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 |
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]
The 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The BFR revolvers were originally made by D-MAX in Springfield, South Dakota, until Magnum Research bought them out.[7]
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