Freedom Arms Model 97 -- Your Opinions?

Beemerguy53 · Jun 29, 2021

I've been lusting after a Freedom Arms Model 97 for years, and I've come across one for sale in the caliber and barrel length I most like.

Do any of you have any experience with these revolvers? Are they worth the high price, in your opinion?

6518John · Jun 29, 2021

Asking here whether you should buy a gun is like asking a wino under the overpass if he would like a case of mad dog!

And yes buy it, I have heard nothing but good things about them.

Beemerguy53 · Jun 29, 2021

6518John said:
Asking here whether you should buy a gun is like asking a wino under the overpass if he would like a case of mad dog!

Thanks for that one...it literally made me LOL!

ken158 · Jun 29, 2021

I have had four FA model 97’s and 83’s every one was excellent in performance, finish and quality. Just not a SA guy so they were sold and traded for other toys but I did kill a few deer with one of my 454’s. Rugers are nice but they are not of the quality (or price) of a FA.

Mark8 · Jun 29, 2021

Said to be one of the finest SA revolvers ever, has been on my list for years. Some day ...

Johnnu2 · Jun 29, 2021

It depends..............

I have Ruger single actions and Freedom Arms single actions... I love them both, HOWEVER, if I were going to have to choose which one to carry into the woods and beyond, in all kinds of weather and difficulties, I would pick the one that is not so tightly toleranced (if that's a word) that it is compared to a "Swiss watch". Methinks that the FA might not be 100% reliable when dirty and uncleaned and abused for months on end. BUT then, again, that's just my totally un-knowledgable (if that's a word too) speculation.

J.

Rock185 · Jun 29, 2021

My Freedom Arms is a model 83, but I've heard nothing but good about the model 97. Johnnu2, is correct about the tight tolerances. The chambers are very precisely dimensioned, and factory or reloaded ammo that's just a bit out of spec may not chamber. The B/C gap on mine is about .002", with both the .454 and .45 ACP cylinders. It makes the Ruger Blackhawks I've owned seem pretty loose by comparison.

Buy it

Ruger 13 · Jun 29, 2021

Very well made firearms……..buy it!

Charlie Foxtrott · Jun 29, 2021

I would buy it.

There is no downside to doing that.

hittman77 · Jun 29, 2021

Many say Rugers are built like tanks but they may take 2nd to Freedom Arms.

One of my few gun regrets is NOT buying a 97 when available.

BigMuddy · Jun 30, 2021

I have a FA M97 5 1/2” 44 Special. They are every bit as good as their reputation. I know some that don’t like the grip on the 97 but it works fine for me. They will handle some pretty heavy loads, but the light weight of the gun can make them a bit uncomfortable. That light weight makes them pack like a dream. Depending on the cartridge, but the short cylinder can place limits on bullet length i.e. 45 Colt. My Special has taken any bullet I want to use.

Dan

OLDSTER · Jun 30, 2021

You've wanted one for years. Yer not gittin' younger; BUY IT !! I don't own one but have fondled and shot them at the range. Beautifully made.

Bullet Bob · Jun 30, 2021

Buy the darn thing, and you can tell us about it. I've never read a bad word about Freedom Arms single actions, and in todays internet world, that's pretty amazing. I've only seen one guy shoot one, and it was extremely accurate.

It's always slightly bugged me that they charge extra for a trigger job, in my opinion for that price that should be part of the package.

I am intrigued by their 2008 single-shot.

Nick B · Jun 30, 2021

I have 4 model 97’s and a model 83 . Love em .

dave1918a2 · Jun 30, 2021

You didn't mention caliber. Doesn't matter , buy it if the $ are there.

Beemerguy53 · Jun 30, 2021

OLDSTER said:
You've wanted one for years. Yer not gittin' younger; BUY IT !!

I did.

For those who were wondering, it's a 4.25" barrelled .357 Magnum, with a second cylinder chambered in 9mm.

Thanks for your input, guys...I'm looking forward to getting it...

.455_Hunter · Jun 30, 2021

I had a fixed sight FA 97 in .357 for awhile. Biggest issue was it shot very low, even with 158 gr factory ammo. I couldn't bring myself to file the front sight on such a gun.

Beemerguy53 · Jul 28, 2021

It's here!

Well, friends, my new Model 97 arrived last week (while I was out of town) and I got to see it yesterday. (I can't take possession for another week, due to Maryland's mandatory seven-day waiting period.)

What a work of art this thing is! It's just perfect...beautifully machined, with a solid feel and smooth action. I can't wait to take it to the range...

Thanks for all your input and advice. And a special thanks to the good folks at First Stop Guns in Rapid City, South Dakota...they were a true pleasure to deal with.

Erich · Jul 28, 2021

Wow!

Well, that's going to be one of your better purchases of your lifetime. I'm jealous!

Beemerguy53 · Jul 28, 2021

Erich said:
Wow!

Well, that's going to be one of your better purchases of your lifetime. I'm jealous!

Actually, this is going to be a significant purchase in my family's history. On the day I mailed off the purchase letter and the check, my daughter-in-law gave birth to a little boy...my first grandchild. When he turns 21, this Model 97 will be his birthday gift. Until then, I will shoot it, and take good care of it...

Freedom Arms Model 97 -- Your Opinions?

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

US Veteran

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

Attachments

Similar threads