OK...Over the years I have had several model 29 & 629 44 mags from S&W.... never really enjoyed shooting them except with 44 spc loads... However, recently I have been wanting a Freedom Arms 83 premier grade.... I ended up finding one in 454 Casull.... Loaded a bunch of 300 gr xtps this past weekend with the book saying they should be around 1650 fps... Shot them it over the weekend..
I have to say that I was a little "worried" about the recoil of full loads.... However, I was very surprised. I actually enjoyed shooting it. It is far more pleasant to shoot than 44 mags out of the S&Ws.... I have used the target grips, combat grips and hogue grips on the S&W... the premier has the wood grips... Just amazing the amount of differnce the design makes...
Anyone else experience the same sort of thing with other pistols or revolvers?
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I had a .454/83 6" and was using a midrange load of a 265 at 1650...it began to damage my wrists and right elbow. Sold it and bought an identical gun in .41 Magnum and have lived happily ever since.
I have also shot heavily loaded 8" S&W 500s and have a 4". I would rather shoot those than a single action any day. Last year tried a FA 83 .475 and with even mild loads going 1100 fps found them unpleasant...
Bob
If you can not deal with reality, reality will deal with you....
I enjoy shooting the BB 45 Colt load of 325 WFN at 1325. The pistol just rotates in my hand. No pain, fuss, or muss and the hammer is in great position to haul back.
“Life is life and fun is fun, but it's all so quiet when the goldfish die.”
OK...Over the years I have had several model 29 & 629 44 mags from S&W.... never really enjoyed shooting them except with 44 spc loads... However, recently I have been wanting a Freedom Arms 83 premier grade.... I ended up finding one in 454 Casull.... Loaded a bunch of 300 gr xtps this past weekend with the book saying they should be around 1650 fps... Shot them it over the weekend..
I have to say that I was a little "worried" about the recoil of full loads.... However, I was very surprised. I actually enjoyed shooting it. It is far more pleasant to shoot than 44 mags out of the S&Ws.... I have used the target grips, combat grips and hogue grips on the S&W... the premier has the wood grips... Just amazing the amount of differnce the design makes...
Anyone else experience the same sort of thing with other pistols or revolvers?
Only shot one FA, a Casull. My experience was the same as yours. Lotsa muzzle flip but no pain. Really makes me want one in 44mag.
Had a 454 Freedom about 25 years ago,fine fine handgun but with the Freedom Arms factory 240 grainers was the most obnoxious fire breathing monster I ever shot,certainly MUCH MUCH MUCH worse that the Smith 6.5 inch 29 with factory 240 Grains.The Smith killed deer just fine so sold the Casull and haven,t missed it since !
I've had three M29 .44 mags over the years, as well as three FA .454 Casulls. My experience is somewhat different than yours- The Casull is a major handful, and an extra 500 fps or so with similar bullet weights translates to significant recoil.
I have used both for hunting, and the .454 kills game with much authority. I only have one of the Casulls left, and I download it to .45 Colt velocities- much easier and enjoyable to shoot.
I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave....
My Freedom Arms 454 has the Rubber Grips and it is pleasant to shoot but wish it had the wood grips . Personally i don'y mind the recoil on my magnum pistols including my 500 Smith
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
I'm the weird one out; I really don't like the FA grip frame. I don't find it comfortable to hold and it's not comfortable during recoil FOR ME! Conversely, I find the Ruger Bisley grip frame to be downright ideal.
I'm the weird one out; I really don't like the FA grip frame. I don't find it comfortable to hold and it's not comfortable during recoil FOR ME! Conversely, I find the Ruger Bisley grip frame to be downright ideal.
Exactly!
Bisley grips for heavy calibers in single actions.
Gun Shows are almost as comical as boat ramps in the Spring.
interesting feedback.... it is interesting how much the grip design plays such a role for different people, even with different loads....
Reminds me of the worst recoiling gun I ever shot... a 270 win believe it or not... in a older FN gun.... kicked like a mule. far worse than any of the 300s, 338 or 375s I have ever shot....
The worst thing ever to happen to cops is the personal video recorder... Now people can see the truth
We all have differing preferences. I have both Ruger and Bowen custom bisley revolvers but I prefer the grip on my FA 83 454. To me the Bisley grip hits my middle finger smartley on the trigger guard.
We all have differing preferences. I have both Ruger and Bowen custom bisley revolvers but I prefer the grip on my FA 83 454. To me the Bisley grip hits my middle finger smartley on the trigger guard.
I get a very light touch on the knuckle from the Bisley. The FA goes back further to avoid exactly that. But in going back further, it feels awkward in my hand, and it seems to accentuate the recoil for me.
I've had a few FA's over the years still have one in 454 and one in 44 mag. I like them. I like the angle of the grip frame. Seems to handle recoil better than the Ruger Bisley. I like the Bisley ok but like oldpinecricker they whack my middle knuckle pretty good. Thinking I'm going to have the bisley and BFR grip frame adjusted similarly to the FA. And I'd take one over a 29 any day.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
There is probably no safe load in 44 mag that us uncomfortable in my 44 mag FA83
I shoot a lot of 20 grain 296 loads with 300 bitterroot bullets no problem at all
The same loads in my S&W mountain gun are not so much fun.
www.huntingadventures.net Are you living your life, or just paying bills until you die? When you hit the pearly gates I want to be there just to see the massive pile of dead 5hit at your feet. ( John Peyton)
Just got done loading and shooting FA .454 with 240gr xtp mags over 30gr of #9, not sure of the actual fps but this load was pretty stout. But I am hooked on the power, at least for now. I went 9 for 10 on a hanging evil roy target at 25 yards so im pretty happy.
