Model 97 41 mag questions....

[benny]

Hello,

I am thinking of a gun for woods carry, and maybe a little deer / black bear hunting, and the 97 in 41 magnum looks quite nice.  I have been shooting a S&W 657 for a couple of years but just recently sold it as it was really too much weight to lug around, nice gun though.

Thinking of the 4.25" 97 w/ micarta grips and bbl flutes, fiber optic sight (only 30 but eyes need all the help they can get).

I have no dealer nearby, here in PGH to handle the 97, but I have run across some second hand 83's over the years and have been impressed by thier tight tolerances.

Looking for some opinions from those who own / have used the 97.

1.  What bbl length between the 4.25 and the 5.5 do you prefer?  Is there a significant handling difference?  (the listed weight only varies by 1.5oz.)

2. Want to shoot federal, corbon, or grizzly 250gr hard cast loads or the winchester platinum tip 240grn. (hope to start handloading w 250gr cast perf at 1100-1200fps).  Anyone know these loads fall under the 1.6" oal for the 97 loads?  I assume there is no problem using these stout loads in the 97???

3. Recoil seem manageable with above loads?

4. Do cylinder flutes change the strength of the gun?

5. Is the action job really necessary?  I can't imagine a $1700 gun being too bad out of the box...

Any thoughts and advice would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Benny

[Ken ONeill]

 I only use 210-220 gr. bullets in any of my .41's, so I'm unable to comment on some of your questions. However, I think that a 97 in .41 Mag. is an excellent choice. My personal preference is for a 5 1/2" barrel, as that puts a bit more light on each side of the front sight for better sight acquisition for me. I also prefer the extra sight radius. If the slight increase in weight concerns you, you can have the cylinder fluted, as you have pointed out. With regard to fluting, there might be some theoretical weakening of the cylinder, but in a practical sense, it will make no difference. Since the .41 97 is a 5 shot, however, the flutes will appear different than they do on a 6 shot gun, so you may want to look at a photo of 5 shot fluting before you decide.
None of my 5 97's had an action job, and none needed one. I would not order it.
It has been over 38 years since I moved from Pittsburgh. The one time when I returned and looked for gun stores, the only one I found was a place in East Liberty called, I believe, Firearms International. Surely there are more around though, who could assist you in your purchase.

[Rod in Pa]

I have owned only three Freedom Arms handguns. All field grades. All model 83's. The 475 Linebaugh didn't have a factory trigger. but the 44 mag and the 22lr both have factory triggers, yes on a 1500.00 handgun. It was the best 90.00 factory option I have ever spent. Just my two cents. Rod in Pa.

[revo]

Hey benny. I have 97's in 41 Mag with a 7.5" bbl and a 45 Colt with a 5.5" bbl. I can answer your questions below (inline), but just know that I don't have a lot of experience when it comes to these cartridges and the 97. In other words, there's a TON more experience out there, but here goes...


1.  What bbl length between the 4.25 and the 5.5 do you prefer?  Is there a significant handling difference?  (the listed weight only varies by 1.5oz.)

I prefer the 5.5 for that little extra sight radius. Also, the 5.5 (for me) seemed to look and feel more balanced than the 4.25. And yes you're right, the extra 1.25" does not add all that much weight.


2. Want to shoot federal, corbon, or grizzly 250gr hard cast loads or the winchester platinum tip 240grn. (hope to start handloading w 250gr cast perf at 1100-1200fps).  Anyone know these loads fall under the 1.6" oal for the 97 loads?  I assume there is no problem using these stout loads in the 97???

I do not have experience with the particular loads you mention. But yes, you have to watch your COL. I load 210 XTPs almost exclusively in my 41 Mag 97. CPBC offers a 250 gr bullet that will fit. Some of the longer offerings from CPBC will not fit though. Give them a buzz and they'll tell you exactly what fits and not. As for the stoudt side of things, there should be no problem with those kinds of loads in the 41 Mag 97 as long as they jive with SAAMI. But note, the 97 is a nice compact package. Near max loads can definitely get your attention.


3. Recoil seem manageable with above loads?

For me, recoil seems perfectly manageable with the 97 in general. I get the 210 XTP going 1300fps which is snappy but not obnoxious by any means. Again, I'm not sure about those particular loads you mention. They will most likely be snappier than my loads with the XTP.


4. Do cylinder flutes change the strength of the gun?

I just went down this road myself. Word from the company and other experienced folk say no -- flutes do not change the strength. However, I do read from time to time where folks say flutes detract from strength. I don't push loads to the limits in my 97's, so I really don't worry about it. The final answer here should come from more experience than mine.


5. Is the action job really necessary?  I can't imagine a $1700 gun being too bad out of the box...

This is entirely subjective. I didn't get action jobs on my 97's, but I'm definitely thinking about it. I never measured the factory pull with a gauge, but it seems alright. Could be lighter though. This also needs input from more experience than mine.

The 97 is a real sweetheart. I really like mine. You'll be very happy with it.

[benny]

thanks for the replies guys.

well, as usual things have changed.... i talked to john at FA today and i think he talked me into an 83 instead of the 97.  seems like a LOT more gun.  said the owner (i assume that is mr. baker?) used john's wife's model 83 in 41 mag with his own handloads to fold up a bison.  that's more than i need, but will give me a little peace of mind in bear country.  will have to find a dealer to try out the different barrel lengths but i think the 4.75 may be the ticket as the "skinny" 41 bore might leave a longer barreled gun too muzzle heavy.  will have to see.

thought of going to the 44 in the larger gun but can't bring myself to use something so "vanilla".  just a personal thing.  i'd also prefer to shoot a caliber I can comfortably control and be accurate with than some of the larger rounds.  41 on the hip  should complement my 7x57 slung on the shoulder nicely.

so the idea is now: .41 - 83, micarta grips, action tune, express rear sight fiber optic front, 4.75 or 6" bbl. no cyl flutes

[paul105]

Hello,

I am thinking of a gun for woods carry, and maybe a little deer / black bear hunting, and the 97 in 41 magnum looks quite nice.  I have been shooting a S&W 657 for a couple of years but just recently sold it as it was really too much weight to lug around, nice gun though.

Benny

If weight is really a factor, the FA83 is heavier than the 657 you indicate was too much weight to lug around.  In 41 Mag, The M83 weighs about pound more than the M97  (51 to 54 oz for a 4.75" M83 vs. 38oz for 5 1/2" M97).   Diff in weight Field Grade vs. Premier Grade (I'm guessing the Pachmayrs on the Field Grade are heavier).

They are both great handguns, but are really totally different.  Compared to the M83, the M97 is petite.

FWIW,

Paul   

[fowler]

I think it depends on what you are trying to do. Is the 83 more gun? Yes, but that added stuff comes at the expense of weight. If I was purchasing it as a primary hunting weapon the 83 would get the nod. If I was buying it for a trail gun/back up gun then the 4.25" model 97 would get the nod every time. I like the 45 colt because it will handle heavier bullets easier but to each him own really.

I would always get a action/trigger job on ANY handgun if the option is out there. To me a good trigger is the start and most important handling aspect of a good revolver. The gun can be as beautiful, tight, and accurate, as can be but if the trigger is heavy and gritty you will never shoot it well! $90.00 is cheap and besides it is worth it to know you got the gun exactly how you want it, if you think you might like it get it now instead of regretting not getting it done later!

[Ken ONeill]

The above comments about the weight of an 83 in .41 Mag. are dead on. It's a great gun also, but significantly heavier than the Mdl. 97 on the hip and in the hands.

[6.5BR]

Been thinking the same, short or 5.5".  Get the 5.5 97 premier, trigger job, try it, then sell it to me.  Then later I may get a shorty 97 in 44 spc.  Oh, leave it unfluted.  A fluted octagon 5.5 would be cool, but $$$$$$, even a 6-6.5 same, if they do them.

I'd go 97 if you want something to carry.  All you need, and not 'more than you need' to tote.  Nothing to do about 'too heavy' a handgun on the hip, but bear it.  If you wanted an 83, I'd opt for a 454 or something and download it, always having MORE if you want it.

[gjn]

I have both the 83 and 97 in 41 Mag. The 97 is a 5.5 and the 83 is 7.5 with a 4x leupold. They are substantially different handguns.The 97 is a light handy perfect packing pistol that will handle any reasonable load.The 83 is substantially heavier,not nearly as handy but will handle any unreasonable load. One is not better than the other but each suited for a different purpose.If I was going walking over hill and dale with the possibility of getting a shot at something I would put the 97 on my belt and be very happy.If I was seriously going hunting I would put the 83 in a shoulder holster and use that.Its a matter of personal preference and you really need to handle both before you decide. As to the trigger job I wouldn't get one without it. Again its a matter of personal preference. The trigger isn't bad without an action job. Crisp but to my mind a bit heavy.I find the trigger with the action job crisp as well but noticably lighter.I shoot varmit rifles so I'm use to a light trigger and much prefer one.
Good luck and whatever you choose I'm sure you'll be very happy.

[Dand]

I have looked at the 97's and really liked them but the short cylinder disappoints me. If they had the same length cylinders as my S&Ws and Rugers I would have bought one. I like the option of shooting the Corbon and Buffalo ammo with 265 LFN.  I have been carrying a 657 mountain gun these days - much more handy than my 7.5 redhawk or bisley and it won't rust like my blued guns.

[Onty]

For your application, I would say that even better calibre is 44 Special. From what I’ve heard, Keith load, 250 gr bullet at 1200 fps should be OK from Model 97 (please correct me if this info is wrong) with 5.5-6.5” long barrel, and enough for anything that should be hunted with handgun. And this is from hard core 41 guy. As for barrel length, I would opt for 6.5”. In many states, min. barrel length for hunting handgun is 6”. Also 6.5” barrel will give you nice sight distance, bit more muzzle velocity so you can cut down powder load. And it’s “traditional” barrel length for revolvers, especially SA. Just make sure that 44 Special handloads are OK for hunt, or locate proper loads if factory ones are required.

[benny]

hello,

as I posted a few days back, I have gone with the 97 in 41 4.25" bbl.  we have no handgun barrel length restrictions in PA and there are none in AK, where I will be later this year.  i considered the 44 special, but it seems that the keith load 250 @ 1200 is acheived eaisier in the 41 as even ammo manufacturers, who have to be concerned with liability issues, get 1200 + from the 41.  corbon loads a 250 wfn to over 1300fps SAAMI compliant out of a 4" barrel.  i like the idea of being able to pick up a high performance load over the counter if necessary, which doesn't seem possible with the 44 spl.