LARRY KELLY EDITION .454 FREEDOM ARMS MAGNAPORT with photos

[Swenson Bobcat]

Hi, I am new on this forum and have a question about my most recent acquisition. I just bought a like new Freedom Arms .454 Larry Kelly edition.
It is a 4 3/4 inch in a presentation case with his book bound in leather. I would like to obtain some information on this special edition.
I called Freedom Arms and they told me it was built on September 30, 1988. The lady also said that they assigned 200 numbers to this edition but, they did not build that many.
It is serial number LK-D1XX. I have heard that you could have ordered it with any length barrel you wanted. Any information will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill

[Ken ONeill]

I watched that auction on Gunbroker. Congratulations on your acquisition. Magnaport might also be able to give you some information on numbers, etc.

[Swenson Bobcat]

I did call Magnaport and they told me it was a Freedom Arms edition and they have one in their lobby.
They referred me to Freedom Arms.
Thanks,
Bill

[stevejr454]

   I had two bids in on the gun when it was listed on GunBroker, and planned on bidding to win the gun.

To answer your question. Freedom made four 4 3/4" guns cased individually, eighteen 8 3/8" guns cased, and eleven two gun sets with a total of thirty-three.

[Swenson Bobcat]

stevejr454
Thank you very much for the information. It is one of my favorite configurations.
Bill

[Wiking]

A nice little picture might be in order 

[Swenson Bobcat]

I'm not the best photographer but, here are a some shots. It came in a wooden case lined in suede leather (french fit) with a book called Kelly which tells of Larry's hunting adventures.
The book appears to be bound in brown elephant skin.  All in all , I am very happy to have found it. The lady at Magnaport told me that they have a two gun set in their lobby display.
Freedom Arms had assigned 200 serial numbers for this edition but only 33 were produced. (Thank you stevejr454) This one was produced in September of 1988. It is not marked Premier Grade. In addition to the magnaporting, the cylinders are numbered, the grips are black micarta and there is a deep dish crown. Were there any other features standard on this gun? Thanks, Bill

[stevejr454]

It did come with a couple other options, special Mag-Na-Port markings on the barrel, and backstrap behind hammer, express sights, and forcing cone bushing. Your gun the 4 3/4" was is the Predator, and  the 8 3/8" would be the Stalker.

Stevejr454

[Carlislegr]

Steve, as you know the 4 3/4 inch gun is very rare.  Wayne has one, I have one, I think Larry has one, and this one is the only other gun in existance.  The only other gun that comes to mind for rarity is the model 83 in 45 Colt.  I think only six or so were made.  Wayne has one and I have two which only leaves about three out there somewhere.  I have serial numbers of two of them but have no idea where they are.  I'm starting to see more serious collectors of Freedom special editions and really hope someone publishes more information on them.  So far what we know is just passed between a few of us.  Wayne's book, while an excellent read, didn't shed new light on the early guns.  Oh well, the hunt continues!

[Swenson Bobcat]

Thanks guys. Mine has all the markings and the forcing cone. How can I tell if it has the factory action job or a trigger stop?
 I originally bought it because I had a 4 3/4 inch barrel with the express sights years ago and wanted another one. The fact it was a Larry Kelly edition was a nice plus.

[stevejr454]

 Yes they are very rare, as well as factory Dan Paul hand engraved revolvers.

I think D 1996 maybe a one of kind?

Steve

[GRIMJIM]

Wow, to have something that's one of four.........