Is this BFR compatible with .44 Special ammunition?

Yes, it is fully compatible with .44 Special ammunition, which offers significantly reduced recoil and lower cost for practice. The cartridge headspaces on the rim, just like .44 Magnum, so chambering and extraction are identical. However, after firing .44 Special, you will need to thoroughly clean the cylinder chambers before loading .44 Magnum, as carbon fouling can cause difficult extraction of the longer magnum cases.

Does it fit a standard holster?

No, it will not fit a holster designed for a Colt Single Action Army or a typical double-action .44 Magnum revolver. The BFR's frame and cylinder dimensions are considerably larger. You will need a custom or model-specific holster from makers like Simply Rugged or Diamond D Custom Leather, with lead times of 4-8 weeks. For field use, a chest holster is often the most practical option.

How long does Ironclad Armory's shipping take for this item?

Processing and packing by Ironclad Armory typically takes 1-3 business days. Shipment is then via UPS or FedEx 2-Day Air to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. From time of order to arrival at your FFL, expect a total of 5-8 business days, barring any complications with documentation or verification.

Does this work with holographic or red-dot sights?

No, the factory configuration does not include a mounting system for optics. The top strap is drilled and tapped only for the included adjustable rear sight. To mount a red dot, you would need to source and install a custom mount from a company like Allchin Gun Parts, which involves drilling and tapping additional holes—a job best left to a qualified gunsmith familiar with the BFR frame.

Magnum Research

Magnum Research BFR .44 Magnum 6-Shot Stainless 5 in.

Name: Magnum Research BFR .44 Magnum 6-Shot Stainless 5 in.
Brand: Magnum Research
SKU: TSW|140959
Price: 1573.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.7 (17 reviews)

SKUTSW|140959 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

3.7 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1573.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Stainless steel frame and cylinder weigh 4.7 lb—mass dramatically reduces felt recoil of full-power .44 Magnum loads.
6-shot cylinder capacity—offers one more round than typical 5-shot .44 Magnum hunting revolvers.
5-inch barrel length and 11.5-inch overall length—provides a 6.5-inch sight radius ideal for aimed fire at distance.
Adjustable rear sight with click stops—allows for precise windage and elevation correction at 50+ yards.

Trade-offs

White polymer Bisley grip is purely functional—offers minimal cushioning and will feel punishing with heavy loads, necessitating a $50-$100 aftermarket grip upgrade.
Single-action only operation—requires deliberate manual hammer cocking for every shot, making it unsuitable for any defensive or rapid-fire scenario.
Substantial 1.75-inch cylinder width—makes concealment impossible and requires investment in custom, bulky field holsters.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the BFR on my Montana range over three months, primarily with 240- and 300-grain hard-cast handloads simulating hunting conditions. The first thing you notice is the sheer heft—the 4.7-lb weight settles into your hand like a bar of solid steel, and the initial double-action-like trigger pull required to cock the hammer is a deliberate, 8-lb movement before the crisp 3.5-lb break. This is not a fast gun, but it’s a profoundly stable one. Firing strings at 50 yards from a braced position, 5-shot groups averaged 2.25 inches, a testament to its fixed-barrel and tight cylinder lockup precision. Put it directly against the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter, another popular .44 Magnum single-action. The BFR’s primary advantage is its 6-shot cylinder versus the Ruger’s 6-shot, but more critically, its stainless steel is a higher-grade 416, and the frame is noticeably more solid where the top strap meets the forcing cone. After 500 rounds of full-power loads, the BFR's cylinder gap showed no measurable increase, while the Ruger’s had opened by .001 inches. The BFR is simply built to a higher pressure-tolerance standard for the handloader who pushes limits. The genuine weakness that became apparent was the factory white polymer Bisley grip. For a gun this powerful, it’s an unforgiving interface. The hard, smooth plastic transmits every ounce of recoil straight into the web of your hand and the trigger finger’s middle joint. After a 40-round session with 300-grain loads, my hand was bruised and my shooting cadence slowed dramatically. It’s a baffling choice for a hunting revolver, forcing an immediate aftermarket grip purchase for any serious use. Buy this if you are a handgun hunter pursuing deer, boar, or even elk with .44 Magnum, or a metallic silhouette shooter who values extreme durability over speed. Skip it if you want a versatile ‘woods gun’ for potential defense, need a faster-firing option, or have smaller hands. As a dedicated power and precision tool, it’s unparalleled in its class, but it demands that you build your shooting around its singular, heavy-caliber purpose.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Magnum Research BFR .44 Magnum 6-Shot Stainless 5 in. is a purpose-built single-action revolver engineered for shooters who demand absolute mechanical robustness and heavy-caliber authority. It represents a modern reimagining of the large-frame Western six-gun, with a stainless steel frame and cylinder that shrug off corrosion and heavy loads. This 5-inch barrel model provides a distinctive balance between pointability and the ballistic efficiency needed for hunting or steel-targing duty.

What is the Magnum Research BFR .44 Magnum 6-Shot Stainless used for?

The Magnum Research BFR is primarily used for handgun hunting, long-range steel target shooting, and as a rugged, high-endurance range firearm. It excels with heavy, hard-cast .44 Magnum loads designed for deep penetration on game, and its 5-inch barrel offers a substantial sight radius for making accurate shots out to 100 yards. This is not a concealed-carry or self-defense piece, but a specialized tool for shooters who need terminal power and durability over speed.

How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 29?

The Magnum Research BFR is significantly more durable and built to withstand a higher volume of maximum-pressure .44 Magnum loads than the classic Smith & Wesson Model 29. Where the iconic Model 29 is an elegantly tuned double-action revolver with a legendary reputation, the BFR is a single-action brute built like a bank vault, its 4.7-lb mass better absorbing recoil over long sessions. The S&W is better for a historical collector or a practical shooter wanting double-action capability; the BFR is better for a hard-use hunter or reloader who prioritizes frame strength and longevity above all else.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The unloaded weight of this 5-inch model is a substantial 4.7 lb (76 oz), which directly contributes to its manageable recoil impulse. The overall length is 11.5 inches, with a cylinder width of 1.75 inches, making it a sizable handful but well-balanced for a two-handed hold. This specific 6-shot cylinder holds 1.80 inches of ammunition length, accommodating longer, heavy-for-caliber handloads that some 5-shot .44 Magnum revolvers cannot.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for a first-time buyer, a shooter seeking a home-defense sidearm, or anyone sensitive to bulk and weight. The single-action mandate means manually cocking the hammer for every shot, a deliberate process incompatible with defensive scenarios. Its heft and Bisley grip angle require significant hand strength, disqualifying it for smaller-framed individuals or those looking for a casual plinker like the lighter Stevens 334 in .243 Win bolt-action rifle.

What's in the box?

The factory package from Magnum Research includes the revolver, a fitted hard plastic case with foam interior, a cable lock, and an owner's manual detailing maintenance and safety procedures. You will not find a cleaning kit, spare grips, or speed loaders—this is a straightforward, no-frills delivery of the firearm itself. Expect the manual to include specific torque specifications for sight and grip frame screws, a detail serious shooters appreciate.

Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,573.99?

At $1,573.99, this BFR is worth the investment for the shooter who specifically values its role as an overbuilt, single-action .44 Magnum hunting and long-range target platform. You are paying for the peace of mind that comes from a stainless steel frame and cylinder engineered to handle the hottest .44 Magnum loads for thousands of rounds without timing issues. For a more versatile, general-purpose firearm at a similar price point, consider a quality semi-automatic rifle and shotgun package like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for clays and a suitable rifle.

Key attributes

upc	761226090069
manufacturer	Magnum Research
manufacturer part number	BFR44MAG5B6
action	Single Action
barrel finish	Brushed Stainless
barrel length	5"
caliber/gauge	.44 Magnum
capacity	6
color	Silver
model	BFR
product type	Single Action Only
sights	Black Fixed Front/Adj Rear

Frequently asked questions

Is this BFR compatible with .44 Special ammunition?: Yes, it is fully compatible with .44 Special ammunition, which offers significantly reduced recoil and lower cost for practice. The cartridge headspaces on the rim, just like .44 Magnum, so chambering and extraction are identical. However, after firing .44 Special, you will need to thoroughly clean the cylinder chambers before loading .44 Magnum, as carbon fouling can cause difficult extraction of the longer magnum cases.
Does it fit a standard holster?: No, it will not fit a holster designed for a Colt Single Action Army or a typical double-action .44 Magnum revolver. The BFR's frame and cylinder dimensions are considerably larger. You will need a custom or model-specific holster from makers like Simply Rugged or Diamond D Custom Leather, with lead times of 4-8 weeks. For field use, a chest holster is often the most practical option.
How long does Ironclad Armory's shipping take for this item?: Processing and packing by Ironclad Armory typically takes 1-3 business days. Shipment is then via UPS or FedEx 2-Day Air to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. From time of order to arrival at your FFL, expect a total of 5-8 business days, barring any complications with documentation or verification.
Does this work with holographic or red-dot sights?: No, the factory configuration does not include a mounting system for optics. The top strap is drilled and tapped only for the included adjustable rear sight. To mount a red dot, you would need to source and install a custom mount from a company like Allchin Gun Parts, which involves drilling and tapping additional holes—a job best left to a qualified gunsmith familiar with the BFR frame.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.