The Magnum Research BFR is a single-action revolver manufactured by Magnum Research. Modeled after the Ruger Blackhawk, it is constructed of stainless steel and chambered for a number of powerful handgun cartridges, such as .460 S&W Magnum and .500 S&W Magnum; popular rifle chamberings, including .30–30 WCF, .444 Marlin, and .45-70 Government; and even .410 bore shotshells. Notably, the BFR platform has also served as the basis for custom caliber conversions to 19th century big game cartridges such as the .50–110 WCF and .50-90 Sharps, as well as the .500 Bushwhacker, which is currently considered to be the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world in terms of muzzle energy.[2] The name "BFR" originally stood for "Brainerd’s First Revolver", in reference to Brainerd, Minnesota, where the early BFRs were manufactured.[3] Officially the acronym now stands for "Biggest, Finest Revolver",[4] though it was rebranded for a time as the "Big Frame Revolver" after Magnum Research's 2010 acquisition by Kahr Arms.[5]
| BFR | |
|---|---|
 A BFR chambered in .45–70 Govt. with custom grips | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Magnum Research |
| Manufacturer | Magnum Research |
| Unit cost | US$1,149[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.6–5.3 lb (1,600–2,400 g) |
| Length | 11.75–17.5 inches (298–444 mm) |
| Barrel length | 5.5 inches (140 mm) and 6.5 inches (170 mm) (short cylinder only), 7.5 inches (190 mm), or 10 inches (250 mm) |
| Width | 1.75 inches (44 mm) |
| Height | 6 inches (150 mm) |
| Cartridge | Various, see Available cartridges |
| Action | Single action revolver |
| Feed system | 5-round or 6-round cylinder |
Available cartridges
editThe BFR comes in two basic models, one with a long cylinder for larger rifle cartridges, and one with a more traditional revolver cylinder length (called "short" by Magnum Research). Some models that use identical bores, such as the .45-70 Government and .450 Marlin, can be made with two cylinders for the same gun.[6]
The BFR revolvers were originally made by D-MAX in Springfield, South Dakota, until Magnum Research bought them out.[7]
Long cylinder
edit- .30-30 Winchester[1]
- .350 Legend[8]
- .360 Buckhammer[9]
- .444 Marlin[1]
- .45 Colt/.410[1] (Not available in California due to legal restrictions[10])
- .45–70 Government[1]
- .450 Marlin[1]
- .460 S&W Magnum[1]
- .500 S&W Magnum[1]
- .50 Beowulf[11]
Short cylinder
editGallery
edit-
A BFR chambered in .44 Magnum with Bisley grips -
A BFR chambered in .50 AE -
A BFR chambered in .30-30 WCF -
A .30-30 WCF cartridge being loaded into a BFR
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k BFR data Archived 2011-03-09 at the Wayback Machine at Magnum Research web site
- ^ Hrachya, Hayrapetyan (2022-10-05). "Wheelgun Wednesday: New .500 Bushwhacker Cartridge for BFR Revolvers by TII Armory". The Firearm Blog. Archived from the original on 2022-12-08. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ Eger, Chris (2023-09-23). "History of the Magnum Research BFR". Gun.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-15. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ Alberts, Kristin (2022-11-03). "Big, Fine, & .45–70: Why the Magnum Research BFR Revolver Succeeds on Safari". Guns.com. Archived from the original on 2023-06-06. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ American Rifleman Staff (2022-06-24). "NRA Gun Of The Week: Magnum Research Big Frame Revolver In 350 Legend". American Rifleman. Archived from the original on 2022-08-17. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
- ^ Taffin, John (2004). "How Do You Spell Accurate?". American Handgunner Magazine. 30 (3).
- ^ "BFR Single-Action Revolver". American Rifleman. September 25, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Magnum Research, Inc. – BFR – Big Frame Revolver. Accessed: April 3, 2023.
- ^ "Kahr Firearms Group Announces the .360 Buckhammer BFR! | Magnum Research, Inc. | Desert Eagle pistols and BFR revolvers".
- ^ Michel, C.D. "Judging The Judges – Illegal Firearms in California?" (PDF). Calguns.net. Item (B)(1). p. 4. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Quinn, Jeff (March 12, 2004). "BFR .50 Beowulf Revolver". Gunblast. Retrieved September 8, 2009.
- ^ Barrett, Mike. "Magnum Research BFR Revolvers". ChuckHawks.com. Retrieved December 19, 2016.