353 Casull (Freedom Arms md 83 in 357 magnum)

In my quest to see what the 357 magnum could do, I learned of the Ruger Redhawk so now I have two, well, one is still on the way, but soon I will have two.

At the same time I learned of the 353 Casull or the Freedom Arms model 83 in 357 Magnum. I spent some time on google and this looks very interesting. Basically a super heavy duty 357 magnum made for insane pressure levels and thus the new round called the 353 Casull.

I was surprised that the price was not that bad but it looks like it could be a long wait of 7 months to a year or more. I figured I waited that long for a custom Baer, so I might as well consider it.

So, does anyone have one or have experience with one? Advice or thoughts, suggestions?

I was thinking a premier grade md 83 in 7.5". I figure the 9" barrel will be a bit too long but with that heavy of a gun it might be a better choice. Part of me wants to make a non-standard barrel length of 8 3/4" so it would match the original 357 Magnum just for fun. For $90 it would be kind of neat to be unique.

Looking at the options, i was thinking of a 38 special cylinder (if they will make me one), possibly fluting the cylinders if that won't hurt the strength, Dovetail the front sight so I can change it. Trigger job and over travel screw (might as well make it as good as they can from the factory).

So if you have a Freedom Arms Md 83, or a 353 Casull, any advice comments or pictures would be appreciated.

I was looking at those options. I tend to like a standard Partridge sight on the premier models.

I am honing in on my order but still piddling with the concept.

I am working between a 7.5" and 9" barrel. Part of me argues a 9" barrel will get me more velocity and is that not the purpose of this gun? It also gives me more mass and a bit more sight radius all of which should help with the shootability.

A 7.5" barrel will be a bit lower velocity (quickload says about 60 fps) but it will be more easily carried around and a bit less cumbersome. If I ever want to hunt with it, a 7.5" barrel would be easier.

FA agreed that fluting would have no impact but would make it easier to handle and load. I like flutes for the ease of handling.

They won't make me a custom 38 special cylinder so that idea is out the window.

Any advise on the barrel length? I will probably order one this friday or next week.

Thinking about it, I have been talking myself into the 7.5" barrel version so I am pretty much set on it. While I sacrifice a bit of velocity I make up for it in a lot of handling "I believe". My 8" Supermag is a great target gun, but pretty unweildy. A 9" barrel is going to move it past the ease of toting to a decided range toy in my mind.

I was shooting my 7.5" Redhawk today and it felt good for a length of barrel. An extra 1.5" hanging out there would probably be great for silhouette, but I tend to just punch paper and plink a bit.

So while I am still considering a 9", 7.5" is probably what I will order. I am planning to think about it a few more days and order late next week.

I have decided on the 7.5" so I agree with you CraigC. I handled my 8" Supermags and my 8 3/8" Pre-27's and decided that the extra barrel moves it from easy to handle to more challenging. Since I expect to shoot the 353 a lot, I don't want to have to fight the gun.

So probably mid this upcoming week I will order it. I need to finalize the order summary so I will spend some time on their site and lists the options out.

Thanks for the advice. Soon the roughly 8 month wait will start.