Just got my FA83 back from Freedom Arms

[cprher]

I recently bought a used FA83 in 454 with a 4.75" barrel and fixed sights.  It's an early model, D111XX, and while used it had been taken care of.  I checked with FA and found out from Denise that the gun had left the factory with real Ivory grips.  They'd been separated from the gun some time ago and the owner had replaced them with ill fitting wood grips from another FA83.  I had John at FA install a new set of tan micarta grips, flute the cylinder, replace all buggered screws and correct any and all other mechanical issues, if any.  He ended up replacing the hammer block with a new, thicker one (a standard mod the factory does on all returning FA83s) and replacing the cylinder pin.  I also asked him to shift the Point of Impact right 1.5" at 25 yards but I have not shot the gun yet so I don't know how that went.  However, I did have him accuracy test the gun and the target is very impressive.  Apparently, they use Winchester 260 grain Silvertip when testing and the group measures less than .5".  They now have my other FA83, also a 454 with a 4.75" barrel and fixed sights, which will have all the same work done to include a new set of Ivory micarta grips.  The only difference is that this gun (D88XX) has a mirror finish.  Once I get my camera going I'll post pictures of the one I just got back and the one they have now.  If you guys are interested I'll post pics of my other FA83s as well.  Except for the newly acquired 475 Linebaugh, they've all be modified to some degree.
Keith

[cprher]

I spoke with John today at FA and he clarified the difference between tan and ivory micarta grips:  there is no difference.  There is only the antique ivory or tan color.  So that's what I have coming on my next order.
Keith

[ck]

Sounds good. Ive got a used 475 with a broken trigger return spring that I want to send back to be gone through.Were you able to ship the gun to and from your home?

[cprher]

For several years I've had an account with FedEx just for shipping guns to and from gunsmiths.  I also use it to ship guns I sell.  It's easy to set it up and in the long run very cost effective.  I don't have them picked up at my home but either drop them off at the local FedEx center or at a drop box normally found at Post Offices.  Just go to FedEx.com and follow the prompts.
Keith

[cprher]

Here are the two fixed sight FA83s in 454 that I just got back from Freedom Arms.  John did a fantastic job of taking care of all the little issues I had with them.  The grips are new to both and are what FA calls "Ivory" micarta.  Apparently there is no difference between ivory and what some are calling tan micarta.  Even though the pictures don't show it, John was able to maintain the quality of the high polish finish when he fluted the cylinder.  I asked him to not polish the flutes but leave them in a contrasting brushed finish.  By the way, I also included a picture of my two FA83s in 454 I use for hunting.  Both have express sights, action jobs and of course fluted cylinders.  I also had John accuracy test both of the fixed sight guns.  Both shot groups of less than 1/2" with Winchester 260 grain Silvertip ammo.  All the guns shown are early production guns, mid- to late-80's.