I have an opportunity to acquire a Freedom Arms Model 83 (Field Grade) 357 Magnum. I have zero interest in the revolver in this caliber. Jack Huntington converts M83s to "boomers" at a reasonable price. But I seem to remember that not all M83s are identical except for caliber. I think I remember that below 44 Magnum, M83s have different cylinder and cylinder frame profiles? If this is accurate, I have no interest in the revolver. Mr. Huntington is unavailable this weekend to confirm either way. I want to buy the revolver this weekend if I can confirm what I think I remember is false.

Help me out here, please.

I'm not completely sure but am almost positive that all 83s are the same frame size. The real question is the cost. It is relatively easy to obtain a field grade 83 in .454 for less than $900. If you can buy the .357 for that or less, I'd leave it alone or sell it, they usually bring more. I've got both but don't have the time to dig them out and measure them right now.

quote:

Originally posted by Gatogordo:
I'm not completely sure but am almost positive that all 83s are the same frame size. The real question is the cost. It is relatively easy to obtain a field grade 83 in .454 for less than $900. If you can buy the .357 for that or less, I'd leave it alone or sell it, they usually bring more. I've got both but don't have the time to dig them out and measure them right now.

I used 454 for example only. I remember Jack Huntington telling me that 454, 475, and 500 WE are identical except for caliber. I wish I hadn't zoned on calibers below 44 Magnum. Were this 357 satisfactory for conversion, it would metamorphose to a 500 WE. And were this to occur, I suspect I would dispose of my Super Redhawk 480s.
***
Which brings me to a tangential question. What are the differences between Premier and Field grade rear sight assemblies? I've not handled a Premier grade Model 83, so all I know for sure is the rear sight assemblies are not identical.

The premier rear assembly is screw adjustable for both elevation and windage. The field is screw adjustable for elevation and drift on windage. I prefer the premeir assembly and have them on my FA revolvers.

The Premier rear sight is indeed a convenience upgrade when it comes to adjusting windage. As to your other question, the Mdl. 353 and the same gun by it's newer name, the Mdl. 83 .357 Mag., do indeed have the same frame and cylinder size as the larger calibers, up through .500 WE.

FYI, something you might want to read (John Taffin) before you go cutting up that revolver.

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt353.htm

Excerpts: "The 353 Casull is capable of handling loads that are impossible, spelled E-X-T-R-E-M-E-L-Y D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S in other 357 Magnums. With the 353 Casull, the only limitation is the strength of the .357 Magnum brass."

"With the 353 Casull chambering, amazing things happen besides tremendous chamber pressures. We are talking 160 grain bullets at 1750 feet per second, 180 grain bullets at 1650 feet per second, and 200 grain bullets at 1500 feet per second. To put that into perspective, one needs only to look at some standard .357 Magnum loadings. These same jacketed bullets custom loaded for my pet eight and three-eighths inch .357 Magnum, the original .357 from Smith & Wesson, will safely do 1350 , 1250, and 1050 feet per second respectively. That is a dramatic difference to say the least."


Anyway, it could be well fun to load that round to it's true capacity. Near .357 Maximum levels.

I'm almost certain I remember a discussion along these lines a couple of years ago where Bob Baker mentioned that the heat treat process for the big boomers is different from that used on the frames for smaller calibers.

Okay, I've got the skinny. Bob Baker identifies cylinder material/heat treat of Model 83 as different from 454, 475, 50 cylinders.

Jack Huntington had several of these cylinders tested by his heat treater. No difference. He has completed several rebores without subsequent problems.