FA Factory Assembly Photos and Info ...Anyone?

[free4ever]

Maybe this topic has already been covered in the past...but I was wondering if anyone knows of any pictures and / or info regarding the assembly process of these fine handguns. I know most FA assembly secrets are off limits to the public but an inside look at the factory and finishing (maybe even grip fitting process) would be really cool.

[free4ever]

Well, found this old article dated 10-16-07 titled "Inside Freedom Arms" at the following link:   www.gunsandammomag.com  More of a teaser article though. I'm bummed. Want more info!!! All they show is a raw cylinder blank...exciting

[Ken ONeill]

I've toured all the areas of the factory twice- most recently this past May. Though I consider the Bakers my friends, I would never even think of being unseemly enough to ask to photograph the inner workings of the factory. With regard to grip fitting, think of one person sitting there fitting by hand, and finishing  with various buffing wheels.
Think of a modern machine center making precise cuts and finishing parts like cylinders. Think of even screws being made on site. Think of a small area where custom tailored ammunition is made for testing of new caliber and gun concepts.
There. I've made you feel MUCH better, now, huh?

[MarkH]

A couple of interesting articles (with photos) in the Five Shot Journal some years back.  You can always contact the Freedom Arms Collectors Ass'n and see if they have any of those back issues ... though I am not sure the FACA is still publishing.

[free4ever]

Ken, thanks for the info. I not at all jealous though, a picture of a raw cylinder blank in an old issue of guns and ammo magazine is enough for me....bwaaaa bawaaa ahhhh nooooo! Really, though, I had no idea that they (FA) made there own screws...amazing....the  screws are so small and finely made, they must be made by magical critters like elves or hobbits or something like that right? 

[free4ever]

Mark, that would be a real shame if the FACA is no longer publishing, was thinking of becoming a member (membership $ seemed a bit high though that's why I never joined). I guess I just answered my own question?

[Carlislegr]

I think its been a year since the last issue came out but Tuttle told me last week that the latest one is at the printers.  I  think it will also have some color shots in addition to the normal black and white ones.  I now the membership is down but I would hate to see it go by the wayside.  There has been lots of good info in them over the years.

[Ken ONeill]

Back when I was a member, I would frequently go a year or more without an issue. I found that way too aggravating for what I had understood was a quarterly publication, so I dropped my membership.

[odoh]

. . . . . . With regard to grip fitting, think of one person sitting there fitting by hand, and finishing  with various buffing wheels.
 . . . . . . . . . .

Thet one person must be left handed and have had worked there at least a couple of decades. As the grip screws are on the 'wrong' side on both of my 83s and others that I've seen.

[free4ever]

Eleves and hobbits are all left handed right? Sorry, I just can't quit. Oops my wife is a lefty. (wife just smacks hubbie in face).

[Ken ONeill]

free4ever,
You can now satisfy your curiosity for more info on the FA factory by going to their website and watching their video. This was added about a week ago.

[free4ever]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the "heads-up", re: factory video. Very interesting video I must say. Really satisfied my curiosity. The level of hand-fitting and finishing shown in the video has greatly increased my appreciation of these fine handguns.

-free4ever aka Don

P.S.
The videos on the anniversary addition and single shot aren't too shabby either!