Bob Baker manning the Freedom Arms booth at the SCI Convention. Bob’s handgun knowledge is unsurpassed and he’s happy to tell folks of the attributes of the Freedom Arms line.
Few things in the world of handguns offer 100-percent perfection out of the gate. There's a lot of good stuff that can be made great with a subtle change here or there. It might be a bit of finesse and fine-tuning to the action, correction to the cylinder throats, or a different front sight. A change to the stocks is often necessary with some revolvers to better tailor them to one's hand. A different grip frame fitted to a single-action revolver might give them a needed boost and make them much better suited to our needs than the one offered on the standard production gun. There are some that are perfect the day they leave the factory.
Looking for an extremely accurate revolver for varmints? This Model 97 chambered in 224-32 FA houses a cartridge designed by necking down the 327 Federal Magnum case to accept .224-inch bullets.
Connoisseurs of fine single-action revolvers will be familiar with Wyoming-based Freedom Arms, Inc. In 1979, entrepreneur Wayne Baker founded Freedom Arms with a vision of building handguns of the highest order. Early on, gunsmith Dick Casull worked with Baker as a consultant. You'll recognize the name Casull from his extensive handgun experimentation that brought us the stout 454 Casull. The company started out making mini revolvers in 22 LR. A few years later, 1983 to be exact, the precision workhorse of single-action revolvers saw light in what was later called the Model 83. This robust five-shot single-action revolver sets the standard by which all others are measured.
The Model 97 in 22LR is a handy woods gun for plinking, practice, and hunting small game. Shown here with a Pinsky-approved red dot, this gun is ready for the field.
The grip design of Freedom Arms revolvers is unique and can be described somewhat as an elongated combination of the plow-handled Colt Single Action Army and the Colt Bisley. The long, straight grip of the Freedom Arms distributes recoil across the palm and allows for the front sights to be brought up to the eye of the shooter with wrists in a natural position. This design mitigates the need for shooters to tilt their hands and the barrel downward to find the sights, allowing for natural sight alignment.
First chambered in the powerful 454 Casull, this gun would later be chambered in most of the common cartridges and a few other big bores that came down the line. With Wayne Baker at the helm the Freedom Arms Model 83 rose to the top in the silhouette matches that were once very popular among handgunners. Handgun hunters also took note of the exquisite accuracy and toughness of these revolvers. A smaller-frame revolver for ease of packing was envisioned and the Model 97 brought shooters the same top-shelf quality in a revolver roughly the size of the Colt Single Action Army.
The Freedom Arms Model 2008 is available in 17 cartridges appropriate for everything from varmints to dangerous game.
Carved from solid chunks of aircraft-grade stainless steel, Freedom Arms firearms are tough. Revolver cylinders are line-bored for enhanced accuracy. This means that each chamber in the cylinder is perfectly aligned with the center of the bore of the revolver it will accompany. These guns are not manufactured from a parts bin. Each cylinder is specific to each revolver, and the serial number is stamped on the rear of the cylinder. Freedom Arms firearms are factory-produced custom guns.
Each revolver is hand fitted by experts. Tolerances are exact. Cylinder lockup is bank-vault tight. These guns will allow bullets to tear ragged holes in targets. With accurate revolvers like these one will see how good of a shot they really are. The guns are precise. The shooter's ability to hold the sights steadily and caress the tuned trigger will be apparent by the size of his groups from a gun that will shoot like a laser beam.
Freedom Arms builds arguably the finest factory production single-action revolvers available today. Like most things of the highest quality, they are not cheap. The materials, craftsmanship, and hours of labor involved in the production of ultra-accurate revolvers make these guns a worthy investment. The Freedom Arms line doesn't stop at single-action revolvers. For those looking for an excellent single-shot hunting handgun, their Model 2008 is currently available in 17 different cartridges to take on everything from varmints to dangerous game. Additional barrels must be precision fit to your specific Model 2008 frame at Freedom Arms.
A Freedom Arms handgun is a venture in the highest quality firearms that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Wayne Baker's son Bob is now the face of Freedom Arms. Bob is a down-to-earth guy who doesn't use a lot of extra words to make his point. He and his team ensure each Freedom Arms handgun lives up to the tradition and vision his father made a reality.
Here's a little question and answer session with my friend, Bob Baker.
Q. What was your father's vision when he started Freedom Arms?
A. He wanted to build the best.
Q. When did you start working at Freedom Arms?
A.1979
Q. Is Freedom Arms a family-owned business?
A. Mostly family owned but there are a couple shareholders outside the family.
Q. How many family members work for the company?
A. Three, a brother and brother-in-law.
Q. How many hours go into building a Freedom Arms handgun, M83/97/2008?
A. That can vary considerably but the average would be around 20 to 25 hours.
Q. You are a devoted handgun hunter and have hunted all over the world. What is your favorite game to hunt and favorite handgun and cartridge to use?
A. My favorite handgun is the one I am using. Favorite cartridge is the one I am using. Favorite animal to hunt is the one I am hunting. In other words, I don't have a favorite, I like them all.
Q. What would you say to folks who are hesitant to invest in a handgun as expensive as a Freedom Arms?
A. Typically I don't try to sell folks on Freedom Arms products. Instead, I give them information to help them understand the difference between our firearms and other brands and what those differences mean. At times those folks will buy the other brand, which is okay. They may not have the need for our quality level, or they may not have the background to understand what those differences mean. Either way is fine with me, they are participating in our sport which is a good thing for all of us.
One common thing that happens is at some of the shooting events or conventions I go to a person will come to our booth, tell me he has been talking to me for the past 3 to 5 years and now wants to order a gun. Then after that person gets their gun, they let me know they have bought 2 or 3 more due to liking the first one so much.
Q. Anything else you want folks to know about Freedom Arms?
A. We don't try to be a household name, instead we tend to stay low key. Our typical customer is not the newcomer to the sport; it is the person who developed their abilities using other brands to the point they can utilize and appreciate our product.
It’s 2026, and despite hunting with the most advanced equipment in history, tree stand falls continue to injure and kill hunters every season.
Why?
At this point, I can only come up with two answers: ego or ignorance. One tells us, “It won’t happen to me.” The other simply doesn’t know any better. Both can be overcome.
The numbers don’t lie. Tree stand falls remain the leading cause of serious hunting injuries. Ironically, most don’t happen while you’re at full draw on a mature buck. They happen climbing up or climbing down, when you unclip because “it’s just for a second,” or worse, never clip in at all. Did you know a review highlighted by the Mayo Clinic found that 77% of tree stand fall victims suffered multiple injuries, with spinal, chest, and thoracic injuries being common. So, chances are if you fall, you're going to hurt a lot more than your pride.
As bowhunters, we’re especially vulnerable.
Modern full-body harnesses are lightweight, quiet, comfortable, and easy to wear. Lifelines let you stay connected from the moment your feet leave the ground until they’re safely back on it. Lineman’s belts make hanging stands significantly safer than they used to be.
This isn’t extra gear anymore. It’s simply how responsible hunters hunt.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and everyone else with an ounce of sense, recommends staying connected throughout the entire climb, inspecting your stand and straps every season, using a haul line for your bow or firearm, and letting someone know where you’ll be hunting. You think dragging a deer out of the woods is painful, imagine how hard it might be for your son, or daughter, or buddy, to have to carry you out.
Man, tree stand harnesses restrict me. They ruin the hunt.
You know what really ruins a hunt?
A fall that leaves you paralyzed.
A child watching their father hit the ground.
A wife or husband answering the phone to hear a game warden say their loved one isn’t coming home today.
That’s what skipping a harness risks.
If you think wearing a harness isn’t tough, ask yourself what’s tougher: clipping into a tether for thirty seconds or spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair because your ego won an argument with gravity.
For me, a harness doesn’t distract from the hunt. It lets me focus on it. It gives my family one less thing to worry about when I disappear into the woods before daylight. It reminds me that the hunt isn’t over when I release an arrow. It’s over when I pull back into the driveway.
No deer is worth not coming home for.
This fall, inspect your stand before opening day. Replace worn straps. Wear your harness. Stay connected from the first step up until the last step down. Use a haul line. Slow down. And if you’re introducing a new hunter to our tradition, teach them that tree stand safety matters just as much as shooting straight or playing the wind.
Because the best hunting story you’ll tell this season won’t be about the buck you killed.
Metal Décor Studios, a Veteran-owned Wisconsin business specializing in handcrafted metal art, has renewed its national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. The partnership continues to provide distinctive wildlife and Northwoods-themed metal décor pieces for WTU events and members.
Blocker Outdoors introduces the Shield Reliant Pant and Shield Reliant Shirt, a dual-purpose gear system designed for both land management work and early-season hunting. Featuring poly-spandex double-weave fabric with S3® anti-microbial technology and moisture-wicking treatment, the system offers durability and scent prevention at $99.99 each.
Team Blaser shooter Ed Smith won the 2026 NSSA US Open High Overall Championship with a near-perfect 399/400 score at the satellite shoot held across 18 host clubs. Smith also earned HAA Champion honors and Doubles Runner-up, while teammates Caile Bradham and Rachel Barringer achieved additional podium finishes.
Hook & Barrel Magazine is celebrating America's 250th birthday and its 9th anniversary with a nearly $9,000 giveaway of American-made outdoor gear. The prize package includes contributions from Ruger, Federal, CCI, Leupold, EOTECH, Bear Archery, Easton Archery, Staccato, Wyld Gear, and Bear & Son. The sweepstakes runs through July 31, 2026.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $97,806 to the Catch-A-Dream Foundation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, primarily through the Dream Sheds program initiated by Mark and Terry Drury of Drury Outdoors. Since 2006, Whitetails Unlimited has provided over $950,000 to support the foundation's mission of providing hunting and fishing trips to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Real Avid introduces the "Range Ready" initiative featuring a 15-part content series with world-renowned competitive shooter Doug Koenig. The program emphasizes preparation and confidence through expert guidance on firearm setup, shooting techniques, and performance mindset for shooters of all skill levels.
Blaser USA is hiring a Regional Sales & Account Manager to drive rifle sales growth throughout Texas and neighboring states. The position requires firearms industry experience, proven sales success, and extensive territory travel to manage dealer relationships and execute sales initiatives for the Blaser Group portfolio.
Hornady Manufacturing Company announced the RAPiD AR Gunlocker, a 16-gauge steel safe designed to securely store up to two tactical firearms using RFID technology for fast, dependable access. The safe exceeds ASTM International safety standards and includes multiple access options: RFID wristband, key fob, electronic keypad, and barrel keys.
Federal Ammunition is now shipping two new firearm cover series: the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Both feature suppressor-ready designs with heat-resistant lining and are available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes, with MSRPs ranging from $49.99 to $59.99.
Content creator Zachary Henry, known as the "Southern Lawn Daddy," joins host Michael Waddell on The Michael Waddell Podcast to discuss his viral lawncare content, family lifestyle, and outdoor passion. With over 700,000 followers across social media platforms, Henry shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the outdoor and lifestyle content space.
Dead Down Wind, owned by Arcus Hunting, is expanding beyond hunting season as outdoor families discover its scent elimination products work for camping, fishing, and everyday adventures. The brand's laundry detergent, field spray, and personal care items are becoming staples for parents managing sweaty sports gear, dog beds, and camping equipment throughout summer.
Benelli announces the Super Black Eagle 3 Anniversary Edition, a limited-run commemorative shotgun with only 250 total units produced. Featuring hand-selected AA-grade walnut, deep engraving with gold inlay, and patriotic imagery including the American flag and U.S. seal, this edition celebrates America's 250-year milestone.
MTM Molded Products Company announces its limited-edition America250 Ammo Crate Series in patriotic red, white, and blue, available in 4-can (Model #AC4C-1776, $49.99) and 5-can configurations. Both models feature water-resistant seals, heavy-duty latches, and are 100% made in the U.S.A.
Kimber Mfg. has expanded its 2K11 Comp lineup with five new finish configurations in Coyote, Royal, and Minotaur across full-size and Pro-size compensated models. The 9mm pistols feature integrated compensators, toolless guide rod systems, and external extractors, responding to customer and competitive shooter demand.
Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 148,000-square-foot destination retail location in La Mesa, California, expected to open in 2028. Founded by Johnny Morris, the store will be the sixth Bass Pro Shops location in California and will feature immersive outdoor experiences, conservation initiatives, and employment for over 150 Outfitters.
CVA has issued an immediate safety recall for all Paramount, Paramount HTR, Paramount Pro, and Paramount Pro V2 muzzleloading rifles due to unsafe conditions from improper loading that may cause serious injury or death. Owners must cease use immediately and contact CVA at Paramount-recall@bpioutdoors.com or 770-449-4687 for recall instructions.
Outdoor Channel launches the "Taste of the Wild" block featuring four new programs: Wild Fish Masterclass with Chef Mike Robinson, Feast By Fire with Jess Pryles, MeatEater Roasts, and Gone Again with Carter Andrews, premiering Mondays at 7 p.m. ET starting July 6.
Pursuit Channel highlights its Main Beam Monday primetime block, presented by Wildlife Research Center, featuring whitetail hunting series including Dean Partridge's Canadian Whitetail, Red Arrow with Kip Campbell, Game On with Blaine Anthony, The American Way, Wallhanger TV, and Cabela's Deer Gear. The block airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET across multiple platforms reaching over 22 million homes.
