Freedom Arms --the best SA revolver?

CheyenneBodie · Apr 3, 2022

I have a FA 83 Premier grade in .500 Wyoming Express--IMO FA single action revolvers are the highest quality revolvers made in the USA. On my gun I cannot get a feeler gauge in to measure the gap. It's that tight. I would think with a gap that tight the cylinder would seize up and not move after a few rounds especially with hard cast lead. Functioning is flawless and top notch accuracy. The .500 Wyoming Express cartridge is quite versatile with nice easy going slowpoke loads to high velocity thumpers. I mostly shoot starting loads -- 400 grain coated cast behind 11 grs of Trailboss comfortable and accurate.

Johnnu2 · Apr 3, 2022

I have two and love the fit, finish and accuracy. However, if I were to be back in the 'outback' for weeks, I would pack a Ruger Blackhawk.... I just assume that tight tolerances aren't gonna get me through really rough handling and weather without care and maintenance. Could be wrong, but was never willing to test out my theory.
J.

ladder13 · Apr 3, 2022

Yes, it’s the best.

CheyenneBodie · Apr 3, 2022

I have only one complaint about my gun -- the rear sight blade is sharp as a razor especially the edges. I would like to see FA "bevel" those edges or add protective "ears" to the rear sight.

The Norseman · Apr 3, 2022

Finest

They are a fine Revolver. Some day I’ll get a 45Colt
maybe with a 45ACP Cylinder. That’s maybe on the
45ACP because your dealing with two different
bullet diameters.

Hopefully some day I get a chance to visit the
Shop.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

ladder13 · Apr 3, 2022

We went to the factory about 10 years ago. Nice people there.

Nick B · Apr 3, 2022

I have five of them . Yes they’re pricey but the fit and finish is outstanding.

dmthomp32 · Apr 3, 2022

CheyenneBodie said:
I have a FA 83 Premier grade in .500 Wyoming Express--IMO FA single action revolvers are the highest quality revolvers made in the USA. On my gun I cannot get a feeler gauge in to measure the gap. It's that tight. I would think with a gap that tight the cylinder would seize up and not move after a few rounds especially with hard cast lead. Functioning is flawless and top notch accuracy. The .500 Wyoming Express cartridge is quite versatile with nice easy going slowpoke loads to high velocity thumpers. I mostly shoot starting loads -- 400 grain coated cast behind 11 grs of Trailboss comfortable and accurate.

I can see how a feeler gauge wouldn’t help much. That cylinder looks like it was born from a seed inside that frame and has filled every ounce of space as it grew!! Very impressive.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rock185 · Apr 15, 2022

The FAs are the finest SA revolvers that I'm aware of. The barrel/cylinder gap on mine is approx. .002" for both the .454 and .45 ACP cylinders, no detectable endshake.

Troystat · Apr 16, 2022

My step father had one in .454 when they first came out, at the time I felt it was the nicest made pistol I had ever seen. While I have not handled a Korth or Manhirin I can't imagine anything as well made as that era Freedom arms revolver. Like the other posters said, super tight and beautifully machined. Oh it was also amazingly accurate.

Muley Gil · Apr 16, 2022

CheyenneBodie said:
I have a FA 83 Premier grade in .500 Wyoming Express--IMO FA single action revolvers are the highest quality revolvers made in the USA. On my gun I cannot get a feeler gauge in to measure the gap. It's that tight. I would think with a gap that tight the cylinder would seize up and not move after a few rounds especially with hard cast lead. Functioning is flawless and top notch accuracy. The .500 Wyoming Express cartridge is quite versatile with nice easy going slowpoke loads to high velocity thumpers. I mostly shoot starting loads -- 400 grain coated cast behind 11 grs of Trailboss comfortable and accurate.

I've had much better luck putting the POWDER behind the bullet.

Bill Lear · Apr 16, 2022

CheyenneBodie said:
I have a FA 83 Premier grade in .500 Wyoming Express--IMO FA single action revolvers are the highest quality revolvers made in the USA. On my gun I cannot get a feeler gauge in to measure the gap. It's that tight. I would think with a gap that tight the cylinder would seize up and not move after a few rounds especially with hard cast lead. Functioning is flawless and top notch accuracy. The .500 Wyoming Express cartridge is quite versatile with nice easy going slowpoke loads to high velocity thumpers. I mostly shoot starting loads -- 400 grain coated cast behind 11 grs of Trailboss comfortable and accurate.

Generally speaking the reason SA BC gaps can be so close and not lock up the gun is because they are fired much more slowly than DA revolvers. Even with tight BC DA revolvers cylinder to barrel bind doesn't occur until the 2nd cylinder or even third. Since SA revolvers much "pause" after 5 or 6, there is time for the parts to cool. Also, BC binding is much greater with smaller diameters such as hot .357 loads because there is less mass to carry away the heat. With the big bores, and super bores, there is much greater forcing cone mass, thicker barrel, and more efficient heat dissipation. This is why hot .44 magnums tend to NOT seize up as often as hot .357 magnums!

Freedom Arms --the best SA revolver?

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