FA 475 Linebaugh

[HGunner]

I recently purchased my first FA 83 and couldn't be happier.  This is an amazing revolver.  Since I started loading I have really enjoyed playing with the different power levels of the 454 Casull.  I am a handgun deer hunter with dreams of bigger game like elk and African antelope.  I am considering another FA in 475 Linebaugh.  Please share your thoughts on the 4.75" vs the 6" barrel for iron sight big game hunting in this caliber.  Also, I noticed a shortage of brass in this caliber.  Is finding components a problem?

[mk454]

not too hard, they can be had quite easily, but it's not as easy as the 454 that's for sure and the cost is higher.

[Silvertp]

I feel much the same as you...very satisfied and amazed with my FA 83.  Mine is in .475 L.  The FA revolvers are so well made and accurate they really can "do it all" at their various power levels.

Although I don't own a .454 I have noticed that many more of the  sporting stores that I frequent carry brass and slugs for the .454  than for the .475.  Even so, the components for the .475 are available on-line and occasionally at a sporting goods stores.  To me this is more of an "inconvenience" than a problem in obtaining loaded rounds or components.  Just make sure you stock your supplies  when you find them or place an order.  Neither of these calibers are common enough that you will find a few boxes laying on the shelf at the country gas station.

As for 4.5 vs 6" bbl. The primary advantage to a 4.5 inch would be a more compact revolver for carry purposes while the 6" barrel provides a longer sight radius making it somewhat easier/ more precise to gain a sight picture. I realize Im not saying anything that you don't already know.  It really boils down to what works best for you.  In my years of carrying handguns / revolvers with barrels from 2" to 14" Ive decided on a few parameters.  I seem to shoot best with barrels longer than 4" and I find barrels longer than 7 1/2 inches awkward to carry in a holster.

Personally I chose the 6" Model 83 for its longer sight radius and believe I shoot it fairly well at hunting ranges.   I also am trying a chest holster for the first time, and am very pleased with how comfortable this carry system is as well as the quick access it provides to my firearm.  I carry my .457 for protection purposes on hikes and multi-day back pack trips (often in Grizz country) in addition to hunting so have many miles of carry under my belt with this combination.  I am happy with my choices for a hunting / protection gun.

The .475 Linebaugh is an amazing cartridge, though not sure you would see any practical field difference compared with your .454 while hunting elk or African antelope.  Tough choices...Vanilla or Chocolate?

[Ken ONeill]

I have used both barrel lengths in both calibers extensively. I prefer the extra sight radius of the 6", and personally, prefer the .475 to the .454 for my own use. These are highly personal and subjective decisions, though, and there are those who will disagree, based on what and where they hunt and their experience level. Cases and components are available, although you may have to source them via the Internet from someone like Midway.

You didn't mention it, but I actually prefer the .500 Wyoming Express to the other two. Those cases however, are only available from FA.

Any of the 3 will kill whatever you want.

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got both and there about identical other then ones a 454 and ones a 475. both 4 5/8s guns. I prefer the 475. To shoot either enough to really master them requires that a guy cast his own bullets unless your a heck of alot wealthier then me. So bullet cost for me is a wash. Brass is easy to obtain for both and primers are the same so if the 475 is any more expensive to load for its a very small amount. Now if a guy isnt going to cast bullets there a big differnce in the price of 45 bullets compared to 475 jackted bullets. But neither of my fa has even seen one jackted bullet as i dont have much use for them. In the hunting field i dont notice much differnce in game reaction to being hit between the 44 mag with heavy loads and the 454 but the 475 seems to slap animals harder.

[Ambler]

I don't own a 475, although have 454's in both 4.75 and 6 inch lengths. The 6" is a little easier to shoot and could be scoped down the road. The 4.75" can be carried on the pants belt and is still quite shootable where the 6" really needs some form of a shoulder rig..... at least for me.

[mk454]

had a 475 and sold it.  didn't do everything my 454 does and didn't do anything the 454 didn't.  i have 3 FA 454's, one bfr 454 and two ruger 454's, one srh and one alaskan. 

[HGunner]

I have an opportunity to buy a used FA 475 with 4.75" barrel at a fair price. I am on the fence because I think I would prefer a 6" barrel.  My other concern is about the caliber in general because I have been looking for brass and it is hard to find - even online.  I have been very happy with the components available for the 454.  I don't want to buy into a gun that is going to be hard to feed.

[SChunter]

HGunner,

I feel your pain.  FA's have a way of growing on you.  And multiplying in the gun safe.  I just recently purchased a 6" 475 Linebaugh - I was originally looking for a 4 3/4 inch for a more compact "packer", but I happened upon the 6" at a price I couldn't refuse.  Plus I have a 4 3/4" 500WE that can fill that big hammer, short barrel need

I haven't shot the Linebaugh enough to appreciate the sight radius difference between that barrel length and the one for the WE, but my early feeling is that they should handle and point fairly similarly at iron sight ranges.

You're correct - Brass will probably be your most difficult component, but a good initial supply should keep you going for a while.  Find it and stock up...

[Lloyd Smale]

both of mine are 4 5/8s and i wouldnt have it any other way. Ive made 100 yard shots with 4 inch barrels offhand. What more do you need. Shoot enough to really master trigger control and youll find that long barrels dont add much to your ability to hit at any range.

[HGunner]

Well,  I remain unsure about the 4.75" barrel as it will be a hunting gun and not a backup gun for me.  The seller was asking top blue book value for the revolver so I decided  to pass.  Thanks for your help.  I will keep the 475 in mind for a future purchase.
No problem though -- I love my FA 454!