Thinking about a MD 83 premier in 357 Mag. Advice?

[pme166]

I am thinking about either a 9" or 7.5" 357 Mag in a Model 83 Premier.  Basically I want to create a modern 353 Casull.  Any advice, suggestions or comments?


I just reviewed nearly every post on the 83 for the last 30 pages, but fresh insight is always useful.


Thanks

[dmccorki]

I have a 353 with 9" barrel and silhouette type sights. I find it barrel heavy.  But with that much weight up front, the recoil is a non event compared to my other 357 which is a Model 97 with a 5 1/2" barrel.  Have not shot the 353 in a while, but I recall it was the more accurate of the two guns--maybe the sights and/or the additional weight.
 

[JayCee]

JMHO, but I can't see buying a Model 83 in .357 magnum.  A Model 83 is a large revolver, since it's built to handle cartridges like the 454 Casull and 475 Linebaugh.  It's not at its full potential in 357.  It would be like buying a Ferrari with a four cylinder engine.  My Model 97 in .357 magnum is superbly accurate and will handle any published 357 load.  That's the way I'd go...

[benny123]

"Basically I want to create a modern 353 Casull.  Any advice, suggestions or comments?"


No need to re-create, pretty sure their '83 357 is manufactured with the same dimensions apart from minor gripframe contouring, barrel length sizes, front sight differences, etc., etc.

After buying my first Freedom Arms-- a used ported 454C--I bought a '353' from a guy local to me. At the time, I simply liked the idea of it being on par ballistically with the Dan Wesson 357 Maximum that my dad would let me shoot as a kid, so I bought it. Then, I belonged to an indoor range and it didn't enjoy it's full potential. It was just too hard to see beyond 20 yards. Fwiw, I ended up selling it to buy a new FA WE

If I bought another 357, or a 41 for that matter, I would choose the '83 for the redundancy. I like the safety margin that the full size, and, original design, offers

Plus, even with published loads (designated as 353 only) recoil was never really a factor with the 9". I never shot through the chrony, but like I mentioned I was shootin' fast 353 specific loads--that felt mild mannered

From a handloading perspective, I think it's optimal. Presumbly, of all the FAs, it has the greatest "strength", as its the smallest caliber in the largest frame.

If you want portable, light-er, and and an additional round in the cylinder, than choose the '97

I have mixed feeling about selling the 353. I needed the $, so that's that, but I do miss it though.
The only thing I'd change is the barrel length. My impression is the same as dmccorki though--9" was nose heavy. But, that's an ability thing. For me, 7.5" is a good compromise.

Should go without saying but its my opinion. Im not trying to be argumentative. Im pretty sure "Jaycee" has extensive knowledge and shoots the 224/32--experiences which he chronicled here on GBO. Hopefully, other experienced members will post so it'll help you make an informed decision.

[pme166]

Thanks for the advice.  I was thinking the 9" barrel would be too barrel heavy for general fun so I am now leaning toward the 7.5".  I will probably order it next week once I finalize my options.


Take care and I appreciate your thoughts.

[Hank08]

I have the 353 called the Whitetail Express, 7 1/2" barrel, black micarta grips, premium rear sight with a patridge front, action work, light trigger, wonderful gun and 185 @ 1600 or 200 @ 1500 with superb accuracy is all you need for most things. H08

[Art in Colorado]

Have you considered a 83 in 41 Mag. I have one in six inch. The 210 grain can be driven at some crazy MV plus the the heavy weights are not that far behind. Have some loadings supplied from John Taffin for the 41 and they are impresive. Very flat shooting also.

[gcrank1]

Did ya get one? Im curious as to your impressions at this point.

[pme166]

I had to delay ordering it due to a unique collecting opportunity that presented itself.  I am planning on ordering it in October when I save back up again.