Well, while I know this is primarily a pistolsmith site, I thought I'd share a custom wheel gun I had some work done to recently. This project sprang forth from a Freedom Arms Field Grade model 83 in .45 Colt and .454 Cassul with a 4 5/8 inch ported barrel (from the factory). What I have had done, though, now allows me much more flexibility in a great packing gun in which I can shoot the new .500 JRH in a Freedom Arms revolver, as well as the legendary .45 Colt.
WHY A FREEDOM ARMS AND NOT A CUSTOM BISLEY OR A S&W 500?? Well, I love the look and feel of the Ruger Bisley, but even the great revolver builders will tell you the steel used in Freedom Arms guns is simply stronger than the steel used in Rugers and in the custom 5-shot cylinders they use for their conversions. Additionally, This gun already came with two fitted cylinders. One just needed to be punched out in line-bore with the new barrel, thus it was much more cost effective, and only took three months to get rather than one to two years. As for the 500 S&W, well that is just too big of a gun to be packed comfortably, and I don't like heavy recoiling double action guns for various reasons.
CALIBER CHOICES I guess I could have just bought a .475 Linebaugh Freedom Arms from the factory, but what is the fun in that?? Jack Huntington, the fine 'smith who built this gun, developed the .500 JRH, which will be sold by Buffalo Bore ammo. It basically fits between the .475 and .500 Linebaughs respectively. Frankly, it is the biggest bullet you can fit in a Freedom Arms. The length fills the cylinder and the rim is as wide as can be and still allow reliable function. It is a true .500 caliber (not .512) bullet and is sort of a short .500 S&W. It will propel a 420 grain bullet at 1400 fps and slightly beyond.
While Freedom Arms also makes a .50 AE, it is not really practical in a single action revolver. It headspaces on the mouth and requiers attention to detail in trimming. Also, you can not roll crimp the .50 AE, so heavy recoil can cause the remaining bullets in the cylinder to jump out a bit, and either bind up the gun or at least cause accuracy problems.
I chose to keep the .45 Colt cylinder as the second caliber, rather than the .454 cylinder, because you can load the .45 Colt to do anything the .454 can do IN A FREEDOM ARMS, and the brass is cheaper. Also, I mostly use large pistol primers, and the .454 uses small rifle primers; basically, a logistical matter.
Caliber comparison. .500 JRH surrounded by a .45 ACP and a .45Colt
I am real happy for Jack Huntington in that he is seeing his initials headstamped on a case made by Starline Brass; quite an achievment. He also was converting .454 Cassul FA guns to .475 Linebaugh well before FA came out with their factory version. He also is a well rounded gunsmith who does custom conversions on Rugers, Dan Wessons, lever guns and also build Safari style double guns.
.500 JRH headstamped brass and custom dies
THE DETAILS The barrel is banded for a couple of reasons. Although it is not really needed on most Freedom Arms guns, the band helps to keep the ejector rod housing in place under heavy recoil. I've shot some off of other guns that did not have this band, as the screw just backs out and lets it fly
. It also adds a little weight up front, giving it better balance, and basically, I think it looks cool
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The trigger is smoothed out and breaks at about 3.5 to 4 pounds. Could go lighter, but I don't want to be surprised by a 420 grain bullet exceeding 1000 fps
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Jack also fitted the grips. They are cocobolo and have a nice matte finish to them. You'll notice no gaps, a slight palm swell on the right side, no flare at the bottom, and a slight round butt; all intentional for ultimate comfort while shooting heavy loads.
WHAT THE HECK DO YOU NEED THAT FOR???? 
The same reason we do most of what we do. It is for a good cause; 'cause I want to
. Actually, I lived in Alaska for three and a half years, and I got exposed to large caliber handguns. I realize a large caliber handgun is not the preffered bear defense measure, but it beats a stick and is convenient enough to carry all day. Also, this is a highly tuned and precisely fitted handgun, and I am sure most of you can appreciate the pride that comes in owning such a piece.
And actually, I'll mostly be shooting moderate loads of 400 grainers or so at 900 to 1000 fps. Soft enough to be fun, but tough enough to take care of any business in the lower 48.
So, thanks for sticking with me on this. I know it was long, but I hope you enjoy this post and appreciate a trip down revolver-ville. Also bear in mind my preferences are just that. I'll post shooting results when I get a chance to hit the range.
Regards,
Lenny Cianciotto
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, I'll post results.
.