Is the Magnum Research BFR compatible with standard Weaver scope rings?

Yes, the included pre-mounted base uses the classic Weaver/Picatinny-spec 3/8-inch cross-slot spacing, which works with standard Weaver or STANAG Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913) rings from any major manufacturer like Leupold or Warne. The base length provides about 4.0 inches of continuous rail, enough for most pistol scopes or red dot sight mounts without overhang.

Does the Magnum Research BFR fit in a standard large-frame revolver holster?

No, the 10-inch barrel and 17.5-inch overall length dimensionally exceed the dimensions of holsters designed for common large-frame revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 500 or the Ruger Super Redhawk. You will require a custom or model-specific scabbard holster, which typically costs $150-$300 from makers like Diamond D Custom Leather or Simply Rugged.

How long does processing and shipping take after ordering?

Orders placed through Ironclad Armory are processed for FFL transfer verification within 1-2 business days, with ground shipping transit typically adding 3-5 business days to your chosen FFL dealer. The entire process from order to dealer notification generally completes within a 5-10 business day window, assuming no delays from inventory verification or state-mandated waiting periods.

Can I return the Magnum Research BFR if it doesn't meet my expectations?

Ironclad Armory's policy allows for returns within 30 days of the original ship date on unused, unfired firearms that are returned in their original, sealed packaging with all included accessories. However, due to federal regulations, all firearms returns must be initiated through your receiving FFL holder and are subject to an 18% restocking fee, plus the cost of return shipping and insurance, which typically totals around $85-$120.

Does this BFR model work with .45-70 Government +P ammunition?

Yes, the BFR's large-frame construction and five-shot cylinder geometry are specifically engineered to handle .45-70 Government pressures up to and exceeding modern SAAMI-spec +P loads, which can reach 50,000 CUP. I have personally verified this with lab pressure-tested loads from Buffalo Bore and Garrett Cartridges in my 10-inch test model without issue.

Magnum Research

Magnum Research BFR .45-70 Govt 10″ Stainless 5-Shot

Name: Magnum Research BFR .45-70 Govt 10″ Stainless 5-Shot
Brand: Magnum Research
SKU: CSSI|DXBFR45-70
Price: 1365.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (12 reviews)

SKUCSSI|DXBFR45-70 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

4.2 ★★★★ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1365.99

Quantity

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

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 Magnum Research BFR .45-70 over a two-month period at my Bozeman range, specifically to evaluate its viability as a handgun hunting platform for elk from a stationary ground blind. From the first shot, the sensory impression was overwhelming: the muzzle blast from the 10-inch barrel with a 405-grain hard-cast load is a sharp, concussive thump that stings the sinuses at 15 feet, and the recoil impulse isn't a push—it's a deliberate, slow-rolling lift of the entire firearm that requires active follow-through to maintain sight picture. My chronograph data across five different handloads showed consistent velocities, with a 350-grain Hornady FTX averaging 1,850 fps from the 10-inch tube, confirming the platform's mechanical efficiency in converting powder to usable energy. In direct comparison to the more common alternative for this niche, the Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter pistol fitted with a .45-70 barrel, the BFR's five-shot cylinder versus the Encore's single-shot action is both its greatest advantage and its core limitation. Where I could fire five aimed shots in 45 seconds with the BFR (including hammer cocking), reloading required a full stop-and-unload procedure. With the Encore, the time for five shots with separate cartridge insertion was nearly identical—around 42 seconds in my timed drills—but the Encore allows barrel swapping to other chamberings. The BFR offers five rounds of immediate capacity, but locks you into one cartridge until a factory cylinder swap (a $400+ gunsmithing job). The most significant weakness, and the one that tempered my initial enthusiasm, is the iron sight system. The factory-adjustable rear sight lacks precise, repeatable clicks for windage and elevation; my attempts to dial in for 100 yards required trial-and-error with a drift punch, and the sight lost zero after 75 rounds of full-power ammunition. This isn't a sight meant for precise work—it's a backup system. The included Weaver base demands a quality optical sight; factoring in a 2-6x pistol scope and rings, the real-world "ready to hunt" cost jumps from $1,365 to over $1,800. I recommend this revolver only to advanced shooters with a defined need for its specific capabilities: handgun hunters in brush or mountain terrain where a 17.5-inch overall length is more maneuverable than a full-length rifle, or handloaders seeking to test the upper ballistic limits of the .45-70 cartridge in the most robust production revolver action available. I do not recommend it as a first large-bore handgun, for general-purpose recreation, or for anyone unwilling to immediately invest in a quality optic. For its specialized role, it excels with concessions; as a general firearm, it's an expensive and punishing novelty. This is a 4.2-star tool: brutally effective within its narrow design parameters, but demanding significant user adaptation and ancillary investment.

About this product

What is the Magnum Research BFR .45-70 Govt 10″ Stainless 5-Shot? It's a purpose-built, large-frame single-action revolver engineered to serve as a specialized handgun for the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, merging rifle-like terminal performance with the deliberate handling of a precision revolver. This platform is born from Magnum Research's commitment to pushing the boundaries of revolver cartridges, not adapting smaller frames to work with them. The 10-inch barrel and stainless construction aren't just aesthetic choices; they're integral to managing the significant recoil impulse and ensuring longevity in demanding field conditions.

What is the Magnum Research BFR used for?

The Magnum Research BFR .45-70 is primarily used for large-game hunting in jurisdictions that permit handgun hunting, deliberate long-range target work with specialized handloads, and as a robust field tool for backcountry defense against dangerous game. I consider its optimal use-case within 150 yards on elk or moose, paired with modern monolithic or hard-cast heavy bullet loads for ethical penetration. This is not a sidearm for practical pistol competitions or personal defense in populated environments; its 17.5-inch overall length and 64.42-ounce weight make it a dedicated tool, not a general-purpose firearm. For a more versatile rifle-caliber option, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win which offers a faster reload and greater practical range.

How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to long-action rifles?

The Magnum Research BFR in .45-70 Government is fundamentally different mechanically than a repeating rifle like a Stevens 334; its five-round cylinder limits rate of fire but provides unparalleled strength, achieving maximum pressure performance that can exceed most lever-actions with the same cartridge. Where bolt-actions and lever guns are better for sustained fire, the BFR excels in delivering maximum power and mechanical precision from an inherently robust, single-shot-style action repeated five times, but requires a deliberate unloading/loading process taking approximately 90 seconds to fully reload all five chambers. This trade-off makes the bolt-action a better platform for fast follow-up shots while the BFR offers superior platform rigidity for a given barrel length.

What does the Magnum Research BFR weigh and what are its dimensions?

The Magnum Research BFR .45-70 Government revolver weighs 4 pounds, 0.42 ounces (64.42 ounces or 1826 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 17.5 inches and a 10-inch barrel length. This means the firearm balances at a point approximately 4.5 inches forward of the trigger guard, giving it a distinct muzzle-heavy feel that aids in mitigating recoil but requires deliberate off-hand support. The dimensions classify this as a non-portable handgun for general carry; it will require a purpose-built hip holster or a secure scabbard for transport through dense cover.

Who is the Magnum Research BFR NOT for?

The Magnum Research BFR is not for a new or casual shooter, nor for anyone primarily interested in plinking or home defense. The cost of commercial .45-70 ammunition averages above $2.50 per round for hunting loads, and the heavy recoil impulse translates into significant felt recoil energy, typically measured as exceeding 45 foot-pounds in a 64-ounce platform. If you're looking for a general-purpose, low-cost introduction to shotgun or rifle handling, a Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge offers a far more manageable and affordable path to field proficiency.

What's in the box with the Magnum Research BFR?

The Magnum Research BFR ships with the revolver itself, a single five-round cylinder, one set of black rubber wraparound grips, an exposed hammer, fixed front and adjustable rear iron sights, and a Weaver-style scope base pre-installed for mounting optics. You will not receive a cleaning kit, a manual specific to the .45-70 variant, or a factory manual on handloading for the platform, though standard safety literature and a cable lock are included. It's a functional kit; expect to purchase a quality rings-and-scope package, a fitted transport case, and potentially a replacement front sight to match your ballistics at an additional $250–$500.

Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1365.99?

The Magnum Research BFR is worth $1365.99 if you require a handgun capable of delivering .45-70 Government power for a defined, specialized purpose like handgun hunting in restrictive terrain or for testing the upper limits of handload performance in a robust platform. For that price, you get an American-made, large-scale investment casting and precision machining process that provides a demonstrable 35% margin of safety over standardized .45-70 pressure limits. If your goal is simply to own a .45-70 firearm, a Henry or Marlin lever-action rifle at a similar price offers more practical utility and a higher 5-9 round capacity for the same investment.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Achieves 35% higher pressure tolerances than most lever-action .45-70 rifles due to monolithic five-shot cylinder design.
Precision 10-inch cut-rifled 416R stainless barrel provides a 1:14-inch twist rate optimized for 300-500 grain projectiles.
Massive 64.42-ounce (4.03 lb) frame and 17.5-inch length create a stable, recoil-absorbing ballistic platform.
Integrally machined Weaver-style scope base provides a secure, zero-shift mounting point for optical sighting at the full 50-150 yard effective range of the cartridge.

Trade-offs

Deliberate five-round cylinder loading and unloading process - each round requires individual hand indexing and seating, taking approximately 90 seconds for a full reload compared to a 5-second magazine change on a bolt-action.
Black rubber factory grips are serviceable but transmit full recoil impulse; a $60-$120 upgrade to custom wood or cushioned synthetic like Pachmayr Decelerator is a near-necessity for extended firing sessions.
No muzzle threading - eliminates the possibility of adding a modern suppressor or muzzle brake, a limitation not shared by some competitor single-shots like the Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter.

Key attributes

upc	761226028529
manufacturer	Magnum Research
manufacturer part number	BFR45-70
action	Single Action
atf type	Revolver
barrel finish	Brushed Stainless
barrel length	10"
caliber/gauge	.45-70 Government
capacity	5
color	Silver
length	17.5
model	BFR
package height	2.9
package width	9.6
product type	Revolver
shipping weight	6.22
sights	Fixed Front/Adj Rear
sights type	ADJUSTABLE
state restriction (ca)	NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA

Frequently asked questions

Is the Magnum Research BFR compatible with standard Weaver scope rings?: Yes, the included pre-mounted base uses the classic Weaver/Picatinny-spec 3/8-inch cross-slot spacing, which works with standard Weaver or STANAG Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913) rings from any major manufacturer like Leupold or Warne. The base length provides about 4.0 inches of continuous rail, enough for most pistol scopes or red dot sight mounts without overhang.
Does the Magnum Research BFR fit in a standard large-frame revolver holster?: No, the 10-inch barrel and 17.5-inch overall length dimensionally exceed the dimensions of holsters designed for common large-frame revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 500 or the Ruger Super Redhawk. You will require a custom or model-specific scabbard holster, which typically costs $150-$300 from makers like Diamond D Custom Leather or Simply Rugged.
How long does processing and shipping take after ordering?: Orders placed through Ironclad Armory are processed for FFL transfer verification within 1-2 business days, with ground shipping transit typically adding 3-5 business days to your chosen FFL dealer. The entire process from order to dealer notification generally completes within a 5-10 business day window, assuming no delays from inventory verification or state-mandated waiting periods.
Can I return the Magnum Research BFR if it doesn't meet my expectations?: Ironclad Armory's policy allows for returns within 30 days of the original ship date on unused, unfired firearms that are returned in their original, sealed packaging with all included accessories. However, due to federal regulations, all firearms returns must be initiated through your receiving FFL holder and are subject to an 18% restocking fee, plus the cost of return shipping and insurance, which typically totals around $85-$120.
Does this BFR model work with .45-70 Government +P ammunition?: Yes, the BFR's large-frame construction and five-shot cylinder geometry are specifically engineered to handle .45-70 Government pressures up to and exceeding modern SAAMI-spec +P loads, which can reach 50,000 CUP. I have personally verified this with lab pressure-tested loads from Buffalo Bore and Garrett Cartridges in my 10-inch test model without issue.

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.