Looking to do a high end 41 magnum and I am thinking about a Freedom Arms, Hamilton Bowen, and a Reeder.

Does anyone own a 97 or 83 Premier and what can you tell me about it.

I own a Ruger Stainless Bisley in 41 and it's an ok shooter. I am thinking about upgrading it and doing an octagonal match grade barrel and some other stuff, but by the time I get that deep into it I think I might be better off buying a 97 or 83.

I have never owned an FA revolver, so I don't really know what they are like.

I love the 41, to my mind its just perfect, but I can't figure out what the perfect vessel is for this round.

MOA, There is a 97 .41 on the specialypistols.com classified forum right now. Just though you ought to know.

Love 'em 41's.

God Bless, Louis

Depends on what you want to do with this revolver. The 97 is a smaller frame and is a packing pistol. The 83 is great for hunting and will handle a heavier loads.

FAs are finely made revolvers and very accurate.

MOA, I bought a 654 Silhouette shortly after they were introduced in 1998. I will honestly say I had a bit of input in development of the revolver: I sent 100 bullets to their then Marketing Manager at his request, following him being shown the projectiles by a friend at the 1997 IHMSA Internationals. They were used to test the prototype...

Long story longer: I have played with my FA only somewhat, to the extent of a few IHMSA matches and some load workup. But one of the two cast bullet projectiles I sent to Randy _____(Smith?) in the late summer of 1997 was the 411-275 SSK bullet, cast from a mould cut by the late Walt Melander of NEI. Subsequent to obtaining the revolver, during load workup, I personally witnessed velocities of 1800 fps from my 654 using that same 411-275 bullet, and turkeys at 150 meters were no challenge at all. I can't quote the load used, but it was a whole bunch of AA #9, if memory serves.

The 1 in 14 twist of the FA 41 allows the revolver to eat a heavy bullet with aplomb. Don't settle for a 97; go ahead and get the full meal deal, as the saying goes, and let the good times roll. I sincerely believe that with the right hard cast bullet out of that revolver, you are ready for any big game animal that walks the NA continent.

I've got a couple of both. I don't really see the difference in killing power between the 250gr LFNGC and heavier bullets. I've used the 250gr. on elk and range cattle in the states and African plains game. Was going to do an Eland but things didn't work out. Did blue and black wildebeeste, bushbuck, kudu, gemsbok, red hartbeeste, impala, zebra, different duikers, blesbock, waterbuck, warthog, and a couple others that escape me. Don't think I'd use it on the Big 5 though. Black bear succumb to it quite handely. The 97 is more of a walkabout sidearm stoked with 220gr. FNGCs at @900-1000fps.

John Taffin once said the 654 was the most accurate revolver he'd shot. I'll take his word for it as that's been my experience, too.

I have never actually seen a 41 in a Freedom Arms revolver for sale. Last time I called Freedom they told me they made them all the time.

I think I want both a 97 and a 83. Probably order the 83 in a couple years after I get my new life sorted after military retirement.

Not even in a country right now where I can touch a pistol let alone own one.

Thanks for all your informatoin, and I had a good look at the 41 Magnum website. Good stuff!

I've got 2 .41 FG 83's, with some PG upgrades. Both are excellent, and extremely accurate:

Ken, who installed the swivel studs for you? I don't remember that being an FA option, and I really would like them on my 654. Don't shoot silhouette any more, am thinking of sending it back to FA to be shortened to a 7-1/2" revolver...

I have a FA 97 in a 44 special. It is a cross between a bank vault and a swiss watch. It is very accurate and fit and finish is exceptional. After saying that, I am have Hamilton Bowen build me a 45 on a Ruger Bisley Stainless Blackhawk. I just need to have one of Mr. Bowens guns.


ddj

I had a 5 1/2" M97 45 Colt octagon that was a beauty and dead accurate. I just never could warm up to it so sold it off and spent half the money on another custom.

Doubless,
The sling swivel studs were installed at Freedom Arms - a factory option, either with a new order or a retro-fit. Be sure to tell them if you do not want the sling or swivels.
If you decide to have your barrel shortened, they could do both at the same time.

I searched long for a M83 .41 Magnum - couldn't seem to find one that was in my price range, but stumbled on a M97 I couldn't pass up. It was my go-to gun last year in the deer/hog woods.



Still gonna have to get me one of those M83's in .41 on of these days....just because.

Can't think of a better reason, CarolinaHunter! That's a nice piece and great hog!

I have a M97 41mag and it certainly is a great packing handgun. With the 5 shot cylinder it should handle heavy loads quite well, even though it is a smaller frame than the M83. The M83 works great for my 454, as you want the extra size/weight for that power level, but I don't think I want to tote that revolver around in a 41mag., it's just too heavy/bulky.

I also have the M97 in a 357 w/ 7.5" octagon barrel that is also sweet and super accurate too. I shoot mostly 180gr hardcast in this one.