Well, I'm selling off a number of my newer Ruger revolvers so I can finance a FA model 83.

I'm thinking of going with the old reliable 454 with a 7.5" barrel, but I am open to other suggestions. I can't decide between the field grade and the premier grade. I don't like the packmayr on the field grade at all, so if I bought the field grade I would have the premier-style grips fitted anyway.

Anyway, your thoughts on these two versions, what you know about their respective warranties, etc would be most helpful. Also, used or new? Thanks.

I would get the 475.

I have no interest in the 454, personally. If you want more than a hot 45 then go BIGGER!



I like the matte or bead blasted appearance of the field model. I would get the field model with adjustable sights and the fancy grips.





I would advise against selling your Bisley Hunter's but they are yours to sell if you want.



I was just thinking about buying another Ruger myself.





David

i owen a field grade 454 with the 7 1/2" barrel with a leoupld 2x scope on it and i absolutly love the gun

i also owen a 50 ae FA revolver with just ajd irons on it the 50 is a primium grade with fancy grips.

I bought the 475 field grade 7-1/2" bll,I think the premier has a lifetime warranty,my 475 shoots great ,got a Ruger 480 cylinder with it also,awesome gun will shoot 425gr WFN- 1400-1450 fps.
Sean

There is no doubt the FA is the best production revolver ever made.
But I do think you would regret seling the Rugers to get it. I know I would.
I am glad you decided to keep the 41. From your reports it sounds like it is a tack driver. I would not be suprised if the 44 shot just as well.



David

The premier grade has a finish that's easier to take care of and "touch up" yourself if/when you get dings and scratches. It will also come with a better trigger pull than the field grade. Not to mention laminate grips at worst.



The premier does come with a lifetime warrantee, but only for the original buyer of the NEW gun. If you buy it used you don't get the warrantee. Freedom Arms has great customer service customer and is very easy to work with, even if you don't have the warrantee.



Personally I would look into buying a used premium gun. They are often for sale at greatly reduced prices in wonderful shape. Often from people who bit off more than they could chew, recoil wise. You can get a 95% condition gun for 65% of the cost new.



Another curious thing you'll find (online) is scoped FA's often go for the same price and sometimes less than un scopped ones. Makes no sense but it's true. Buy it and get a free scope, Or remove the scope and sell it to recoup funds.

Currently a mess of FA's on GunsAmerica's site. I bought my M83 Premier grade off of that site several weeks ago. Mine is a 6" .454 with a 2nd .45 Colt cylinder. VERY accurate and fun to shoot,extremely well fitted and tuned.


FN in MT

Need advice. What are new prices for FA's? Need to know this to see if the used prices are any good!
Peter.

The FA M83 and M97 are truely the finest SA hanguns I have ever shot. Bought a 6" .454/.45 Colt Premier in 2001 and it was unbelievably accurate.
That being said I am a .41 Magnum fan and shooting full power .454 loads had to be limited to 20-40 rounds per outing. This past month I bought an identical gun in .41 Magnum and sold the .454 to someone who already had a 7.5" gun. Great caliber for BIG bears or African hunting but owning a $2000 revolver and not really enjoying shooting it took the fun out of it.
This M83 .41 Magnum has so much meat around each hole in the cylinder I don't think you could blow it up if you tried....going to try it out this afternoon.
Buy a FA M83 in any caliber, you can't go wrong....Bob

I would get the premier grade it may cost more now but if you buy the best you won't wish you had later. If you go with the 454 consider getting the 45LC cylinder also. I have read that you can get a replaceable forcing cone. I don't know what it would cost but if you shoot a lot I think it would be a good purchase IMHO.

You can go to the Freedom arms website. MSRP is about $2k though they can be had for less. There's some on Gunbroker and Auction arms now, new premier grade 6" barrel with a price around $1500+

Used premiers can be had in the $12's

If you love revolvers, you will most likely love the FA 83...good choice. I would save a Ruger or two and buy a used one (not likely you will need the warranty).

I prefer the dull finish of the field grade and since it is one of my working guns and I don't plan on selling it, the poorer resale value of the field grade doesn't bother me (besides, the nicks bother me less). My grandson may curse me...

I have been happy with a 7.5" barrel, would like to try the 6" and see if my accuracy suffers. If not, I guess I would get one in 6" but doubt I would go any shorter if I was going to hunt with it.

Get adjustable sights.

Grips are easy to change and wouldn't influence my decision much.

I guess a case can be made for the 475, specially if your are hunting the big stuff, but I have been very satisfied with the 454 and don't see any need for change.

My .02, dvnv

Thanks Cas. That was what I needed to know. I visited the FA website and saw the list prices. Just didn't know whether they were realistic, and hence did not know whether the used prices on Guns America were realistic or not.
Peter.

Shot the .41 Magnum tonight....sweet shooter. Once I got the trigger down the last 5 went 1.5" at 25 yards offhand.

My friend just bought a brand new Premier Grade .454 with 7.5" barrel for $1450 plus shipping on GunsAmerica. He bought all of my once fired cases, bullets and brass so he is all set to go...Bob