Freedom Arms Mod. 1997 44 Special

[Desertrat357]

So I never thought the day would come, but I recently purchased a clean used freedom arms model 1997 in 44 special. I am so pleased with the quality, and fit and finish. Due to work I have not been able to shoot it yet. The reason I'm posting today is for any information on the strength of this revolver. I know it's big brother the model 83 is ridiculously strong. I am a handloader and want to have some hotter tier II hand loads for it. Obviously I don't want to make it a 44 magnum. If anybody has information of this sort I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

 

[CraigC]

The model 97 .44Spl will take whatever you can throw at it. Certainly plenty of strength to handle the 1200fps Keith load and Pearce's 300gr loads.

 

[Desertrat357]

Excellent. Glad to hear that. I look forward to a lot of shooting and packin' with
This beauty.

 

[rcmodel]

This should provide you with all the info you need on suitable Level II & III loads.

http://www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/Brian Pearce on the 44 Special.pdf

rc

 

[Barry the Bear]

Sweet deal. Any pics yet?

 

[Desertrat357]

No pics yet. Picked the revolver up Saturday and had to be back to work. Hopefully I'll be able to get it to the range this weekend. I'll make sure and snap a few pictures then.

 

[paul105]

I have a 5 1/2" model 97 in .44 special. It is a delight to handle and shoot. One of my favorites. As CraigC indicated above, Tier II loads will be no problem.

Read the Brian Pearce article in the link posted by rcmodel above.

Brian Pearce quote from the article:

"With some of today's stronger
44 Special revolvers, such as the
Freedom Arms Model 1997, there
could be a fourth category with
pressures that run up to 36,000
psi, or the same as current .44
Magnum loads. To me such loads
defeat the purpose of the Special,
and for this reason have been
omitted."

Here's a group I shot a while back (25 yds rested w/Leupold 2x) -- horiz dispersion is mos likely shooter error. Pic is mislabbled (new Starline not Top Brass cases).
.

.
FWIW,

Paul

 

[paul105]

Found Another Target Picture

I intentionally blanked out the powder charge. Check the above referenced Pearce article.



Paul