Posted: March/15/2008 at 5:50pm | IP Logged

I have a question for all of you freedom arms owners.  I was ready to make the big plunge and spend my hard earned money on the finest single action revolver ever made.  I went to my local gun shop to see if they had one in stock, they did.  It was a model 83 454 casull field grade brand new, although it has been in the shop for a few years.  When I was looking it over I noticed that where the ejector rests up against the end of the housing it was all dented up from people pushing the rod down and letting it come back against the housing.  I was pretty dissappointed to say the least that a $2000.00 gun would dent like this. I've since looked at two others that have the same problem.  I have handled many rugers and have never seen this problem with any of them.  I really had my heart set on a new freedom arms but now I don't know if I should invest my money in one.  My question is this a poor design or a cheap soft metal that they're using, are they worth the money.

Posted: March/26/2008 at 12:49pm | IP Logged

Wow. I've never seen that on a F.A., but on the other hand, most people don't let the ejector rod slam home. I wouldn't do that on the cheapest wheelgun I own. I bought my F.A. used about 16 years ago, and it looks and shoots like new.

I'd have to say it's not typical or normal. F.A. revolvers are very well made, hand fitted, and that's why they are so expensive. If you decide to purchase this F.A., it would be worth the trouble to contact Bob Baker at F.A. and tell him the story. He will make it right, and might even simply send you a new rod housing. Bear in mind that the field grade is only warrantied for 1 year.

F.A. revolvers are not easy to find locally. Unless you want to buy on line or order one, making this one right might be worth the trouble.

Posted: March/26/2008 at 6:32pm | IP Logged

 WELL I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT THAT NEW FREEDOM ARMS EVEN THOUGH THE HOUSING WAS DINGED UP ON ALL THREE THAT I PREVIOUSLY LOOKED AT.  I ENDED UP GETTING A NEW, MODEL 83 PREMIER GRADE 454 AND THE 45 COLT CYLINDER WITH THE 7 1\2 INCH OCTAGON BARREL.  I CALLED FREEDOM ARMS AND ASKED THEM ABOUT THE HOUSING.  JOHN TOLD ME THAT HAPPENS ALOT FROM THE RECOIL AND FROM LETTING THE SPRING SLAP BACK.  I WENT OUT AND SHOT 10, 45 COLTS AND 10, 454'S.  THE HOUSING WAS ALREDY DINGED UP FROM THOSE 20 ROUNDS.  DESPITE ALL OF THAT I STILL LOVE THAT GUN MORE THAN ALL OF MY OTHER GUNS PUT TOGETHER.  I THINK THE PROBLEM WITH THE HOUSING IS THAT THE EDGE IS TO SHARP WHERE THE ROD RESTS UP AGAINST IT.  SO I TOOK A FINE ROUND FILE TO THE EDGE AND FLATENED IT OUT A BIT IT SEEMS FINE SO FAR, WE'LL SEE.