Freedom Arms vs. Ruger Blackhawk

I realize this is highly subjective but how does build quality, smoothness of action and accuracy compare between a field grade Freedom Arms single action and a classic flat top or old model Ruger Blackhawk?

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The FAs are generally regarded as the gold standard for SA revolvers. I held one at the LGS a while back, and I was amazed by its sheer mass. The old Rugers are sweet, but I think we're comparing Corvettes to Ferraris.

I've never shot a Freedom Arms...my only experience with them is fondling a couple of different examples in gun shops. My local Cabelas has a field grade in 454 at the moment that I've looked over pretty extensively.

I personally own a new model Blackhawk in 45 Colt, and a friend has an old model(3 screw) in 41 Magnum. I've shot and handled my friends' gun a little bit, and have probably about 200 rounds through my own Blackhawk(I've had it less than a month, so the low round count is mostly due to lack of time and the fact that most of my range trips are 30 minutes over my lunch break).

My general impression is that there really is no comparison. The FA simply feels more solid. Every part of the action-from cocking the hammer to pulling the trigger-feels much smoother. At least comparing my specific examples, the FA trigger is not only lighter but is much more "crisp".

As I said, I've not shot a Freedom Arms, so can't speak to accuracy, or really anything beyond fondling them in the store. So, take my opinion with that in mind.

The largest Black Hawk (BH). frame would not meet Ruger’s safety margin if they chambered it in .454 Casual. Freedom Arms’ (FA) original frame size was designed around .454 Casual.

FA chambers are bored working through the installed barrel for precise chamber alignment. You expect tighter flash gaps and throat tolerances from FA than Ruger. Similar to the lighter weight bench rest rifles FA are accuracy machines. That’s wonderful if you intensely pursue long range revolver accuracy but absolutely worthless if your interest is cowboy shooting and of doubtful utility for the vast majority of hunters. How would the same dollars bring you more pleasure, one FA or 3 BHs in different calibers?

there is no comparison. freedom arms have the best quality being built in this day and age. comparable to the best prewar smiths and colts.

Comparing ANY Ruger SA revolver to a Freedom Arms revolver is an exercise in futility. The Freedom Arms SA machining is flawless, the Rugers? Well, in all fairness the Ruger is mass produced. The Freedom Arms SA can be looked at as an investment. They are pricey. I recently handled a FA .22lr/22mag revolver, sweet! And just shy of $2,000.00 sweet!
I have a Ruger Super RedHawk in .454 Casull. It's what I can afford. I would love to have a FA though. They're built right here in Wyoming. We've got that 'Goin for us...which is nice!

As others have said, there is no comparison. I am difficult to impress and the revolvers that Freedom Arms produces fully impress me. I still need to get one though along with ....

Thanks guys. I have both OM and NM Blackhawks that I like especially the old 3 screw 357. A 2k heirloom revolver is within reach so long as the price is justifiable. I have never fired one and only finger banged one on a single occasion. We just dont see them locally ever. The one I played with was at a gun show in little rock Arkansas many years ago. As I have gotten back into revolvers following a long absence my recollection of it is very favorable.

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I GOTS ME A RUGER....

Who am I kidding, another NO COMPARRISON. The FA could well be one of the finest crafted handguns of any kind in the world. Worth all the money I don't have, just be sure to get the higher end mdl 83?

I've looked at a couple Freedom Arms revolvers and I am amazed at the tolerances on that gun and how well built they are and then I see the price tags on them, but the quality is worth it. I have had several Ruger Blackhawks over the years, all Old Models except one. I think the one I have now is the nicest example accuracy wise and build wise. The accuracy is astounding and as much as I hate to say it, I think it is the most accurate revolver I have ever owned and that's saying a lot considering all of the ones I have had. As far as the quality, the Blackhawk isn't as nice as the Freedom Arms, but for the money you're getting a lot. I know a nice Old Model can be had for under $500 used, not a Flat Top mind you, but I've had both Flat Tops and post 1963 guns and the accuracy was not that much. I can tell you my current example is from 1971 and not being a Flat Top makes no difference to putting rounds down range. For the money, you just can't beat the Ruger.
This was a little contest with my nephew, his Blackhawk vs mine, 50 yards one handed from a rest using playing cards. I was running some of my handloads, a few 170 grain cast #358429 bullets and also some 158 grain Speer Gold Dots moving at about 1,300 fps. As you can see, the Ruger is plenty accurate.

I've never shot an FA, but fondled several. They are leagues ahead of any Ruger in fit, finish, and tolerances. In pocketknives, they are the Sebenza to a Buck knife. In shotguns, they are like a Holland and Holland compared with a stock Benelli.

I shot a FA revolver and an Anchutz bolt action handgun in completion for several years. They both would shoot 1.5" groups at 100yd. The Anchutz would do that with $7 RWS ammo. The FA would do it with 89 cent Wildcat ammo (or almost anything else you put in it). Only problem was the Wildcat was so dirty the FA cylinder would quit rotating after shooting a box or so. I don't remember what year I bought mine, but I remember paying the crazy sum of $990 for it, so you can tell I've had it a long time.

I have shot friend's Freedom Arms .454 Casulls. I have owned many Ruger single-action revolvers including the current six in my safe. I have owned a Magnum Research BFR in 50 AE. I would say the FA are by far the best with the BFR in second place. The Rugers are great guns, but not in the same league.

Like others have said, there is NO comparison. The only similarities are caliber and the fact that they are guns.

That said, there's nothing wrong with a Ruger. I have several, but I also have a Casull. Both are excellent at what they are.

Three best ever examples of hand guns are:

SA - Casull

DA - Korth

Semi Auto - Sig P210

LimaCharlie said:

I would say the FA are by far the best with the BFR in second place. The Rugers are great guns, but not in the same league.

Click to expand...

I am very impressed with the BFR, too. I just think it's ridiculously overbuilt as a 5-shot .44 Mag.

Think Cadillac Vs. Hyundai. Both will get you to the whatever mart but the Freedom Arms will do it with style!

Ruger's tolerance control has slipped in the last few decades.
Freedom Arms makes sales based on the FACT that their product line is fitted in superior fashion.
As an example, I owned an original Ruger "200th Anniversary" Old Model SS bought NEW in 1976. The fit and finish was quite impressive. In 2001 I purchased another "new" Old Army SS and was utterly stunned to see how quality had slipped over the decades.
The same holds for the other models...bought a brand new Blackhawk .357 from Walmart in 1977 for $135 that was built solid and fitted close. Some 15 years later I bought a Blackhawk .45 Colt that lacked the refinement of the original purchase. Same with the Super Blackhawk model line...I've owned four over the decades, but the one BEST built was owned by my brother in 1974..."3 screw model" that was built like a Swiss watch (back when they were built like Swiss watches), and every version since has been of lesser fit and finish to the original.
FA on the other hand is still building them the way they built them years ago because they don't build as many...if you can afford it.....

FA vs RGR

Echoing what everyone else has said, there is no comparison and it would be unfair to make one considering how wide the price differential is between these two. For discussion purposes, I am referring to any Freedom Arms SA vs any Ruger SA.

You are talking about a $600 firearm vs a $2,000.00 firearm. BOTH ARE GREAT GUNS. It really depends on what you are after, what your budget is and where your priorities are.

The Freedom Arms is an expensive gun but not just an ordinary gun that is embellished with expensive engraving or gingerbread. Its cost is mostly a byproduct of the very tight tolerances and general build quality. It is built entirely for accuracy. As one person mentioned, one of the secrets to that accuracy is the line bored cylinders that are cut such that each chamber is in perfect alignment with the barrel. There is also zero play at the bolt. The M83 frame is capable of handling pressures that would destroy other guns. Because of their accuracy, they are dominant amongst competitive silhouette shooters.

The Ruger is a well made, mass produced gun that is a TREMENDOUS value considering the price. The Ruger SA's I own are very accurate, certainly capable of any level of accuracy one can reasonably expect for hunting or anything else. It is just not in the same "extreme" class as a Freedom Arms. I have two Ruger SBH Bisley Hunters and I marvel at their accuracy and design (I am a Bisley grip frame guy) I recall reading somewhere that the Ruger Bisley design is the closest production approximation to the famous Keith #5 design (although I cannot say from personal experience)

As I have said before, the build quality in any of the Freedom Arms revolvers is the same, whether it is a small or large frame (83/97) or in whatever caliber you close. Unfortunately, most people are only exposed to FA's most popular Model 83 454 Casull cannon, however their other guns are equally as nice in any of the more mild calibers that can be shot all day long.

So, the laws of diminishing returns fully apply here. Ruger is an excellent production firearm that will serve 99.9% of shooters needs. If you want the absolute best, hand built revolver currently made, then look no further than Freedom Arms.

Ruger Bisley Hunter 7.5 inch, 44 Magnum & 45 Colt


Ruger 44 Magnum benched at 25yds


Field Grade M83 454 Casull 7.5 inch barrel


Same gun in a Diamond D Custom Chest Rig


Model 83 Premier Grade 44 Magnum, 6 inch barrel


Cell phone picture on the glorious day I picked it up from the dealer!


Factory 25yd Test target for the 44 Mag


M83 44 Mag with 7.5 inch Model 83 Premier Grade 454 Casull-Magnaported


IC

Thank you inspector. I don't need a FA. I simply want one. I am curious as to why the different warrantees. Life time versus 1 year makes no sense when supposedly the only difference between the premium and field grade is the finish. If the mechanics are identical then why not guarantee it the same?
Beautiful specimens you have. I really want one in either. 44 or .41

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I have owned both the Ruger and the FA and shot several other examples of both.

The Ruger is a good gun.

However. the Freedom Arms is simply one of the finest handguns ever made... Well worth the money IMHO...