Author Topic: First 83  (Read 1135 times)

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Offline doghawg

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First 83
« on: July 31, 2007, 02:20:13 PM »
 I've been a lurker for a long while and now finally own a 83. I was doghawg on the late great sixgunner forum and see some familiar people posting here. I bought a very early # (D72xx) .454 7 1/2" that was purchased new in '85 and never fired by the now elderly owner.  The gun copper fouled something fierce with 300 gr. XTP's and full doses of 296 (which I didn't find particularly pleasant anyway  :o) but after a couple shooting sessions and a little JB bore paste the barrel seems to foul much less.

 On the last trip to the range, I tried a starting load of 2400 (22 gr.) under a 300 gr. Sierra. Didn't have the chrony along but am guessing around 1250 fps....very pleasant and accurate. Two rested groups at 25 yards went 5/8" and 3/4"....I didn't think I could see irons well enough to shoot groups like that!  ;D 

 One question....Is there any particular advantage/disadvantage to the early numbered guns or is it, as I suspect, a case of them all being works of art?

 Dawg

Offline Ken ONeill

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Re: First 83
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2007, 03:08:03 PM »
With a serial number that high, there's no particular advantage / collector interest, but no disadvantage, either that I'm aware of. If it was indeed purchased in '85, I guess it has the set screw for the ( now obsolete) replaceable forcing cone ?
In any event, congratulations on finally acquiring your first FA 83.

Offline doghawg

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Re: First 83
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2007, 12:03:35 PM »
Ken

 Nope, no replaceable bushing.

 AND....now that I've got your attention.....With my rear sight all the way down, I'm still shooting 3" to 6" high at 25 yards with the loads I plan to use the most. I'm a wimpy 1200 to 1300 fps old cuss. The original front sight is .325" in height. Your patridge style front sight gets good reviews and I want to order one.

 What height would you suggest to raise the POI approx 4" to 8" at 25 yards? If you are comfortable posting your address and shipping info, please do and if not please send a PM. Thanks

Offline Graybeard

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Re: First 83
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2007, 12:18:26 PM »
Since Ken is NOT a paid advertiser here it would be best to move this discussion to PMs or e-mail. The answer to the height of sight needed is appropriate on forum but the discussion of purchasing is not.


Bill aka the Graybeard
President, Graybeard Outdoor Enterprises
256-435-1125

I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life anyone who believes in Him will have everlasting life!

Offline doghawg

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Re: First 83
« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2007, 01:06:21 PM »
 Sorry. Obviously MY error and not Kens.  :-[ Besides, all I had to do was read a little farther down the page.

Offline Sverre A.

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Re: First 83
« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2007, 04:00:59 PM »
Buy all the heights - then you can choose bullets/loads as you want to.
The cost is nothing - compared to frustrated times - if you don`t!!!!!!

Offline Ken ONeill

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Re: First 83
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2007, 01:28:16 AM »
Dawg,
Sorry, but the post is contradictory. If you're shooting 3-6" high, you want to LOWER the point of impact. This will require a .380"... or .430" if you want to shoot still heavier bullets.
Ken

Offline doghawg

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Re: First 83
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2007, 01:40:02 AM »
 Well lessee here.....which one of those emoticons would fit me best??  :-[ ::) ??? ;)

 I want to lower POI and need a higher front sight...this may be hard to believe at this point but I knew that.....brilliant communication was never a strong suit with me!!  :-[ :-[

Offline wickerbill

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Re: First 83
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2007, 01:33:02 PM »
Dawg
Welcome to the lift.  What took you so long.  I know, I keep checking every day to see if by some chance,  if sixgunner has come back up.  As for the FA 83, if you don't tell it, it won't know that it isn't a rifle.  Have fun with it.
Bill

Offline doghawg

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Re: First 83
« Reply #9 on: August 14, 2007, 03:09:22 PM »
 Thanks for the welcome Bill. I guess it's time to give up hope on that other forum....what was it called again?  ;D The worst thing about a dedicated FA site such as this is.........it's gonna get expensive. A guy could end up reading a thread on something he didn't even know he needed, like a FA .22 for example.  ;)

 doghaw* er, I mean dawg.

Offline Ken ONeill

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Re: First 83
« Reply #10 on: August 15, 2007, 12:42:20 AM »
How could a man NOT know he needed a FA .22 ??

Offline doghawg

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Re: First 83
« Reply #11 on: August 16, 2007, 02:19:36 PM »
How could a man NOT know he needed a FA .22 ??

 Good point Ken. Now that I re-read that it does come across as kinda lame..... :-[ 

Offline Rod in Pa

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Re: First 83
« Reply #12 on: August 16, 2007, 06:45:54 PM »
DAWG, You need a Freedom Arms 22lr more than any other Freedom Arms handgun. They are easier to shoot and are more accurate. You will use the 22 lr F/A more than the center fire F/A. I own both.od in Pa. 

Offline kennisondan

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Re: First 83
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2007, 09:27:19 AM »
22 FA... waht you wanna go and say THAT for...?
great googly moogly.
dk