[megatronrules]

I could have swore I saw them a few years ago. Uberti was making them I think. Anyone know for sure? FA look sweet, but I dont have the cash for one of those. Thanks.

[Jim March]

Not that I'm aware of.

Lesse, there's the "Century" mega-revolvers, big muthas in 45-70 or worse. There's the Magnum Research BFRs, which are sort of a neo-Rugeroid on steroids. But direct copies of an FA?

<scratches head>

Not that would save you money over an FA. Sometimes you see one of Dick Casull's prototypes come on the market without FA markings, but with an obvious "family resemblance", but prices range from high to crazy.

I haven't seen any Italian SAs that are as strong as a Ruger, let alone an FA.

[Jim Watson]

At one time North American Arms made a .450 Magnum Express that resembled the F.A. Casull. Didn't last, they went back to making teeny .22s.

The Seville single actions somewhat resemble a F.A. but they are not listed in any caliber bigger than .44 magnum or .45 LC.

Both have been discontinued for years.

[hksw]

FA patterned (at least externally) there revolvers after the Colt Peacemaker with improved sights. There are a few other manufacturers that make Peacemaker-like SA guns like Uberti. Maybe that's what you're thinking of and not an exact copy of the FA Model 83?

[megatronrules]

That must be it. I thought i saw them but I guess not. Thanks for the replies guys.

[six 4 sure]

I understand not having enough cash to get a FA. In the same boat myself. My solution was to buy a Blackhawk. They're much cheaper, but they are still strong guns. Just something to consider.

Six

[tex_n_cal]

I have seen one of the Magnum Research BFR's in .475 Linebaugh. It is a similar style to the FA, and darn near as expensive.

The BFR's are probably okay, but they lack the fine fit of the FA, and are a little more crude in styling.

It's not hard to find used FA's selling at discount, I think that is a better deal.

[Zeus]

I bought my first Freedom Arms gun about a year ago. A 7.5" 454 Premier with Micartas. I got the gun and 3 boxes of factory ammo minus 15 rounds for $1200. Beautiful gun and like someone said, the metal work and fitting is fantastic. Just for the record, it is definetely worth every penny to me. There is one problem though....once you buy the first one, you have to have another which for me will be a Premier 6" 475 with micarta grips. After that, I'm not sure which one.......GS:D

[Jim March]

Some of the comments and tests trickling out about the new Model 97 in 22LR/22Magnum includes phrases like "spooky accurate", "gives a Hammerli a run for it's money", etc :D.

Oh wow. Daddy LIKE.

http://www.gunblast.com/Freedom_97-22.htm

100 yard group with the optional 22LR "match grade" cylinder:

15/16ths. In a crosswind.

:eek:

*Reliable* "minute of eyeball" at a football field.

[hksw]

"....once you buy the first one, you have to have another..."

Totally agree. Got my first FA in .454 C/7½" Premier in the early '90s before they started calling them Model 83. $1200 is an excellent price for a Premier. Got my second one last year, .475 L/7½" octagonal Premier. If they make one in .500 SW or in a comparable caliber, I'm in.

[Porter Rockwell]

Hello, a couple years back Gary Reeder Custom Guns was marketing a similiar gun to the FA. I believe Gary bought the base components from Pine Tree casting (Ruger) same as FA does.
Why not consider a Ruger Blackhawk?

[megatronrules]

I think the Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk are very nice guns as well. May just get one of those. :)

[Desert Dog]

The Ruger doesn't quite have the snob appeal of a FA 83 however... :rolleyes:

[Porter Rockwell]

Hello, your comment could be an excellent thread title!
Snob Guns, Are They Really Any Better?
Or, What Is a Snob Gun?
Jim March, I think perhaps the FA gun tests were a tiny bit exaggerated. An inch at 100yds with a good .22 from a rest isn't exactly a Ripleys event but in wind? Nah, sorry but I've spent way too many hours shooting 100yds with rimfires to believe that any brand of ammo will perform well in the wind!
Best!

[hksw]

"The Ruger doesn't quite have the snob appeal of a FA 83 however..."

In this particular case, the FA is indeed better, IMO. I don't have a Blackhawk but I do have a Super Redhawk and an SP101 (.357 mag). Excellent durable guns. In terms of build quality and accuracy (at least judging from my samples), however, a distant second, 1 lap down.

[Robby from Long Island]

About 10 years ago had the opportunity to start buying Ruger Bisley's. Ended up getting four of them, a .22LR, .357 and .44 magnum and .45LC.

Shortly after, purchased a NIB FA .454 Casull in premier grade with 7 1/2" barrel.

While I love my Bisley's, they're not even close to being in the same league as a FA. It's like trying to compare the family Ford Taurus against an original Shelby Cobra. (With a 427 side oiler):D

Safe shooting.