Used Freedom Arms 97 in .357 for $1395- Good Buy?

[.455_Hunter]

An LGS has a used Premier Grade Freedom Arms 97 in .357 for $1395. The gun has few barrel scratches, but the action and lock-up is simply ridiculous.

What do you folks think about these guns?

Is that a good price?

Regardless of the lawyer proof manual, can you carry the 97 series fully loaded?

I know it operates with an automatic transfer bar, different that the large frame 83 series.

Thanks for your input.

Hunter

 

[cane]

Yes you can carry six in it, if you pass on this PM me where it is and I'll go buy it.

 

[Wil Terry]

IT DOES NOT---NOT !!!---HAVE A TRANSFER BAR !!! AN empty chamber under the hammer is HIGHLY recommended.

 

[.455_Hunter]

All Model 97's have a transfer bar safety.

Quote from the FA website. Am I confused on the meaning?

 

[Wil Terry]

Quote from the FA website. Am I confused on the meaning?

NOTE: IT SAYS " TRANSFER BAR " SAFETY."
IN ALL OTHER GUNS a transfer bar transmits hammer power to the firing pin.
THAT IS TWO VERY DIFFERENT USES, AND DESIGNS !!
ONE IS THE SAFETY. [ It is activated by the hammer ]
ONE IS NOT.
Think this through very carefully.

 

[Jim Watson]

They say it has a transfer bar and they also say it MUST be carried with an empty chamber under the firing pin. Do they not trust their own design and workmanship? Do they think their customers are stupid?

So why bother with a transfer bar? They could have let it work like a Colt and saved making and installing a superfluous part.

The 83 has a safety bar that must be engaged by manual monkey motions.
But they REALLY don't trust you or themselves on that one, repeatedly demanding that you load only with 4 rounds.

 

[eldon519]

Mine definitely has a transfer bar. The manual says not to carry one under the hammer, but I think it is just overly cautious. If the TB is working correctly, there is no way for a blow to the hammer to do anything to the firing pin.

 

[eldon519]

Oh a note added, Will Terry, I think you are thinking of the FA 83. The FA 97 has a different system with a transfer bar built into the hammer. It is automatic and not something that must be set like on the 83. The 83 system is kind of weird and not entirely confidence inspiring. Really a hammer block rather than transfer bar.

 

[eldon519]

Oh and all the scratches on a Premier model should buff out with a Scotchbrite pad. I called and asked them about it once and that is what they recommended. The matte Field model is not as easy to buff.

 

[Wil Terry]

Oh a note added, Will Terry, I think you are thinking of the FA 83. The FA 97 has a different system with a transfer bar built into the hammer. It is automatic and not something that must be set like on the 83. The 83 system is kind of weird and not entirely confidence inspiring. Really a hammer block rather than transfer bar.

WHAT !!! THAT WOULD BE MY first mistake this year I tell you. Thought I'd made one in June but I was wrong. Did make one in '66 and have not heard the end of that one YET.
Thanks for noting the difference in the '83 and '97 FA pistols. I never noticed it.

 

[41 Rem Mag]

Sounds like a good deal to me, what options does it have, barrel length, sights, trigger job ect.... I don't have one yet but I know I will, really like the 97 for the lighter calibers

 

[.455_Hunter]

What options does it have, barrel length, sights?

5 1/2" round barrel, basic fixed sights (rear groove in top strap, front blade)