-up $500 Ruger and spend the other $1500 getting an action job and other customizations. That’s what I’m doing, just waiting for Tyler to start taking jobs again. That’s just me though, you do you! Others seem to think that’s a good price.

That'd be like saying I'll buy a beat up Camaro and spend triple fixing it up over buying the used Porsche in good shape.

 

[seasterl]

Hankus hits the nail on the head for many of us. IMO, FA sets the standard but the only come in two flavors: French Vanilla and New York Vanilla, if you get my analogy. Ruger’s come in many flavors and custom work can be adjusted to suit all budgets. I owned as many as six FA until I migrated to custom Rugers.

 

[Hankus]

That'd be like saying I'll buy a beat up Camaro and spend triple fixing it up over buying the used Porsche in good shape.

I’m a “beat up Camaro” kind of guy.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I went with a Ruger SBH with the 3-3/4” barrel in 44 mag as my 44 Special carry. About half the price, but still nice.
I have a problem with a 5 shooter, but because of no transfer bar should be carried with 4 rounds..
that said, mine maybe heavier.

 

[Heliman]

Revisited the shop this morning. The cylinder is fluted. The jeweled hammer and trigger are factory. The box is original with all paperwork. In excellent condition. The barrel is marked model 1997. 3 digit serial number.
Send me a message if you want seller details.

Dave

 

[Heliman]

I am passing on this firearm. Do I need it? No...... My primary use revolvers include:

S&W 5" 629 44 Mag (pre-lock)
S&W 4" 686 357 Mag (pre-lock)
Colt 3" King Cobra 357 Mag (new model)
Ruger 2 1/2" Speed-Six 357 Mag (stainless)
S&W 2" Model nickel 38 Bodyguard 38 Spec
S&W 5" 1917 45 ACP
and a Ruger LCR 22lr

These will do for now.....

 

[Hankus]

I have my grandfather’s S&W M1917 from WWI. It’s in really good shape but will probably never see another round through it.

 

[Cholo]

I have a problem with a 5 shooter, but because of no transfer bar should be carried with 4 rounds..

I believe you're talking about the FA M97. They do have a transfer bar, but FA still recommends carrying with an empty chamber for whatever reason.

"All Model 97's have a transfer bar safety."

https://www.freedomarms.com/model-97/

 

[gnappi]

Anything at or under $2k for a FA is a good deal. My FA's are used and will be carried fully loaded on half cock. It's quieter than cocking with the hammer fully down.

Why FA recommends carrying with an empty chamber is a mystery but I "suspect" an attorney suggested that "if" one were dropped on its muzzle, "AND" it were from an unreasonable height, then it's "possible" the inertia firing pin "could" hit the primer with sufficient force to make it go boom?

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I believe you're talking about the FA M97. They do have a transfer bar, but FA still recommends carrying with an empty chamber for whatever reason.

Probably because they have been sued enough times. I’ve had several FA’s over the years because I like the quality and grip, but they always go down the road. The shop is closed now but in the past the largest gun shop in Anchorage quit carrying FA because of the liability. I wasn’t aware that FA put a transfer bar in the 97 but they can’t be all that comfortable with it if you still need to carry on an empty chamber.
I know they’ve been sued for tragic accidents when the guns went off. That includes one of mine, that was the 83.
The major thing about the 97 I didn’t like was the short cylinder on them. You couldn’t use big bullets. It’s been years since I’ve had one, and probably won’t ever happen again.
YMMV, etc.

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

Personally, that’s a lot of money… I would buy a beat-up $500 Ruger and spend the other $1500 getting an action job and other customizations. That’s what I’m doing, just waiting for Tyler to start taking jobs again. That’s just me though, you do you! Others seem to think that’s a good price.

Go handle and shoot a FA mdl 83 or 97...........You'll change your tune quickly.

 

[Heliman]

Okay…..I visited the shop again today looking at some 9mm 1911 Commanders.
I couldn’t resist taking another look at the 97.

I got hooked and wound up buying it. $2170 after taxes. It will be a couple of weeks before I take it home because of the state of Washington silly laws. I can wait…
I will post pictures when I receive it.

 

[Rock185]

Congrats. I think you'll enjoy it. I admire the custom Rugers done by the top revolver smiths and believe they are things of beauty. But I wonder; are they really of higher quality than a Freedom Arms revolver? I think the Ruger transfer bars are a good safety feature. Certainly being able to specify custom features is great. But is the overall build quality, i.e., durability, barrel alignment, B/C gap, timing, finish, steels used, etc. somehow better than FA? I've owned a number of Ruger single actions since the first Super Blackhawk I bought back when I was a young guy. But since buying the FA, nothing has caused me to regret not buying a $500.00 Ruger instead, and having it customized by Bowen or other top gunsmith......YMMV

 

[jgt]

I once was going to purchase a 97 in 44 special. When I tried to order a fixed site model they told me they now only offered the adjustable site one. I had Alan Harton build me a 44 special and I have never regretted it. I can use any bullet I desire and it is like a fine swiss watch. Just as accurate as any of the best. End cost was a little less than I would have paid for the FA. Still have it. It's one of my favorites.

 

[contender]

I think you'll be pleased with it.

You can take a good Ruger,, send it to a top custom smith, have them set back the barrel & do a line bore, work the action, meld the pieces to where the fit is dern near invisible, cut chambers to very specific dimensions, etc. etc. After 2-3 years wait,, you'd have a gun that will be capable of shooting better than most of us would be able to.
Or, you get a FA,, already built to very tight tolerances, from the ground up, and have the same results.
I own more than my fair share of Rugers. I also own a very good, tight example of a hand built El Dorado. And I have one centerfire FA big bore. The FA's craftsmanship, as well as the El Dorado's,, is stunning. They are quite capable of shooting better than what I can do.
I also have a few Rugers that while not to the standards of those 2 guns,, can outshoot my abilities.
But the FA is well worth the money, and I think you did just fine.

 

[Johnnu2]

This is a moot point because I own FA's and custom/non-custom Rugers, BUT, I have often wondered if the magnificent tight tolerances of an FA would be a detriment in the wilderness once dirt, rain etc etc etc invaded the gun. Would you still be able to count on it in the absolute worst conditions and filth???? For that reason, I would always carry a stock Ruger IF I were to hunt like I used to. That being said, I would recommend buying an FA as long as I had a good working gun for nasty trips.
IMHO,
J.

 

[Gator89]

I think you will be very happy with your new FA 44 spl.