Everything you ever wanted to know about the Magnum Research BFR!

Sundance · August 8, 2002, 11:59 PM

Well...at least after a few days of replies on this thread, I hope my subject title is true.

Please inform me.

I am interested in a true Magnum Class revolver. And I don't mean .44 Magnum...I mean .454 Casull or better. It must be single action so the Ruger SRH and the Taurus Raging Bull are out.

This leaves me with few choices:

1) Freedom Arms
2) Custom from John Linebaugh, Hamilton Bowen, etc.
3) Magnum Research BFR

The BFR can be had for 1/2 to 1/3 what the others cost. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum. The BFR appears to be a modified copy of the SBH. I love my SBH...will I love the BFR?

Tell me what you know about it...design features...quality...accuracy...durability...etc.

I would most likely get the .454 version.

Thanks!

VictorLouis · August 9, 2002, 01:08 AM

I think it's a SBH 'up-sized'. Looks as though it even uses a SBH hammer, and the rear sight is pure Ruger. I've handled them a couple of times. Judging purely by the finish, I'm guessing that it's forged, rather than cast. Due to the frame size, it's 6.5" heavy barrel looks as balanced in appearance as the 5.5" on the BH series. Comes standard with a 5-shot wheel and free-spin pawl.

I don't like the cheezy look of the caliber rollmark on the left side of the barrel. It looks as though it was done with a hammer and punch by an 8y.o. apprentice in a Pakistani arms bazaar.

The brand icon on the right side of the frame is a nicely done "Magnum Research BFR". Still, the dark ink filling in the letters was blotchy.

Is it a $899(street) gun? I don't think so. You can find a BH in .45 and have a 5-shot wheel fitted in .454. Probably be into for the same, although it would be smaller and lighter, with host of aftermarket parts available to customize it to taste. I already sent MR an e-mail, and they resoonded that the Ruger grip-frame(for instance) is incompatible.

Kaboom · August 9, 2002, 07:17 AM

I've had one for over a year. Mine is the 45/70 version. Fit and finish is excellent. The grip is quite nice for a revolver of this class. They don't beat you to death even with healthy handloads. Accuracy is just a good as the shooter can hold it. I replaced the rear notch with the large " one ragged hole" rear sight. Made sight aquisition much faster and really helped groups. For the money they are a very nice piece. Besides is is less confusing to have your rifle and revolver in the same calibre.

August 8, 2002, 11:59 PM	#1
Sundance Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 836	Everything you ever wanted to know about the Magnum Research BFR! Well...at least after a few days of replies on this thread, I hope my subject title is true. Please inform me. I am interested in a true Magnum Class revolver. And I don't mean .44 Magnum...I mean .454 Casull or better. It must be single action so the Ruger SRH and the Taurus Raging Bull are out. This leaves me with few choices: 1) Freedom Arms 2) Custom from John Linebaugh, Hamilton Bowen, etc. 3) Magnum Research BFR The BFR can be had for 1/2 to 1/3 what the others cost. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum. The BFR appears to be a modified copy of the SBH. I love my SBH...will I love the BFR? Tell me what you know about it...design features...quality...accuracy...durability...etc. I would most likely get the .454 version. Thanks!

August 9, 2002, 01:08 AM	#2
VictorLouis Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2000 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,292	I think it's a SBH 'up-sized'. Looks as though it even uses a SBH hammer, and the rear sight is pure Ruger. I've handled them a couple of times. Judging purely by the finish, I'm guessing that it's forged, rather than cast. Due to the frame size, it's 6.5" heavy barrel looks as balanced in appearance as the 5.5" on the BH series. Comes standard with a 5-shot wheel and free-spin pawl. I don't like the cheezy look of the caliber rollmark on the left side of the barrel. It looks as though it was done with a hammer and punch by an 8y.o. apprentice in a Pakistani arms bazaar. The brand icon on the right side of the frame is a nicely done "Magnum Research BFR". Still, the dark ink filling in the letters was blotchy. Is it a $899(street) gun? I don't think so. You can find a BH in .45 and have a 5-shot wheel fitted in .454. Probably be into for the same, although it would be smaller and lighter, with host of aftermarket parts available to customize it to taste. I already sent MR an e-mail, and they resoonded that the Ruger grip-frame(for instance) is incompatible.

August 9, 2002, 07:17 AM	#3
Kaboom Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2000 Location: North Mo. Posts: 640	I've had one for over a year. Mine is the 45/70 version. Fit and finish is excellent. The grip is quite nice for a revolver of this class. They don't beat you to death even with healthy handloads. Accuracy is just a good as the shooter can hold it. I replaced the rear notch with the large " one ragged hole" rear sight. Made sight aquisition much faster and really helped groups. For the money they are a very nice piece. Besides is is less confusing to have your rifle and revolver in the same calibre.