Random Thoughts.

Many times I have thought about getting a FA Mod 97 in 44 Special, and having it "punched out" to 44 Mag.

And NO I do not want to shoot the Super Duper 44 Mag loads in it, just mostly my normal field load with a 240gr bullet and 9.2 grains of Unique, and Speer Shotshells, and the occasional standard factory 240 gr 44 Mag load.

By doing this It would be compatable with my 44 Mag S&W Mountain Revolver and my 44 Mag Lever Action Rifle.

Since the Mod 97 will take Ruger style 45 Colt loads and is offered in 41 Mag, why could this not be done?

Again, I do not plan on shooting the Super Duper Heavy 44 Mag loads, and the short cylinder length if the Mod 97 would not chamber them either.

I guess you could have it reamed to take the 44 mag case but I would think you would be better off keeping it as a 44 Special with the thought in mind that one you can stand on the 44 Special with some pretty stout loads, ala Elmer's 17 grains of 2400 with 250 grain bullets and still have the resale value of a stock FA. (This coming from the guy who paid Alan Harton to weld a bisley hammer spur on my Freedom Arms 83 in 41 Mag !)

For resale, you are no doubt correct. However at my age I do not worry about resale...

Another Random Thought would be to get FA to make the revolver with 2 cylinders, and then modify one of them...

That is a thought. I'd just call Bob at FA and ask him. He wanted me to send him the 41 and get a second hammer fit so Alan would have one to work on and one standard prefit but I just let Alan do his thing and did not spend the extra money in shipping to the factory first.

I am going to see them in person at SCI and discuss it with them.

I have also thought about getting the ring style hammer, the one that looks like a 1911 Commander hammer. That way there is not a sharp spur to poke holes in skin or clothing.

If I cannot get it in 44 Mag I need to deside on 44 Special or 45 Colt...

You could shoot the same ballistic equivalent load in te 44 special case

If money is not a consideration, get the second cylinder, or as JWP said, just load the Special round up hot and go. FA has a special machining method for cutting their cylinders, and I wouldn't want to risk anyone else trying to lengthen the chambers for fear the extreme accuracy and tight tolerances would be ruined...

I know Hamilton Bowen does the ring style hammer but I am not sure if FA does it as a factory option.

jwp, you are correct, it would just be much more convinent to be able to use 44 Mag brass.

The short length of the cylinder would limit the use of some bullets, even my Keith 250gr bullet from my H&G mold, unless I seated it down past the driving band, which could be done. It would be nice to be able to use standard factory 240gr 44 Mag ammo in the 97...

Doubless, the price of an extra cylinder is not a problem.

rb, you may be correct I might have seen the ring hammer on a Bowen gun...

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
I am going to see them in person at SCI and discuss it with them.

I have also thought about getting the ring style hammer, the one that looks like a 1911 Commander hammer. That way there is not a sharp spur to poke holes in skin or clothing.

If I cannot get it in 44 Mag I need to deside on 44 Special or 45 Colt...

Why not just dehorn the hammer with a dremel tool??

Hamilton does the Commander style hammer on his model 97 two piece grip frame conversion package. I talked to him REAL sweet in order to have him let me get the grip conversion without the ring hammer. Here is the 97 two piece grip frame package with one piece snakewood grips then the 83 with the bisley hammer spur. I know the bisley hammer looks different but for my broken right thumb it is a vast improvement.

quote:

I am going to see them in person at SCI and discuss it with them.

Any news?
:-)

Best wishes.

F.

Yes there is good news.

The gun is ordered with 2 cylinders.

Does anybody have a picture of the "Commander style ring hammer"??