first post...grip questions

[kmcmichael]

Greetings
 
I am the proud owner of a Model 83 in .475 Linebaugh. I would like to say that I am seriously impressed with the gun. I have had many revolvers over the past 37 years and this is the best in several ways.
 
I have a quandry. I am interested in the smaller model 97 but would like to handle one first. I am also intereseted in getting one with the rounded grip or rounding the grip on my current gun. I have looked for some shops in the Dallas area. I go there often. I have been to gun shows in Ft. Worth and San Antonio. I have never seen a 97. I have large hands and am quite picky about grips. The 83 might be as small as I can stand. The size of the 97 in .45 has great appeal(the short cylinder does not concern). How did you fellows see the models before you purchased them? Do any of you that possess one live in the DFW area?
 
I am also interested in something that shoots .45 colt longer than 1.6". It seems that 95% of the used #83s guns have 7.5bbls. I know this is fine for hunting but I was intereseted in the shorter one suitable to carry. They charge $200 to shorten a bbl. My smith could do it but did not want resolder the sight on the bbl. Is this the way that they are attached?
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Kevin

[picturerock]

I'm fairly big (6'2") and I have a 97 in 45 Colt.  I haven't had a problem with the grip, although I did have to get used to it a bit at first.  Now, no problems.  Hunt around until you find one for sale somewhere and check out how it feels in your hands.  It's a personal issue, and you are the only one who can decide if you like the grips, or if you don't, whether you think you could get comfortable with them over time.  Good luck!

[McInnis]

Yeah, there's really no substitute for handling a model 97 yourself, but as a point of reference, my hand measures 7 1/4" in length, measured from the tip of my middle finger to the base of my palm. And the factory grip was a good fit for me. But I got the square butt and with max .45 Colt loads, the sharp base caused a bit of pain during recoil. I think the round butt would prevent this. Anyway, I had Grashorns make me a pair of elk antler grips that he beveled at the base just a bit, and they feel much better.

[flatgate]

Greetings My smith could do it but did not want resolder the sight on the bbl. Is this the way that they are attached?
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Kevin

Find a different 'smith.   


JMHO,


flatgate

[Ken ONeill]

There are a bunch of 97's and 83's in Texas. Perhaps some of those owners will see this post and contact you. I am accustomed to shooting both, but there is definitely a difference in feel, weight, and ergonomics. I find the 97 gripframe "perfect", yet own and shoot many more 83's, mostly because of the calibers, and ability from time to time to buy one "right". I'm happy with both sizes.
Keep an eye on Gunbroker. I see a lot of 5 1/2" 97's offered for sale from time to time. Cabela's will also frequently have used FA's offered for sale. Check their store listings.
Round butts? Some like 'em. I hate 'em. Make that HATE 'EM! Be sure to shoot one before you have one round butted.

[SJPrice]

kmcmichael,


Were you able to solve your dilemma?  If not, PM me with your contact info as I have both a round butt 83 and 97 and I am a little east of Dallas.  The 83 is a 475 and the 97 is a 45 both in the 4 inch barrel range.

[kmcmichael]

PM sent! Thanks.