Magnum Research BFR Questions

[nicholst55]

Someone suggested that I consider a BFR in .475 Linebaugh rather than springing for a custom on a Ruger Blackhawk from one of the custom gunsmiths, so I decided to take a look. They certainly look like nice sixguns, and the prices seem pretty reasonable. I also noticed that there are several lightly used .475s on GunBroker for pretty reasonable prices. I suspect that a lot of people discover that a .475 is a WHOLE lot more gun than they had imagined on their first range outing!

So, what does the hive mind think of the BFR revolvers? Are they decent quality? Will they hold up to extended use? Are any aftermarket accessories available for them?

I realize that a box-stock BFR will scarcely compare to a custom from Bowen, Clements, or Harton, but I think that one just may scratch the itch that I have developing.

[Aggie01]

PM sent.
I bought a BFR in .475 specifically to try out a big bore revolver on the cheap before I threw a couple grand at a custom. It served it's purpose, and is now for sale as my Clements custom at more than three times the price prepares to come home two years later.

If I had decided I didn't care for a beast like a .475, I wouldn't have been out near the money that I would have been going full custom off the bat. For me anyway, I had no way of finding somebody local who could let me shoot one. I joined this forum just as I was expanding my horizons.

[bigbores]

I love BFR's, If you get one I think you will be happy, I've got 2 45-70s, 1 450M, 1 410/45colt, 1 500sw, and 1 45 colt.
Here's a pretty good right-up on them.
www.singleactions.com/MagnumResearchBFRs.pdf

[lonerider]

Hi, I have the 45-70 BFR, I love it!!! Had the barrel cut down to 61/2"....the 8" was just too clumsy for me. I am happy camper now. I bought it brand new from a gun store here in town, a couple of years ago.

My shoots well now. The front sight was installed wrong from the factory. I took pictures had a gunsmith varify sent to MRI via regular mail and to their e-mail address. They blew me off, wasn't even willing to pay the $150 to ship back to them. Only had the gun for one week, when I discover the problem. Not once did they ever address the problem, even after I sent them letters and e-mails and pitcures. I wasn't some dumb cowboy, I have worked in a firearm manfacturing company, so I knew what I was talking about, it was why I documented the problem. Only to be treated poorly.


My 45-70 BFR is great, I wont part with it. Having to much fun with her. Especially after paying extra to have the sight/barrel canted back to center. Something the company should have done for free.

If you decide to get the BFR, I think you will enjoy it. I think it is a great value for the money. Just don't expecet support from the company if something goes wrong.

I like BFR's, I like my 45-70, I think they are solid and think you will like yours.

Lonerider

[Steve]

Mar 13, 2010 1:23:33 GMT -5 lonerider said:

I wasn't some dumb cowboy,

I beg your pardon, now I understand how those cavemen feel on the Geico commercials

[joej]

I’ve got a couple BFR’s – they are a solid revolver and mine are very accurate, as are most that I’ve ever heard about. I seriously doubt the customs & FA’s are any more accurate but the fit & finish will probably be better. The one FA I have is impressively tight compared to the BFR, but they are both great shooters. I have never had a problem dealing with Magnum Research (BFR). Call the Pillager, Minnesota telephone number(precision center Tx#), not the Minneapolis, MN number, as the revolvers are made in Pillager and they will answer any question you might have, as well as fix any problems. When my micarta grips chipped, they replaced the grips and paid postage both ways and the turnaround time was a week. I’m very happy with their product. Aggie01 has a 475 for sale at a reasonable price and it has a couple nice custom features.

[AxeHandle]

IMHO the BFR is a lot of gun for the money.... I have a few and will have more... I perfer the 10 inch guns with the long cylinder. Currently have 444, 450 and 45/410 long cylinder guns. One day I'll add a dedicated 45-70 and 500 & 460 S&W BFRs to my set...

[AxeHandle]

Forgot.... I REALLY want a 375 Winchester BFR... hate that it is a custom shop gun....

AND

You guys see that thread about the really cheap 50AE BFRS at CDNN? Lots of talk about what could be made without a big to do... I think a version of the 500L case turned out to be the best fit for the 50AE cylinder. Kills doing it on the cheap since the 500L needs a .510 barrel...

[wildey1]

2 BFR's in the safe, one 6 1/2 475L that I have had for several years and a new Precision Center long cylinder chambered in 45-90. Both are great guns for the money. I did have an issue with the P.C. gun, unfortunate, but I sent it back and it was turned around in one day. I was very pleased with the communication and effort of the guys at the shop, mistakes do happen. If you can spend a few hundred more, the slimmed and rounded grip frame is a nice option from the P.C.

[pka45]

Wildey, any chance you have a pic of the rounded grip frame? I was just trying to find one last night and couldn't for the life of me...

[wildey1]

I will try to post some pics this evening. This grip fits my smaller mitts much better than the stock BFR with Micarta. I am planning on sending the 475 in for the same treatment.

[Aggie01]

Mar 13, 2010 10:11:22 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

IMHO the BFR is a lot of gun for the money.... I have a few and will have more... I perfer the 10 inch guns with the long cylinder. Currently have 444, 450 and 45/410 long cylinder guns. One day I'll add a dedicated 45-70 and 500 & 460 S&W BFRs to my set...

Fort Worth Cabelas has had a .450 Marlin / .45-70 (two cylinders) octagon barrel BFR with ivory Micarta sitting in the case for over a year. I can't recall the price but I remember that it made more sense when they broought out the box and it had that second cylinder in there.

[Aggie01]

Mar 13, 2010 9:53:01 GMT -5 joej said:

Aggie01 has a 475 for sale at a reasonable price and it has a couple nice custom features.

Thanks for the pimping.

[razor]

Wish they had a bisley grip frame!

[bigbores]

Mar 13, 2010 14:14:27 GMT -5 razor said:

Wish they had a bisley grip frame!

Ive made 2 bisley grips fit the new BFR there a lot of work and the hunter grips they come with are pretty good, I'm going to weld up one more for a 475 and that's it for me.