Model 97 Convertible - Statistical Data Included

Guns Magazine, Nov, 1999 by Dick Williams

There are quite a few holster options available for a 5 1/2" barrel Peacemaker-size single action, but for the Model 97, Freedom's own field holster with suede lining and snap strap is about as good as I've seen. It's a semi-high riding, smooth leather rig with an almost straight drop and closed bottom. It is simple and functional, the way a field rig should be.

If you feel a bit more cowboy, shop away, because there are lots of cowboy action shooting rigs on the market, and some of them appear to be reasonably comfortable for extended carry.

Whether you're a recreational shooter, casual handgun hunter or wilderness explorer, Freedom's Model 97 in .45 caliber is worth a look. It's quite portable and extremely accurate, with the capability of digesting a wide variety of ammo in two different calibers. It's not cheap, but quality never is.

With the extra cylinder essentially qualifying the Model 97 as two guns, the unit price does become much more reasonable, particularly for a Freedom Arms revolver. And who among us shooters has ever been unhappy with Freedom's quality?

                             ACCURACY RESULTS

Ammo                             Velocity Ext. Spread Accuracy
FREEDOM ARMS MODEL 97: .45 ACP
Hornady 230 gr. JFP               870 fps      12 fps    2.25"
Hornady 230 gr. XTP             1,046 fps       9 fps    3.25"
Speer 230 gr. Lawman              900 fps      43 fps       2"
Black Hills 230 gr. JHP           917 fps      21 fps    3.25"
Norma 230 gr. JHP               1,123 fps      13 fps       1"
Corbon 230 gr. JHP              1,047 fps      17 fps    1.75"
Remington 230 gr. Gold Sabre      905 fps      34 fps    1.25"
Winchester 230 gr. DP             871 fps      17 fps       2"
Winchester 230 gr. FMJ            881 fps      17 fps     2.5"
Winchester 185 gr. Silvertip    1,015 fps      10 fps       4"
Blazer 200 gr. TMJ              1,009 fps      25 fps       4"
FREEDOM ARMS MODEL 97: .45 COLT
Blazer 200 gr. JHP                949 fps      29 fps       2"
Winchester 225 gr. Silvertip      876 fps      12 fps     1.5"
Winchester 255 gr. Cowboy         770 fps      13 fps       2"
Black Hills 255 gr. Cowboy        831 fps      23 fps    2.25"
Corbon 200 gr. JHP              1,187 fps      19 fps     1.5"
Buffalo Bore 300 gr. Speer JSP  1,188 fps      45 fps    2.25"