New Freedom Arms revolvers

S

Sodbuster

New member
I was in a gun shop in Bozeman, MT on Sunday past, when a 75 to 80-year old man walked in with his wares... two cases with eight new Freedom Arms revolvers. These guns are incredibly well-made and look gorgeous. FA is starting to make revolvers with short (i.e. 4 and 5") barrels. One of the short-barreled ones was a .357 with an octagon barrel. The gentleman said FA will be putting out their own .50 cartridge very soon... called the Freedom Arms Fifty. :) I got to handle every one of the revolvers, and sure hated to give them back. He talked about the legal problems they got tied up with a few years ago, talked about selling revolvers to the "frogs" as he called the French government, as well as to customers in Switzerland, Germany, England. I know he's pushing 80 because he spoke of flying bombers in WW II and dropping bombs on Germany. In fact, he's going to Nuerenburg soon for a show. It was a great chance to meet a thoroughly interesting man from a premier gunmaker. Nice to know someone from the greatest generation is still fighting for freedom.
 
Sodbuster, great story. It reminded me of my wife's grandfather who passed away a couple of years ago. He also had great recollections from the past and nothing made him happier than a friendly person willing to listen. Sometimes I got to hear the same story a few times, but he sure had a good time telling them and I'm all the more grateful that he considered me a worthy audience. He also taught me to arc-weld and drive a tractor! (I was raised in the suburbs) As for those Freedom Arms revos, well that .50 cal has me intrigued, but then again I'd be happy with anything of theirs. Also, that short, octagonal-barrelled .357 is something I need to see real soon. Thanks again.
 
I should mention a couple more things he talked about. He went into a minutely detailed description of the process Freedom Arms uses to make their products. I'm not a gunsmith or machinist, so I was lost after a bit, but he spoke of solid receivers, matching cylinders to receivers, carbide bushings used to drill each cylinder chamber, yadda yadda. He said usual clearance of cylinder-to-frame is .001 to .002 inch. You couldn't see any light, yet the cylinder turned freely. There's a S&W 337 in the store that I'm sure rubs between the cylinder and frame. BTW Fluted cylinders are now available, too. Then he talked about the price of their revolvers. He said, FA revolvers are worth every penny, what with the precision that goes into them. Said compared to Colt, where you pay $100 for the gun and $600 for the name, FA is a good buy. Kinda funny. Also said S&W and Ruger, what they make, they ask a decent price for. I wish he could have spent more time at the store, he had to get back to Freedom, WY. And make more guns. :)
 
I've got a field grade ported 454 Casulle from FA with a 7" barrel that sports a Leupold 2X scope. I bought it maybe 10 years ago and its really a solid piece of workmanship. I sorta LUST for a 5" 45 Colt with fixed sights. I told another poster here that handling an FA gun is kinda like fondling a young things bosom, you'll end up wanting it all!!
 
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