Freedom Arms FA Model 1997 M97 M-97 Premier Grade, Sharp Stainless Steel 5 ½ 6-Shot, SA Single Action Revolver, Box & More
Sold For: $2,380.00
LSB#: 160831MP05
Make: Freedom Arms
Model: 1997 (Also known as the 97)
Serial Number: N0985
Year of Manufacture: This model was new in 1997, there is no established serial number database to determine the exact DOM.
Caliber: .357 Magnum & .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Side-Gate Loaded Fluted-Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “FREEDOM ARMS MODEL 97 .357 MAG / *FREEDOM, WYOMING U.S.A.”, the left side of the frame is marked with the serial number, found again on the rear of the cylinder; the underside of the frame is marked “PATENTED”, the right is marked “FREEDOM ARMS / PREMIER GRADE”. The factory box is serialized to the revolver and reflects its configuration.
Barrel Length: 5 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red fiber optic in a black banded base, which is slotted fore to aft and secured to a rise in the barrel. The rear sight is a square notched base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are beautiful rosewood colored impregnated hardwood grips that have absolutely crisp fit to the metal; the stocks are free from notable marks beyond a few extremely faint scuffs that blend in with the grain. Please see our pictures of this stunning revolver. The grips rate in about Excellent Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Bright Brushed Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is deep and sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. Outside of a faint and shallow drag line on the cylinder and thin marks on the underside of the barrel from the base pin, there are no reportable damages to this revolver. The metal-to-metal fit is impressively sharp, the overall construction demands a second look! The screw heads are sharp and appear to be un-turned. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup of all 6 chambers with no measurable back play. The hammer has a very strong mainspring, the trigger pull is crisp. As indicated on the factory box, the original purchaser opted for a fluted cylinder, over travel limiting screw on the trigger and a factory action job. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the revolver’s original blue factory box and blue foam inserts; the box has some minor scuffing and wrinkles from storage, the foam has compression from storage, both are in Excellent condition. Also included is a factory owner’s manual and 25 yard test target; we’re unsure of how many rounds went into the paper because of how tight the group is! Please see our pictures, the target is serialized to the pistol and is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Arms “Freedom Arms is a Freedom, Wyoming based firearm manufacturing company, known for producing powerful single-actionrevolvers. The company was founded in 1978 by Wayne Baker and Dick Casull to produce the Mini revolver then later a revolver chambered in Casull’s powerful .454 Casull chambering. This 5-shot revolver was the Model 83. Freedom Arms currently makes a single-shot pistol in addition to their revolvers.[1]” This is the company’s Model of 1997 Premier Grade, in .357 Magnum with a 5 ½” barrel, a fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, over-travel limiting screw on the trigger and a factory action job; the impregnated hardwood grips are free of notable damages and have crisp fit to the metal. As with any other Freedom Arms items that have come through the shop, the fit and finish is automatically noticeable, these are some of the best revolvers one could ever hope to purchase and are made out of stainless steel for longevity. This pistol looks to have been used infrequently with barely a drag line on the cylinder to speak of; the bright, sharp bore produced an impressive shot grouping on the included test target; also included is the original box and an owner’s manual. These items don’t come up to auction often, so don’t let this one get by! Please see our pictures and good luck.
