Author Topic: FA questions (Read 1329 times)

Spencer · « **on:** October 09, 2005, 11:51:57 AM »

Hello all, I am a S&W fan and have no single action revo's. My local gunshop has a FA in I believe .454. Is this the caliber you can use .45 long colt loads in?? It is in great shape. I think 6" barrel. They are asking $1400. Is that a good buy, or a little high for a used FA. I cannot justify spending that much, but I have no S.A. revo's and figure if I am going to buy just one, I might as well make it a great one. I figure I could try to put it on layaway.

Thanks fopr any info you might have.

Spencer

flattop · « **Reply #1 on:** October 09, 2005, 12:21:43 PM »

IT IS a .454 Casull. I bought a used Field Grade with a 7 1/2" BBL, Mag-na-brake ($250) installed, T'SOB scope mount and 3 scope rings ($150) and a Nikon 1.5-6X33 scope ($250) for a total of $1100. This gun was in perfect condition inside and out and with the brake, it shoots like a light load .44 mag. Sometimes there's a big difference in prices from one part of the country to another. I'm not sure how NY is on prices, but here in TX a FA as you described it could be found for $900-$1000 if it's a Field Grade. A Premier Grade will cost you $300-$400 more. If it's a Premier Grade, it's a good price.

P.S.: What part of NY are you from? I lived most of my life there(Poughkeepsie), then moved to TX in '95.

Spencer · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2005, 01:52:00 PM »

I used to down near Middletown when I was a kid, but I am in upstate NY near Syracuse now. Can you shoot .45 long colt in the .454? I am not sure it is the field grade, or the premier grade. I am going to call the gunshop tomorrow and find out.

Thanks for the info.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 09, 2005, 02:46:22 PM »

The owners manual for my premier grade, recommends not to shoot 45L/C's in the 454 Casull cylinder, it also states you can order a cylinder chambered for the 45L/C and the gun is needed to do the fitting.

Spencer · « **Reply #4 on:** October 09, 2005, 03:07:02 PM »

Hey Thanks, That is good to know. i will have to check their site and find out what that would cost. I just started handloading, so I assume I could just download some loads to closer to .45 LC type loads instead of buying the second cylinder.

I appreciate the tips. BTW, is the FA really worth the price they are asking, it is a LOT of money.

Thanks
Spencer

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2005, 03:18:10 PM »

Quote from: Spencer

Hey Thanks, That is good to know. i will have to check their site and find out what that would cost. I just started handloading, so I assume I could just download some loads to closer to .45 LC type loads instead of buying the second cylinder.

I appreciate the tips. BTW, is the FA really worth the price they are asking, it is a LOT of money.

Thanks
Spencer

What all are you getting with the gun? Is it a Premier Grade? I bought a Premier Grade used with a TSOB mount and a Bushnell 2X6X32 scope, and about $300 worth of new ammo. It also had brass ans FA bullets, 50 each of the 260 gr. and 50 each of the 300 gr. I paid $1440 for it all. I was told I paid to much.I thought I did good and still think I did.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2005, 07:31:04 PM »

When you look at the price you'd pay for a new one I doubt you'd get hurt much buying that gun for $1400. Unless you are one of those guys who just goes all out with max loads every trip to the range, it should last you a lifetime.

Spencer · « **Reply #7 on:** October 09, 2005, 11:05:13 PM »

I think they are asking $1400 for just the gun. I do not think it comes with anything. I will call today and find out the details, scope, dies, ammo, holster/sling, premier/field grade. When I get the particulars, I will let you know. As I said, if it is $1400, what are you getting that makes it worth $1400 versus just buying a Super Blackhawk for 500 or 600.
Thanks

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2005, 01:50:21 AM »

Quote from: Spencer

I think they are asking $1400 for just the gun. I do not think it comes with anything. I will call today and find out the details, scope, dies, ammo, holster/sling, premier/field grade. When I get the particulars, I will let you know. As I said, if it is $1400, what are you getting that makes it worth $1400 versus just buying a Super Blackhawk for 500 or 600.
Thanks

The quality and fit and finish are very good on the FA. In my opinion the FA holds it's value better than a Ruger. The biggest thing you are paying for is craftsmanship.

To tell you the truth, if it is a Premier Grade in like new condition, I would buy it. JMHO.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2005, 01:36:50 PM »

Spencer,

I think you will find that down loading the 454 casull brass will do you a better job in the long run. You can go to the Freedom Arms site and get some ideas for some lighter loads. You can load down to the 1400 fps range, And with a 300 gr bullet this will still do a pretty good job and be pleasent to shoot .

.........Joe.........

myronman3 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2005, 02:31:07 PM »

Quote

They are asking $1400. Is that a good buy, or a little high for a used FA.

a bit high, especially if it is a field grade. if it is a premier grade, you would be further ahead to buy one new for a tad more. if you buy it used, you get no warrenty. and your paying really close to new price at $1400. it is not a good deal for you. if your even thinking about spending that much, get a new gun in the caliber YOU want.

now a word about if they are worth it....

... a while back i had bought three sbh's in 44 mag. all three broke in the exact same manner, after less than 1000 rounds that werent even full power. so there i sit, the day before season opened with no hunting pistol. and the folks at ruger didnt want to talk to me. yes, they fixed the gun, but they sure took their time doing it and one came back looking like it had been dragged behind a pickup for a mile or two. at this point, i am thinking "with what i have in these worthless rugers i could have had me a nice f.a.". so i started looking and found a used field grade for a song and the rest is history. there is NO comparison between the two guns.

if you can afford to do it, you will not regret it later. the hardest thing for me to get over was forking out that much money. once i did and got the gun; my concerns have been laid to rest.

you are better off with one f.a. than three rugers.

Spencer · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2005, 01:02:22 AM »

Guy's, Thanks for all the input. I have decided that my next purchase will be a F.A, thanks to your input. I decided to pass on the one that is for sale locally as it is a .475 linbaugh. I am a touch recoil sensitive so I do not think that would work well for me. It is the field grade, with rubber and wood grips, box, 6" barrel. I guess now, I have to figure out which caliber I want. I kind of like the idea of the .454 where I can have the 2 cylinders. One in .45LC, and one in the .454. This way I can plink and hunt whitetail with the .45 LC, and if I get a chance at bigger game such as moose, I can use the .454 stoked up(To recommended levels of course). So now the fun begins, the search for the new one. If anyone has any more advice, I would love to hear it.

Thanks
Spencer

myronman3 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 11, 2005, 01:56:51 AM »

just be aware that an extra cylinder is around another 300 bucks.

i like the 454, but the downside is the cost of brass. and you must be very careful to only use bullets designed for that velocity in the gun. using jacketed bullets designed for 45 colt velocities is not a good idea. just be aware of it.

i have had a 454 and it was nice. i have to say, though, it was way more than i needed. i have found the 44 mag to be about right. and truthfully, it is even more than i need. so i load it about mid range power levels.

i figure i am good up to moose size animals with it and the right bullet. for me, the 44 is about right.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2005, 03:01:11 AM »

Quote from: myronman3

just be aware that an extra cylinder is around another 300 bucks.

i like the 454, but the downside is the cost of brass. and you must be very careful to only use bullets designed for that velocity in the gun. using jacketed bullets designed for 45 colt velocities is not a good idea. just be aware of it.

i have had a 454 and it was nice. i have to say, though, it was way more than i needed. i have found the 44 mag to be about right. and truthfully, it is even more than i need. so i load it about mid range power levels.

i figure i am good up to moose size animals with it and the right bullet. for me, the 44 is about right.

Buy a $2000 gun and worry about a 5 cent piece of brass. :?
The brass should be the least of your worries. JMHO.

Spencer, The reason the 454 Casull without the 45 L/C cylinder would be my choice is, the 454 Casull can safely be loaded to high 45 L/C. No need to mess with 2 different rounds. Just like my 44 MAG, I don't mess with 44 Special rounds. I can load my 44 MAG down. Just some food for thought and a way to sat $300.00 that you could use for brass, bullets and powder.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #14 on:** October 11, 2005, 09:59:32 AM »

Or for that matter, the FA is such a strong gun you can load hot 45 Colts ammo and take white tail deer until the cows come home. (Don't shoot the cows, they quit giveing milk if you do!)

myronman3 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 11, 2005, 10:19:01 AM »

Quote

Buy a $2000 gun and worry about a 5 cent piece of brass.
The brass should be the least of your worries. JMHO.

i dont know what either of us would do with the other to jab at.

brass for the 454 runs 'bout $25 a 100; or $.25 a piece. if you buy brass in #'s like i do, cost is an issue.

spencer said....

Quote

I am a touch recoil sensitive so I do not think that would work well for me.

just so you dont have any illusions about the fierce recoil of the 454; it is no pussycat. i do commend you for realizing this; most of us lie to ourselves. if you are cautious of the 475, be so of the 454.

the 41 + 44 are great calibers. i dont know if f.a. makes the 83 in 45 colt.

Spencer · « **Reply #16 on:** October 11, 2005, 02:57:52 PM »

I suppose I could go with the .44, I already have a S&W 629 with a 6" barrel and was thinking of picking up the dies for it so I can do some reloading. This way, I could stoke up some loads for the F.A. that might be a touch over the top for the 629 (Obviously, I will follow the recommendations.) and have something that could do the job on game bigger than the whitetail.

myronman3 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 11, 2005, 03:22:39 PM »

i have shot about every standard handgun caliber i can think of, not counting the new ones to come out in the last three years.

if i were limited to just one, i would most likely choose the 44 mag. there is really nothing this caliber can not do (within reason). and in the freedoms arms, it is great. the gun really makes you look good.

if you have a 44 smith, the f.a. in the same caliber will make things really simple for you. the f.a. will definately handle some stouter loads than the smith.

all i can say is that i really like mine. greybeard picked one up not all that long ago; i havent heard much about it from him, other than he likes it.

given any thought as to what length barrel?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 11, 2005, 04:40:58 PM »

Quote from: myronman3

Quote
Buy a $2000 gun and worry about a 5 cent piece of brass.
The brass should be the least of your worries. JMHO.

i dont know what either of us would do with the other to jab at.

quote]

It's all good. And I hope you did not take any offence to it. But if we all agreed, it would be so boring, don't you agree??

myronman3 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 11, 2005, 05:06:20 PM »

the way others look at things often bring to light things one person may overlook or not think of. one of the best things about g.b.o. is that you can tap into the expereince of others who might have valuable information. gun magazines are just trying to sell stuff; whereas folks here have nothing to gain by sharing their information with you. and after hanging around a bit, you learn who knows what is what fairly quick.

though we might not agree all the time, lots of times we do. i know you work as hard as i do to help others here, and that is what counts.

MS Hitman · « **Reply #20 on:** October 11, 2005, 08:47:22 PM »

I'm going to chime in at this point as I own FAs in both .454 and .475. The down side of the .454, in my opinion is the sound pressure levels. Every load I have shot in my .454s, is loud; from target to "kill anything big enough to die". The .475, on the other hand, seems to be a relatively quieter round. Also, I can load 400 grain bullets to a nominal 850 fps and kill anything on the North American continent. I have bullet weight working for me. Each caliber recoils differently to me. The .454's recoil is very "whippy" as is the 475 with lighter (i.e. 325 grain) bullets. Heavy bullets at higher velocities in the .475 tend to do more shoving backwards. Both can be loaded to be a handful. Penetration is "better" with the 400 grain bullets from a .475. I shot a cow elk at 70 yards with a Speer Gold Dot; the bullet broke the left femur and lodged under the skin on the right shoulder. Had I used a cast bullet, I doubt I'd have recovered the bullet I fired.

When I got my first .454, I carried my .44s less than I had prior. Once I got my .475, the .454s have seen a bit less field time. Reloading components are fairly common and priced similarly for both calibers.