BFR Custom shop

[reflex264]

Has anyone had a BFR custom shop gun built? The build I am looking at is 3400.00 which seems reasonable enough
for a custom build. I am wondering if the guns are worth that vs. getting one built by another Smith. I don't mind paying for quality and that is considerably less than most custom smiths to build a simular gun.

[magnumwheelman]

I've not had a custom built, but I have sent one back for the addition of a Bisley grip frame, and a set of black micarta grips... but have been on the custom build several times dreaming...

[bigbore5]

Several. All are perfect functionally and fit and finish rival fa field grades and even approach a premier. You get your money's worth and more.

BTW, they offer several options not listed on the builder site. I suggest calling them. Especially request the SBH style hammer, max length ejector, taller or shorter front sight, and if reasonable maybe even a custom chambering not usually offered.

Currently awaiting a #5 frame plow handle, full octagon,7-1//2", 6-shot 41×1.4" experimental.

[reflex264]

Apr 24, 2024 13:11:29 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

Several. All are perfect functionally and fit and finish rival fa field grades and even approach a premier. You get your money's worth and more.

BTW, they offer several options not listed on the builder site. I suggest calling them. Especially request the SBH style hammer, max length ejector, taller or shorter front sight, and if reasonable maybe even a custom chambering not usually offered.

Currently awaiting a #5 frame plow handle, full octagon,7-1//2", 6-shot 41×1.4" experimental.

I figured they had to be pretty decent. I really like the little 500 JRH they built for Laramy Miller. I thought about building that same gun in .475 since I am overly blessed with .475 stuff. Of course a 500L or JRH would be pretty useful.

Here is his:

[bigbore5]

That gun is on the #5 frame. When I get back home in a couple weeks, I will repost some of mine here.

I much prefer the 500L to the JRH or even the 475. Lighter bullets going slower still make a big thump, but loaded to it's potential in a BFR with heavier bullets (480grs and up) it surpasses even the 475's legendary penetration while making a bigger hole.


The JRH is limited to @440grs bullets. The 475 out performs it at that weight limit. True most people aren't hunting elephant or hippo where the difference really matters, but it's there.

The 500L with a proper design 525gr bullet going at 1250fps will drive deeper in truly large game than the 415swc I typically used in the 475 for big African nasties.

[reflex264]

Apr 24, 2024 15:09:46 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

That gun is on the #5 frame. When I get back home in a couple weeks, I will repost some of mine here.

I much prefer the 500L to the JRH or even the 475. Lighter bullets going slower still make a big thump, but loaded to it's potential in a BFR with heavier bullets (480grs and up) it surpasses even the 475's legendary penetration while making a bigger hole.


The JRH is limited to @440grs bullets. The 475 out performs it at that weight limit. True most people aren't hunting elephant or hippo where the difference really matters, but it's there.

The 500L with a proper design 525gr bullet going at 1250fps will drive deeper in truly large game than the 415swc I typically used in the 475 for big African nasties.

The #5 frame is one of the things I like about it. His gun absolutely hammered a bear and elk. The .475 would be enough for my purposes and I have a pile of new brass and bullets both jacketed and cast. Would love to see the pics of your BFR guns.

[handgunhuntingafield]

I had 3 custom shop BFR. All shot well, were fit welll, and the finish was great…. And then the hands said no more single actions 😭

[reflex264]

Apr 24, 2024 16:17:54 GMT -5 handgunhuntingafield said:

I had 3 custom shop BFR. All shot well, were fit welll, and the finish was great…. And then the hands said no more single actions 😭

I knew you had to give up single actions. Was it a recoil issue?

[handgunhuntingafield]

Apr 24, 2024 16:47:03 GMT -5 reflex264 said:

Apr 24, 2024 16:17:54 GMT -5 handgunhuntingafield said:

I had 3 custom shop BFR. All shot well, were fit welll, and the finish was great…. And then the hands said no more single actions 😭

I knew you had to give up single actions. Was it a recoil issue?

Yes and no. It’s the way a single action rolls.

[brant]

Ok, can anyone post a side to side pic of the BFR #5 grip and their bisley grip? I didn’t know about the #5.

[bamagreg]

Apr 25, 2024 11:56:11 GMT -5 brant said:

Ok, can anyone post a side to side pic of the BFR #5 grip and their bisley grip? I didn’t know about the #5.

I think its the same grip.  The #5 base pin latch is the only difference (but I may be wrong)

[reflex264]

Apr 25, 2024 11:56:11 GMT -5 brant said:

Ok, can anyone post a side to side pic of the BFR #5 grip and their bisley grip? I didn’t know about the #5.

The #5 is refering to the #5 base pin latch.

[brant]

Thank you.

[cas]

Apr 24, 2024 12:41:52 GMT -5 reflex264 said:

3400.00 which seems reasonable enough
for a custom build.

I'm out of the loop here.... what's "custom" about them?
Are they just giving you the grip style and barrel length you want, or is there more to it?

[bigbore5]

You are basically choosing options from the list as to any barrel length, different profiles (straight, octagon, fluted,etc), cylinder shapes and flutes, chamberings, nitride,satin or brushed finish (or mixed), frame style (#5 is custom shop only), grip frame style, grip material, and so on.

There's also more attention paid to the metal finish fitment. Your choice of grip material from the offerings will be perfectly fitted. It will come with a perfectly crisp 2-1/2 pounds trigger pull. All BFR's are as accurate or more so than Freedom Arms, so there's no change there.

Basically it is a hand assembled built to your specs gun. Yes it's a custom.