Freedom Arms Model 83
Freedom Arms · Revolver · In Production · 1983
Also known as: FA Model 83, Freedom Arms Premier Grade
Overview
The Freedom Arms Model 83 is a premium five-shot single-action revolver built to extremely tight tolerances and chambered for the most powerful handgun cartridges, most famously the .454 Casull. Its oversized stainless-steel frame, line-bored cylinder and precise lockwork make it a benchmark for accuracy and durability among big-bore hunting revolvers. Each gun is hand-fitted and test fired for function and accuracy at the factory, and cylinders can be swapped to chamber other heavy magnums.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1219 g (43.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 320 mm (12.60") |
| Barrel Length | 191 mm (7.52") |
| Action Type | Single Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 580 m/s (1903 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2700 J (1991 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Stainless |
Calibers
- .454 Casull · primary — also known as .454 Casull Magnum
- .44 Remington Magnum — also known as .44 Magnum, .44 Mag
- .500 Wyoming Express — also known as .500 WE
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Sliding Bar Safety, Transfer Bar
- Features: Five Shot Cylinder, Line Bored Cylinder, Adjustable Sights, Interchangeable Caliber Cylinders, Premier Grade Fit
Variants
- Freedom Arms Model 83 Premier Grade — Premium
- Freedom Arms Model 83 Field Grade — Field
Production
Production years: 1983-present
Low-volume premium production; each revolver hand-fitted
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Wayne Baker
Notes
Always a 5-shot revolver regardless of caliber for strength. Offered in Premier Grade and the lower-cost Field Grade, with barrel lengths of 4.75, 6, 7.5 and 10 inches and additional chamberings including .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .475 Linebaugh and .50 AE.
Background
The .454 Casull cartridge the Model 83 was built around was developed by Dick Casull in 1957 but had no production revolver strong enough to chamber it until Freedom Arms introduced the Model 83 over a quarter-century later.