1980's Production FA 454 AS

[Chop4]

Why is "1980's Production" important to note when purchasing a used Model 83?
 
Did Model 83 manufacturing techniques change between then and now?
Did the Model 83 Design change?

If a 1980's 454 and 2002 454 both had 300 rounds through them, which would be more valuable?


Thanks for any and all help.

[TScottO]

This is some information from “Big Bore Sixguns” by John Taffin.

“In 1979, after a number of false starts,(Dick) Casull and Wayne Barker came together and the result was Freedom Arms.”(pp.102, John Taffin)  Dick Casull was the creator of the 454 Casull.

A few lines later: “…in 1983, the first factory-built .454 Casull revolver from the new Freedom Arms Factory on the Wyoming/Idaho border was delievered in the beautiful Star Valley area of Freedom, Wyoming.” (pp. 102, John Taffin)

The time line within those two quotes shows that this gun is one of the very first. If the gun is a 1980 year build then this gun would be prefactory production. The early 80's was a time period before there were Premier grade and Field grade revolvers. From my understanding all guns were produced as Premier grade at one time. Not till later was a Field grade produced. Due to this the very early guns did not have Premier grade written on them.

I hope this helps. The book listed above is an excellent read and I would suggest to anyone to invest in John Taffins writings. The books are not cheap but they are of excellent quality, full of information and well written.

Take Care,
Scott

[MS Hitman]

Scott,

I believe the post said early 80's production.  I could be wrong, but I do not believe any production revolvers were delivered in 1980.  I have one of the pre-field grade models.  They were all premium back then.

How are things in your neck of the woods?

[TScottO]

Rob,

According to John Taffins book the first production gun didn’t roll out until 1983. My writing simply wasn’t clear enough. I’ll do better next time.

Things are going well. I moved back to Mississippi in late December and I’m happy to get back to my old way of life. It’s good to see you being active in the forms lately and I hope things are dandy for you as well.

Take Care,
Scott