Thoughts on sending FA back to Freedom vs. Gunsmith

[zac0419]

Do you guys have any thoughts or concerns about sending a FA to someone like Huntington or Stroh to have the barrel shortened and a roundbutt treatment vs sending it to the factory? You look at other high end guns like USFA and Colt and factory work helps retain value. I didn't buy my FA's for an investment but I don't want to take anything away from their value either.

I also like what Don had done on his 97 (another thread below this one) having the edges smoothed over and that isn't something FA offers so I'm torn.

Also, someone might know this before I call FA and ask. Do I need to plan on the cost of a front sight too, or is it included in the cost of a new/ shortened barrel?

Thoughts? Concerns?

[benny123]

Unless those gunsmiths are in your home state, I doubt the difference in cost would make it worth it.

Pretty sure Freedom charges 199 for shortened barrel, which is, essentially, the cost for cutting the barrel, moving the sight housing and attaching the proper front blade.

Im sure those other big names are reputable based on what I've seen and what others report, just make sure you don't choose a different gunsmith local to you that isn't equipped to do the job, but may convince you otherwise

In the past I had FA shorten, and crown, a barrel and it looked as one would expect. Of course when price of shipping was added the cost stung

Regarding the rounding the grip frame, FA does that. The other posters contouring of the grip frame, presumably, was performed to better match his hand than the original. If you have average sized hands, I wouldn't think there'd be a reason to change it, apart from what appears to be a sexier contour.

It's just my opinion, but I think you should let FA do the work (if you're happy with their "round butt" option). They've been producing the same gun with the same high level of craftsmanship for many years without compromising quality. For that reason alone, supporting their small business is key if you want to enjoy products from them in the future.

[zac0419]

Benny,

Thanks for your reply. Did FA send it back USPS or some expensive route? I get discounted freight on the way up there because of my job so it's not too bad. I also wonder about spending the extra $110 ($317 vs  $211) and having a new barrel put on. Keeping the old barrel just in case the shortened barrel doesn't work out.


As for the round butt, I LOVE the way it looks but I don't think I'd do it because it's not something that can be changed back. Unless I found someone that would let me shoot one before I decide to ship it off I don't think I'll round it. There needs to be one shooting range in every state where we can shoot all these variations, don't you think?

Shortening the barrel is something I think I will to do, but I told myself I wouldn't do it until I put another 1000rds through the gun. That way I think I have a better grasp of what I'm giving up, or getting, by having it done. I don't consider this a dedicated hunting gun, more of a packing pistol that I can hunt with. I shoot it really well and would hate to give up too much accuracy (me, not the gun) for packability. I'm still in the "getting to know you" phase with a short barreled 475 and I can't get better than dart board sized groups at 25 yds, but it's real packable! I'm reminded it's me and not the gun every time I look at the test target hanging above my loading bench.

[dbriannelson]

Shortening the barrel also involves shortening the ejector and housing and relocating the threaded boss, if the new barrel length is less than current ejector housing length. There's some work involved.

I sent mine to Clements for the work for two reasons:

1. While I didn't ask FA, I didn't think they'd do the uncataloged job of rounding the toe of the butt, and;

2. Cost.

[benny123]

Im obviously missing something here.  Though Ive read some of your posts, I didn't realize you were referring to a 475L, and you wanted a barrel length under 4". That's gonna be a behemoth. Im pretty sure I've seen "Axehandle" pictured with a 4" rounded'83 in 475L. He may be a good resource as well

[zac0419]

Im obviously missing something here.  Though Ive read some of your posts, I didn't realize you were referring to a 475L, and you wanted a barrel length under 4". That's gonna be a behemoth. Im pretty sure I've seen "Axehandle" pictured with a 4" rounded'83 in 475L. He may be a good resource as well

Sorry to confuse you. I am talking about shortening a 5.5 inch 45 Colt 97.

 I have a short barreled 475 I referred to in my last post that I really like but can't shoot it that well yet. I can see where that could be misleading I should have stuck to talking about one gun.

[Lloyd Smale]

if its a premier it has a lifetime warantee and if you let another smith modify it that warantee is voided

[zac0419]

if its a premier it has a lifetime warantee and if you let another smith modify it that warantee is voided

Excellent point.

[dbriannelson]

It's also voided if you use handloads. I've never used factory ammunition in either of my 97s, so I guess I'm screwed, huh?

[Lloyd Smale]

never heard that one. I know that he wont warantee one that has been shot with lilgun but thats the only reloading caution ive seen and im sure if it is in print its only to void a warantee on a gun thats seen a severe overload. I find it hard to believe especially considering when the 500we came out he was about the only source to buy brass. If Bob didnt want you to shoot reloads he surely wouldnt sell you brass.

[dbriannelson]

My error. The FA warranty says nothing about handloads.

[HGunner]

If you haven't decided yet, then I'd like to add that the FA gunsmith service is one of the best reasons to invest in an FA.  They are extremely helpful and responsive over the phone.  The turn around time for repairs and custom work is very reasonable.  If they do the work you can't tell it from a factory new gun and they fully guarantee the gun and the work.
Their service prices seem very fair given the quality and warranty.


HGunner

[zac0419]

I have decided to use FA for the work if I decide to do it. I promised myself I would shoot 2000 rds before I decided to help with the decision. I like the 5.5 inch but think I would like the 4.25 inch barrel for better "packin". Another 1500 rds or so and ill make up my mind.

[HGunner]

The 4.25" gun is very handy but I can't shoot it quite as well as the 5.5" gun.  I think if I did a lot of dedicated practice I could make the 4.25" gun a good deer hunting gun to 50 yards.  However, I could say the same thing about the 5.5" gun to 75 yards.  I would not cut it to 4.25" as a primary hunting revolver but I would consider it as a general purpose packing pistol that would work great for bowhunting distances. If carry is the issue you might look at Ted Blocker's CC1 holster.  I haven't tried it but it might be a good alternative to cutting the barrel.


HGunner