Magnum Research BFR (.44 Magnum)

Magnum Research · Revolver · In Production · 1999

Also known as: Biggest Finest Revolver, BFR .44 Mag, Magnum Research BFR Short Cylinder .44 Magnum

Overview

The Magnum Research BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver) chambered in .44 Remington Magnum is a single-action, all-stainless-steel large-frame revolver manufactured in Pillager, Minnesota. The .44 Magnum sits in the BFR 'Short Cylinder' frame alongside other .357-class through .454-class chamberings, with a precision-grade stainless barrel offered in 5-, 6.5-, and 7.5-inch lengths. Featuring a five- or six-shot cylinder, transfer-bar safety, freewheeling pawl that allows the cylinder to spin in either direction for fast loading, and adjustable rear sights, the BFR is widely regarded as the largest production single-action revolver in the world and a favored platform for hunters and silhouette shooters.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1503 g (53.0 oz)
Overall Length286 mm (11.26")
Barrel Length127 mm (5.00")
Height152 mm (5.98")
Width44 mm (1.73")
Action TypeSingle Action Revolver
Firing MechanismSingle Action
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Trigger Pull18 N (4.0 lbf)
Magazine Capacity6 rounds
Magazine TypeRotary
Muzzle Velocity460 m/s (1509 fps)
Muzzle Energy1650 J (1217 ft·lbf)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Maximum Range1800 m (1968 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist508 mm (20.00")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialStainless Steel
Barrel MaterialStainless Steel
Stock MaterialRubber
FinishBrushed Stainless Steel

Calibers

Features

Variants

Base model

Magnum-Research-Bfr

Production

Production years: 1999-present

Manufactured at Magnum Research's Pillager, Minnesota facility; sold through Kahr Firearms Group following Kahr's acquisition of Magnum Research in 2010.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Notes

Two BFR frames exist: a 'Short Cylinder' for cartridges up to .454 Casull (this entry) and a 'Long Cylinder' for true big-bores like .45-70 and .500 S&W Magnum. Available with optional Bisley grip frame.

Background

The BFR is widely cited as the largest single-action revolver in serial production today - a stainless-steel hand cannon big enough to chamber rifle rounds like the .45-70 Government on its long-cylinder frame. Magnum Research engineered a freewheeling pawl so the cylinder can be spun either direction during loading, making this hand-cannon almost as quick to top off as a Single Action Army.