Magnum Research BFR 44 Magnum Revolver - Stainless/Silver, 5" Barrel, 6 Rounds, Ivory/Pearl Grips

Outstanding transaction with Buds. Outstanding transfer (Apocalypse Arms). The revolver is a work of art. A work of art that I plan on taking to Alaska this summer and camping next weekend. Beautiful fit and finish. Excellent balance. I have a large hand the gun fits really nicely. Of course you can't go wrong with a weapon made of 17-4 P.H. Stainless Steel which has a great combination of strength, hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance. Soaks up even the heavy Con-Bor Ammunition and the recoil is very manageable.

Trying to find a Super Blackhawk Bisley in 44 Magnum with less than 7.5" barrel was an exercise in futility, which included purchase of a NOS 5.5" example (through a well-known online used "Guns" dealer), only to have a standard plow-handle SBH show up at my FFL. It was refused and rightfully taken back, and I was eventually fully refunded, but that experience squashed my enthusiasm to look for another used revolver. I'd known about Magnum Research's BFR 44 with the Bisley grip since it was introduced, but hadn't really considered one... not really sure why, other than perhaps the lack of deep aftermarket (or pretty much any aftermarket) and high entry cost. Still, I truly had Bisley on the brain, and I figured the BFR wouldn't likely need a spring swap or other work to smooth up the action -- and maybe the white grips would do -- so when Bud's showed a 5.5" in stock, I was skeptical, but shot off an email to confirm. Yup they said, and I pulled the trigger. Delivery was prompt, comms were exemplary, and once it showed up I didn't waste a day taking my new BFR to the range. I'll mention too, fit and finish on this revolver are top-notch. Definitely a step up from the SBH, and the free-wheeling (in either direction, no less) cylinder is a nice feature as well. Shooting this big fine revolver is a pleasure, as its heft and Bisley grip soak up even the most stout 44 loads. Accuracy is spot-on too, and better than I am to be sure. I appreciate the included Pic rail, and tried the gun with both a Primary Arms SLx 1x and the oem irons. I'm not overly enthusiastic with the look of the oem pearl-ish grips, although I can't fault the seamless fit, which is way better than anything oem from Ruger. I did spring for an extra set of black Micarta grips, along with a new fiber optic front sight... not cheap, but I wouldn't expect them to be, either. Both are due soon, and it remains to be seen how much, if any, actual fitting will be required of the grips. Online reviews say they're perfect out of the box, but MR says they need gunsmith work. Time will tell. I can't speak to shooting the BFR with any of the ridiculous caliber options available. Heavy 44 loads have always got the job done for me, and I don't care to abuse my hands with rounds costing more than $2 per shot, but if that's your thing, MR offers it. I'm now an enthusiastic fan of the BFR, and haven't owned any Ruger single action which has come close without spending far more on custom work, so if it's a super-smooth shooting big-bore revolver you need, this BFR Bisley is likley just the ticket. Definitely was for me.

Gun was perfect except it had the high sight. It was mixed in elevation and still 18” low at 25 yards. I wrote to Magnum Research and they immediately sent a new front sight. In photo one can see the difference with the new sight installed. Buds did an excellent job as usual. Quick mailing, exactly as described, all good. Beautiful gun - buy it you won’t regret it.

The build quality is equal to the exceptional fit and finish of this revolver. The 5" barrel along with the bisely grip frame provide excellent balance and the included scope mount made the scope installation a breeze. I have owned several nice hunting revolvers over the years, but this one in my opinion is the all time best.