Freedom Arms is known worldwide for
producing the finest production revolvers in existence.
Their Model 83, chambered for powerful big bore
cartridges, has been used to take the world’s largest and
most dangerous game. Their rimfire
revolvers are the most accurate that I have ever
fired. The compact Model 97
is one of the handiest little single action revolvers ever
devised, and is built to the same impeccable standards as
their larger guns.
Freedom offers several options on
their revolvers, including grip materials, barrel lengths,
custom serial numbers, different sight configurations, etc.
Recently, they have introduced two new options that should
prove to be extremely popular with shooters of these fine
revolvers.
The Round Butt grip frame option is
available on any Freedom Arms revolver, either on a new
order, or retrofitted to a customer’s existing gun. The
grip frame is rounded at the back, and offers a unique feel
to the weapon. The treatment is not as radical as a
bird’s-head, but makes the grip feel much more compact
than the square backed standard grip. It should also make
the gun a bit more concealable, if that is a concern.
The second new option is offered on
any centerfire Freedom revolver, either as a new order or
retrofitted to an existing gun. That is the "Shortened
Barrel" option. On the large framed Model 83, the
barrel is shortened to four inches, and on the compact Model
97, it is shortened to three and one-half inches.
Both options are pictured here on a Model 97
chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge. The little Model 97,
while already compact, takes on a delightful handling
quality with the two new options. On the sample gun, as on
all Freedom Arms firearms, the fit, finish, and timing were
perfection. The handy little gun weighs just under 34
ounces, and tucks easily into a jeans pocket. As can be seen
in the pictures, the short barrel and smooth round grip
really enhance the handiness of the little gun.
Shooting the short barrel proved to be no
handicap to accuracy. The excellent sights and tight
tolerances made the 97 easy to keep on target. I requested
that Freedom send one of their wonderful Lovell scope
mounts with the revolver, which they did, but I could
not bring myself to mount a scope on this handy little
jewel. I preferred to shoot it as delivered. As usual, the
trigger pull and functioning were perfect. While the ejector
rod is necessarily short with the short barrel, case
ejection was still easy.
The Round Butt option costs $162, either on
a new gun or retrofitted to a customer’s gun. The
shortened barrel option is $215, which is also the same
price whether on a new gun or a customer’s gun.
Both of these options really enhance the
handiness and feel of these fine Freedom Arms revolvers.
Freedom Arms offers better than custom gun quality at a much
less than custom gun price. These new options are another
way to make your Freedom Arms revolver even better, if you
want handiness, accuracy, and power in the world’s finest
production revolver.
For more information on the entire line of
Freedom Arms products, check them out online at: www.freedomarms.com.
