Moderator: Unsure where this query should be placed, I created identical threads in "Handgun Hunting" and "Pistol Shooting." If you think it necessary, please delete whichever is inappropriate.
********
I think I should subtitle this query: Stop me before I buy again!
***
Having downloaded the Model 83's USER MANUAL, I have a question about the firing mechanism. With the revolver lock in SAFE position, can the revolver move from SAFE to FULL-COCK directly -- that is, just thumb the hammer to full-cock and let'r rip?
***
The .50 Wyoming Express is identified as a proprietary cartridge.
1. What is basis brass for creating .50 WE brass?

2. Are any less proprietary cartridge chamberings available for .50 WE Model 83s via additional cylinders?
***
Apparently, Freedom Arms does not do Bisleys. Does any gunsmith routinely render Model 83s into Bisley configuration?
***
Freedom Arms has available some sort of mount for Trijicon/Docter reddot holographic sights. Has anyone taken advantage of this mount? Does the mount accept other holographic red dot sights such as Ultradot L/T?

To your first question, yes. The hammer is just pulled straight to full-cock and it is ready.

You can get an additional cylinder in 50 AE and have Jack Huntington rechamber it to 50JRH which is basically a rimmed version or the AE.

Bisley conversions aren't needed for the FA since it has one of the longest gripframes in SA existence. What you may do is to have the corners rounded off and grips slimmed down to make the gun more comfortable.

I see no reason why you can't mount the sight of your choice for the FA.

I have a Freedom Arms(FA) revolver in .454 Casull and I LOVE it! I'll try and answer you questions one by one:
1). Yes, I hunt with my FA revolver and I carry it with the hammer on "safe/half cock" and when I am ready to shoot, I just fully pull back the hammer and fire.
2). I don;t know anything about the WE cartridge, sorry...
3). Your request about a Bisley config. confuses me a bit as I would describe the FA Revolver as HAVING a Bisley type of configuration already...

I also would recommend the Pachmyer grips that FA offers if your .50WE cartrdge kicks like the .454 one I have does...
4). I use a Leupold M8-2X handgun scope on mine with a 3 ring TSOB mount and it holds zero flawlessly... I noticed on the FA website, they have a new red-dot type of mount but I have no experience with that one so your guess is as good as mine....
MY FA .454 revoler is the most accurate revolver I own and even just firing off the shooting bench, I can easily hit targets at 200 yards. My longest whitetail deer kill with it loaded with 260g projos has been @130 yards... No problem...
;-)

quote:

Originally posted by 475Guy1:You can get an additional cylinder in 50 AE and have Jack Huntington rechamber it to 50JRH which is basically a rimmed version or the AE.

Actually, it's more like a .500 Linebaugh, but .50 caliber versus the Linebaugh's .510 Caliber. The case is a full 1.40-inch long. Sorry, not trying to hijack this thread or split hairs.......

Not a problem, dude.

At one time FA was chambering the Model 83 in .50 Action Express. I do not believe they are doing so at this time. The .500 WE is proprietary and I do not know what the parent case for it is, or even if there is a parent case.

I think everyone else has covered your questions adequately.

Fortunately, the question about .50-caliber Model 83s was informational only.

Many thanks to all of you for responding so quickly and clearly.

A follow-up question: Has Freedom Arms made a factory issued .475 Linebaugh revolver, 6.5-inch Mag-Na-Ported barrel, ebony [Micarta®??] grips? I am going to look at what I think I described correctly, one of a lot of 50? It has been fired, so no collector's value. Just want to be reassured that I'm not going to drive a couple of hundred miles for the scenery.

It's best to contact FA directly about any special runs on revolvers and the features each would have.

They made a 83 .475 Linebaugh, not sure about the magna-ported barrel, but the two companies are close and it is likely, but the advice to contact FA is a good one, they are helpful about such things, unlike some of the larger outfits.

Naphtali

I have a 6" Freedom Arms in 475 Linebaugh.

I have also shot the 4 [3/4" or 5/8" what ever it is], 6" and 7.5" 454's.

They are great revolvers.

I went with the 475 6" because I wanted a BIG step up from the 44 Mag, but still wanted a revolver that was easy to carry.

In a FA the 454 is a hard choice to beat as you can go from 45 Colt power loads, through 44 Mag loads to full power 454 loads.

With the 454 you have the option of lighter bullets at very high, for revolver, velocities for deer sized game, with the accuracy to make hits at long [for handgun] range, or the very heavy cast bullets for maximum penetration on very big game.

I went with the 475 as I like my revolvers unscoped and like to get close, and wanted maximum thump. I put FA,s express sights on my gun.

In the Freedom Arms revolver I would consider the 454 or the 475 to be a much better choice than the 50's.

With my 475 I have takem deer, turkey, wild pig, and black bear.

Recoil of the 454 vs the 475.... If you can handle one you can handle the other.

When you place your order for an FA 83, you have the option to have it MagNaPorted along various options available.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Naphtali:


The .50 Wyoming Express is identified as a proprietary cartridge.
1. What is basis brass for creating .50 WE brass?
[QUOTE]

Looks like shortened belted mag brass to me.

My Model 83 in .475 wears a 6" barrel as well. It does quite well for me.

One correction to 475 Guy 1's 1st post on this thread. A .50AE cylinder cannot be rechambered to .500 JRH or .500 WE. The base of the AE is already larger than them.
The 50 AE is again offered as an additional cylinder to a .500 WE in 2008.

quote:

Originally posted by kenoneill:
One correction to 475 Guy 1's 1st post on this thread. A .50AE cylinder cannot be rechambered to .500 JRH or .500 WE. The base of the AE is already larger than them.
The 50 AE is again offered as an additional cylinder to a .500 WE in 2008.

Yes, it's a tapered case, is it not?

Yes it is.

The 500 Wyo. Express is a bleted version of the 500 JRH.

WFN bullet mold for Freedom Arms .475? I believe I'm buying a Freedom Arms Model 83 in .475 Linebaugh tomorrow. I think I read that the maximum nose length projecting beyond case mouth is .395 inches?

What are WFN plain-base bullet molds whose cast bullets (370-420 grains) are designed for Model 83's cylinder length?

Where can I obtain disassembly instructions for the Model 83s?

Contact FA for the manual and they'll send one.

quote:

Originally posted by 475Guy1:
Contact FA for the manual and they'll send one.

I have the USER MANUAL. Have the a different one for disassembly?

Not neccesarily. I don't think they want to encourage full disassembly.

Still, it is virually identical to any Colt SAA so it can't be hard to figure out ...