Author Topic: Looking to get a FA 97 (Read 955 times)

ck · « **on:** May 30, 2005, 12:38:26 PM »

Hi all, Im looking to get a FA 97 sometime this year but I am unsure which caliber I should go with. I am interested in the .32 mag .41 mag and .45 colt. The gun is going to be used for target shooting and maybe some silhouettes.Im looking for a gun that I can shoot 150 - 200 rounds per trip to the range and put them all in one ragged hole.

I have no expierience with any of these cartridges or thier accuracy potential. the 32 and the 41 especially the 41 seem to have a limited amount of bullets available to them which is kind of a turn off ,and the 45 is limited to light bullets due to the fact the cylinder is short in this gun.If I was to get the 45 I occasionally would like to shoot some Ruger level loads with some 335 - 360 gr bullets but they wont fit and if Im going to spend that kind of money I want the gun to do it all.

So what do you guys think? Which one of these is the best choice or am I wrong for thinking these bullets wont fit in this gun.

Thanks,Chris

MS Hitman · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2005, 01:00:28 PM »

Well, right out the gates, a .32 Mag is going to limit you to field pistol silhouette categories. Either the .41 mag or the .45 Colt will do fine in the big bore catergories. Now as far as shooitng 150-200 rounds into one ragged hole, I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want that. However, wanting and doing are two entirely different matters.

Now, if you are serious about shooting silhouettes with a FA revolver I recommend you look at the Model 83 instead. There are silhouette models of this revolver. Also, the Model 83 is a heavier firearm and you will not be as fatigued from recoil after a 40 or 80 shot relay.

De41mag · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2005, 02:04:48 PM »

ck;

The big question is do you handload? If so then have you given the 44 Special some thought. Don't get me wrong, I love my Mod. 97 in 41 mag. but if you handload then you can fit just about any 44 cal bullet into a 44 Special case. Heck... I've even shot some 265gr. RNFP-Gas Checks out of mine.
If you don't handload then the 44 Special would be a poor choice. The amount of 44 Special factory stuff is limited even more than the 41.
But a 41mag could cover a lot of needs for you. You could even shoot the Winchester Platinum Tip 240gr. I've shot that factory load out of my 97 with no trouble.
Good Luck on your decision.
If you need more help, just ask, we are right here.

Dennis

myronman3 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2005, 04:50:04 PM »

i would say if your intending to use it for target shooting and sillywets mainly, get a 83 in 44 mag with a ten inch barrel. you cant believe how much a ten inch tube eats recoil. sweet to shoot.

ck · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2005, 02:06:24 PM »

Thanks for the replies! Yes, I do handload and the cartridges I do load for are the 44 mag and 44 special. The 44 spec. is nice but I would like to try something different. I guess I should clarify my intent, currently I only shoot for groups and plink, as far as formal silhouette shooting I have not had the chance to do that but I would like to try it in a casual setting. Im looking for a nice all around revolver that is chambered in something that has a wide selection of bullet designs and weights. I really like what I have read about the .41 but I dont understand why there are not that may different weights for it. the most popular off the top of my head are the 170 and the 210gr bullets. I looked at a Sierra catalog the other day and they only had one bullet for it.

For you guys the have a 97 what is the heaviest and longest cartridge that you have loaded in it? How does it shoot?

Thanks, Chris

oso45-70 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2005, 05:10:05 PM »

Ck

Welcome to gbo and the fa forum. I've had real good luck in my 97 454 using 300 gr j-fp from freedom arms. I also use them in my accu sport 45 Bisley. They are a little pricey but do a good job. Not to wander to far from the post, But the 41 in a 97 isn't a bad thought, Been thinking i might go that route myself. Hope you find what you are looking for.
...............Joe...............

Old Griz · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2005, 06:56:40 PM »

:cb2: I'm really new to the 41 mag., but I have learned a great deal from some very learned folks here on GBO. It's flatter shooting than the 44, but as you said, you are limited when it comes to bullets. If you get the FA97 you are further limited, because it can't handle the largest of the 41 bullets. I'm holding out for the FA83, because it will digest anything. Of course it means that now I'm gonna have to start reloading as well. Can't afford to keep buying that factory 41 ammo!