Magnum Research BFR
A stainless steel single-action revolver chambered for powerful handgun and rifle cartridges.
The Magnum Research BFR is a stainless steel, single-action revolver built on a frame inspired by the Ruger Blackhawk. It fires a wide range of powerful loads, from handgun cartridges like the .460 and .500 S&W Magnums to rifle rounds such as the .30-30 WCF, .444 Marlin, and .45-70 Government, as well as .410 bore shotshells. The platform is also used for custom conversions to vintage big-game calibers like the .50-110 WCF and .50-90 Sharps, plus the .500 Bushwhacker—currently the handgun cartridge with the highest muzzle energy. Originally, the acronym BFR stood for "Brainerd’s First Revolver," after the Minnesota town where early models were made. Today, it officially means "Biggest, Finest Revolver," though it was briefly rebranded as "Big Frame Revolver" after Kahr Arms acquired Magnum Research in 2010.
The revolver comes in two basic configurations: a long-cylinder version for larger rifle cartridges and a short-cylinder model for more traditional revolver rounds. Some models, like those in .45-70 Government and .450 Marlin, can be supplied with two cylinders for the same gun. The BFR was originally manufactured by D-MAX in Springfield, South Dakota, before Magnum Research took over production. Available long-cylinder chamberings include .30-30 Winchester, .350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, .444 Marlin, .45 Colt/.410 (not sold in California), .45-70 Government, .450 Marlin, .460 S&W Magnum, .500 S&W Magnum, .50 Beowulf, and .500 Bushwhacker. Short-cylinder options are .22 Hornet (discontinued), .357 Magnum, .44 Remington Magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh, .50 Action Express, .500 JRH, and .500 Linebaugh.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- Magnum Research
- Unit Cost
- US$1,149
- Weight
- 3.6 –
- Length
- 11.75 –
- Part Length
- 5.5 in and 6.5 in (short cylinder only), 7.5 in, or 10 in
- Height
- 6 in
- Cartridge
- Various, see Available cartridges
- Action
- Single action revolver
- Feed
- 5-round or 6-round cylinder
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The BFR was originally manufactured by D-MAX in Springfield, South Dakota, until Magnum Research bought them out. The name 'BFR' originally stood for 'Brainerd’s First Revolver', referencing Brainerd, Minnesota, where early BFRs were made. Officially the acronym now stands for 'Biggest, Finest Revolver', though it was rebranded for a time as the 'Big Frame Revolver' after Magnum Research's 2010 acquisition by Kahr Arms. The revolver is modeled after the Ruger Blackhawk and is constructed entirely of stainless steel.
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. The long cylinder model is chambered for cartridges including .30-30 Winchester, .350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, .444 Marlin, .45 Colt/.410, .45-70 Government, .450 Marlin, .460 S&W Magnum, .500 S&W Magnum, .50 Beowulf, and .500 Bushwhacker. The short cylinder model is chambered for .22 Hornet (discontinued), .357 Magnum, .44 Remington Magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh, .50 Action Express, .500 JRH, and .500 Linebaugh.
Reader's Guide
The Magnum Research BFR is notable for its ability to chamber extremely powerful cartridges, including rifle rounds and the .500 Bushwhacker, which is currently considered the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world in terms of muzzle energy. Its design, modeled after the Ruger Blackhawk, and its all-stainless-steel construction contribute to its reputation for handling high-pressure loads. The platform's versatility is further demonstrated by custom caliber conversions to 19th century big game cartridges such as the .50–110 WCF and .50-90 Sharps. The BFR's history includes a change in ownership and a rebranding of its acronym, reflecting its evolution from a small-scale production in Brainerd, Minnesota, to a broader market under Kahr Arms. The availability of both long and short cylinder models allows it to accommodate a wide range of ammunition, from traditional revolver rounds to powerful rifle cartridges, making it a distinctive choice for handgun hunters and enthusiasts of high-powered revolvers.
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