Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Anybody have a Freedom Arms in .357 Magnum?

Have read alot and heard alot about the FA 84's in the big calibers, 44, 45, 475, etc., but hardly ever hear about the FA84 in .357 Magnum. Was reading one of John Taffin's articles and he reported getting muzzle velocities equaling or exceeding the .357 Maximum from a 9" FA 84. Looks like a pretty cool way to have the precision of a Freedom Arms without the recoil and expense of the larger calibers.

So, anybody have a Freedom Arms in .357 Magnum? Pics are always appreciated

A friend had a .357 That he shot silhouettes with years ago. High velocities, but my memory is it was a little barrel heavy with the smaller hole.

Yes, I have one--a silhouette-version 9". It's the "353", later named '83. Presumably you care about experience more than whether somebody owns one.

My experience is limited and pretty weak. I'm not a hunter. I just shoot targets a couple times a week.

At this time, I get more fun out of this 357 version than any other. By the way, I currently have a FA 22LR/WMR, 45 LC/454Casull, 50AE/500WE, a well as the 353---the dual calibers are FA convertibles

For me, it's the engineering redundancy, long range ease with the lengthened sight radius, and ample room for 44 magnum territory bullets weights.

With the 200 grain TMJs, and a healthy slow powder charge, I can knock down my steel target setup with authority. How's the recoil at that level you ask: hardly noticeable (I forgot to add that to the reasons I really enjoy this version)

The heft of the revolver, heavy 9" nose, and still not that heavy of a bullet, contribute to a muted muzzle jump. There's no flinching, that's for sure. Not from recoil anyway. If you want to give your shiulders a break and shoot on the bench you don't gotta worry about the gun crashing back down after the shot. It just doesnt have that kind of energy. Also, not loud. Pretty certain hot loads in my 32-20 Blackhawks can be more annoying

Others have commented that at the levels that Taffin published, one can expect problems. Flattened primers, enlarged primer pockets, etc. I can assure you, that I use his data. Not the maximum, but close. Never had the signature brass over-pressure signs. I think their opinion was that one should simply get a 357 Maximum if you're interested in pushing heavy 357s fast, as pressure is more in line with the average. Though a larger case volume will decrease pressure, I just find the larger frame of the Maximums disproportionate. That lengthened frame window just looks goofy, imo.

I registered on this forum to reply to your interest. Not sure how to post pics yet--didnt seam obvious anyway. Ill look into it later for ya.


Addend...... Pretty sure the cost of the model 83s are the same regardless of caliber choice. Regarding new, anyway. Trends on the used market are harder to identify though I think definitely that used prices have come up within the last 6 months. I think this increase in used price trend it's due to their delay in their build time. Their clearly busy. Fwiw, I ordered new in August and was quoted 11 months.

You'll find a trend regarding which calibers on the used dront sell for more, though as of late, the difference in price isn't as great. If you could pick up a used, and not torn up, 353 for 1,500-1600 you'd have a deal

Welcome, and nice first post!

Thanks Benny123! Welcome to the 'fire.

There is a problem with the "353" FAs.
I have a 9" MS target setup. It will flat spoil someone. 180 hardcast at 1600 fps and inch or less groups at 50 yards. While I seldom win outright, I have showed the boys a thing or two shooting a few round of bullseye in the local indoor range. I recently sold a Marlin 357 carbine for a fortune...the 353 is better and more fun. My 10' FA 454 just sits there in the safe, whimpering while the 357 gets out a lot more often.

Ditto. Great first post.