Freedom Arms

founded in 1978

founded by Wayne Baker and Dick Casull
5-shot mini revolver in .22 LR known as “The Patriot”
1986 – Model 83 revolver chambered in Casull’s powerful .454 Casull chambering

About Freedom Arms

Freedom Arms is a revolver manufacturer in Freedom, Wyoming, founded in 1978 by Wayne Baker and cartridge designer Dick Casull. The company first built a compact five-shot .22 Long Rifle mini-revolver called “The Patriot,” but it earned its lasting reputation in 1983 as the first commercial producer of revolvers chambered for the .454 Casull, a cartridge Casull developed that far exceeded the power of the .44 Magnum when it arrived. The five-shot Model 83 single-action built for that cartridge became a benchmark for strength and precision among handgun hunters.

Freedom Arms is known for tight tolerances and hand fitting, producing revolvers that many shooters regard as custom-grade. The Model 97, introduced in 1997, offered a smaller frame with a six-shot .357 Magnum cylinder. The Model 83 line grew to include the .475 Linebaugh in 1999 and the company’s own .500 Wyoming Express in 2005, and the Model 2008 single-shot pistol followed in 2010. The company continues to build the Model 83 today, making it one of the longest-running premium revolver lines in production.

Key Facts

1978: Founded in Freedom, Wyoming, by Wayne Baker and Dick Casull
1983: First commercial producer of .454 Casull revolvers with the Model 83
1990: Production of the four-shot mini-revolver ends
1997: Model 97 introduced with a smaller frame and .357 Magnum cylinder
2005: Model 83 offered in the company’s own .500 Wyoming Express
2010: Model 2008 single-shot pistol introduced

Sources

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