Been looking for my next gun purchase. Really liked the FA 97, probably .357. Not a lot around to fondle or shoot. Looks like high quality and something you don't see at the range everyday. Any thoughts? Thanks. Joe

I admire the guns, but that's a lot of $ for a 357 which is close to maxed out. I would rather spend the same $ on a big bore and be able to explore the monster killing capacity of a big 44 or big 45, I could still shoot 44 mags or 45 Colts if I wanted mild recoil!

Ivan

I have never heard a single complaint about a Freedom single action and they are often name-dropped when folks want to discuss absolute, no-holds-barred genuine quality, craftsmanship, accuracy and complete attention to detail.

If a modern production revolver offered brand new today from S&W or Ruger will absolutely impress you then a Freedom revolver may mean more money out of pocket than perhaps you'd appreciate.

However, these revolvers make absolutely ANYTHING from Ruger or S&W today look and feel cheap.

To the OP—I have only shot them—never owned one—but was very impressed. Frankly I don’t think you can go wrong with any gun of theirs in any caliber.

I sometimes wonder if the entire revolver business may go the way of Freedom Arms in the future. With the relatively cheap methods to mass produce all the semi-autos we see having such popularity these days, I wonder if the revolver business will even survive? Perhasp in the form of Freedom Arms type guns—extremely high-end, near custom pieces. But who knows what the future holds? I sold my python in college for $750 so I obviously don’t!

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Possum—The other white meat!

I've got a model 97 in .41 Magnum.

I much prefer the model 83 actions as they do not have the transfer bar, and as such are much smoother. Just have to remember to load five if you plan on carrying it around.

My model 83 is in .454 Casull.

I sold my python for $300! Which is what I paid for it. Thought I did pretty good for myself.

A few years back I came across gentleman that was selling his collection of fine firearms.

Most of the Freedom Arms were at the high end and out of my price range. So I bought all his FA mini belt buckle guns (5) and his Colt 1911's all unfired. Still a good day.

I owned a FA 97 .357 with the true fixed sights (frame groove rear & integral blade front). Outstanding quality and handling characteristics, but it shot very low with standard factory 158 gr ammo. The contouring and fine serrations on the front sight would have made the normal "filing" process to raise the impact very impractical. Get one with the non-integral sights.

Pretty much the best there is, in any caliber. The only rival is a full house custom. I have done my best shooting with them, on the range and in the field. Lifetime warranty on premier grades to the original owner. I do prefer the adjustable sights but have filed down many fixed without changing the looks of the gun.

If you want the best quality available in a production single action revolver, the Freedom Arms is it. Whether that quality is worth the price is a question only the purchaser can answer.

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Pisgah

I agree.

I was all over FA when I first discovered them. The quality is amazing and a fact. However, the SA only aspect of them has kept me away.

I wish a company would build DA guns of this quality.

Have a few M-83's and a M-97 in .44 Spcl. I like all of them. Built like Swiss watches. So very accurate there are zero excuses for any shots not hitting their mark.

Reminds me of the old saying, "'tis a poor workman who blames his tools."

My favorite Local Gun Shop always has
quite a few different configurations available.

Price to me seem reasonable. I say that
because no where on Earth can you find
such a high Quality Revolver.

I look at them from time to time and I am
amazed at the Craftsmanship.

If you buy one get one with Adjustable Sights.

Some day I will get a 45Colt Model.

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

Thoughts: I've been tempted to buy a FA 97 in .357 , with an aux. 9MM cylinder, myself. I've never owned a Korth, but of the revolvers I have owned, examined and shot, the FA guns display, by far, the highest build quality.

I don't hunt, hike in bear country, shoot silhouettes,etc., but have owned a Model 83 .454/.45 ACP for the best part of 20 years. I have no use for it other than shooting it at the range occasionally. Still, it is one of the last guns I'd ever want to part with. While these revolvers are not inexpensive, I don't think you'd be disappointed in the quality of these guns. I do recommend the adjustable sights in order to best take advantage of the fine accuracy FA revolvers are capable of, unless you don't mind using "Kentucky Windage". It would seem a shame to me to have such an accurate gun, that doesn't quite hit where you'd like with the ammo you prefer.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

At least from what I've heard about them.