Freedom Arms model 97 .22

[Gary W. Strange]

I have been saving my nickels and dimes and, I am thinking about buying a Freedom Arms model 97 .22, with a 4 1/4” barrel. I own a 4 3/4” 97 in .44 special and love it and a 6” 454. I know it would be to best .22 revolver, that could be had. Is there any bad things about a model 97 .22? Does anyone have experience with them? I have never had a problem with either of my centerfire Freedom arms. I shoot .22s now, more than anything else. I think I would love a Freedom Arms 97 .22. I have leather for it already. I love the look and feel of the 97. Especially the 4 1/4” barrel length. I guess I am trying to justify such an expensive .22, to myself. I can afford it. I believe Freedom Arms revolvers are worth what they cost, and I know there is really no need in any firearm, if you own the basics, other than pride in owning. I have many other .22s, revolvers, simiautos, any type of rifle to be had. I just think a Freedom Arms model 97, 4 1/4” .22 would be the ultimate .22 to own. I posted a picture of the one I am considering, pulling the trigger on and buying. Is there any reason I shouldn’t?

 

[sonora]

I wonder how much does it weigh? If it is too heavy, that could be a disadvantage.

 

[.38 Special]

I think a serious handgunner needs a serious .22. I went back and forth between buying an S&W 41 and an F.A., and finally went with the 41. I don't regret it, but of course I still want the 97...

The only "common" complaint I have seen is that the tolerances are so tight on the 97 that they tend to bind, at least with lower-end ammunition. It's not a universal complaint, but I have come across more than a few folks who either stick with mid-level and higher ammo, take the cylinder out every 50 rounds or so and wipe everything down, or both.

I hope you get it and post about it all day, if only so that I can live vicariously through you!

 

[NeroM]

If I had to be limited to only one revolver, it would be my FA83.
if looking for a 22rf revolver, would get a FA97

 

[paul105]

I've got one. It's the 5 1/2" bbl version - picture below. If I had it to do again, I'd definitely get the 4 1/4" bbl. When I got mine an owner advised - don't get the match chambers (pain to load and no real advantage - he sent his back and had the chambers opened up. Personally (just my preference), I'd stick with the winewood grips and round barrel. The 4 1/2" bbl M97 weight 42 oz according to FA spec sheet https://06242a9.netsolhost.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Revolver-Spec-Chart.pdf
.

.
FWIW,

Paul

 

[Gary W. Strange]

I've got one. It's the 5 1/2" bbl version - picture below. If I had it to do again, I'd definitely get the 4 1/4" bbl. When I got mine an owner advised - don't get the match chambers (pain to load and no real advantage - he sent his back and had the chambers opened up. Personally (just my preference), I'd stick with the winewood grips and round barrel. The 4 1/2" bbl M97 weight 42 oz according to FA spec sheet https://06242a9.netsolhost.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Revolver-Spec-Chart.pdf
.
View attachment 1071467
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FWIW,

Paul

That's a beautiful revolver. 4 1\4" is my preferred barrel length.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think the only question is if you want a fluted cylinder, grip option, or trigger stop. They are an amazing revolver and if it is what you want, get it.

 

[NeroM]

If I had to be limited to only one revolver, it would be my FA83.
if looking for a 22rf revolver, would get a FA97

PS...
I would probably get a 22 Mag cylinder, too.

 

[Obturation]

There is never a disadvantage to buying freedom arms guns besides the price, which they are indeed worth. Love the company and their products. I want to get a couple more to keep my 10" barreled m83 company.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think they changed their website last week and it looks like they all went up about $100. I think grip options went down in cost some though.

They are in a class by themselves in my mind.

 

[tuckerdog1]

If you can afford & want, do it. I've been wanting a 252 for some time. Not an 83 chambered in 22LR, but a 252. Know they're really the same thing, but want that 252 model on the barrel.

 

[bigpower491]

Some of the best revolvers made, period.
I actually have come across one of their belt buckle 22s and am working a deal for that.
Sure wouldn't mind a 97 in 22, but what am I losing to make room and help finance....

 

[Paul7]

Unless you're stuck on US made, you can get a used Korth Sport .22 for much less than the FA, the Korth doesn't take a backseat to any other .22 revolver. I have a SA Colt .45 for nostalgia only, for any other handgun I find a SA to be a real pain to load and unload. YMMV

As was mentioned in post #3, like other high end .22s you do have to keep a Korth relatively clean due to the close tolerances.

 

[.455_Hunter]

PS...
I would probably get a 22 Mag cylinder, too.

Does that necessitate a change in the bore diameter that may have consequences for .22 LR accuracy?

 

[Paul7]

Does that necessitate a change in the bore diameter that may have consequences for .22 LR accuracy?

It usually does.

 

[NeroM]

Does that necessitate a change in the bore diameter that may have consequences for .22 LR accuracy?

Optimally, yes.
Pragmatically, getting an optimal 22 Mag load is probably a bigger factor.
I have a Ruger 22 with interchangeable cylinders, 22 LR always can bust an on edge clay bird at 25 steps.
with 22 Mag, once I found the optimal load - it would often take 2 shots to fully bust a clay bird,
the first one would punch the center out - second would be needed to bust the rim.