Magnum Research BFR .45-70 Revolver, 6 inch Barrel, Rosewood
Pros & cons
What works
- Delivers 2,800-3,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with proper .45-70 loads—a 60% power increase over typical .454 Casull revolver ballistics.
- Weighs 5.7 lbs (91.2 oz)—the substantial mass mitigates perceived recoil by 40% compared to a 4.5 lb revolver in the same chambering.
- Features a drilled and tapped frame accepting standard 1/4-20 optic base hardware, saving $75-100 over a custom machining service.
Trade-offs
- Rosewood grips lack texturing—requires an aftermarket grip tape or stippling service ($40-80) for secure handling with heavy-recoil loads.
- Single-action only operation mandates manual hammer cocking for each shot—unsuitable for any defensive or rapid-fire scenario.
- Ammunition costs $4-8 per round for full-power hunting loads, making practice sessions prohibitively expensive for most shooters.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Magnum Research BFR .45-70 Government 6" revolver? It is a purpose-built, large-frame single-action hunting revolver chambered for the iconic .45-70 Government rifle cartridge, representing the peak of modern single-action magnum revolver engineering for a specific subset of serious shooters. This 6-inch barrel variant with rosewood grips represents a configuration optimized for balance and classic aesthetics, bridging the gap between 19th-century revolver design and the power needs of modern handgun hunters.
What is the Magnum Research BFR Revolver used for?
The Magnum Research BFR in .45-70 is engineered primarily for handgun hunting of medium to large game at ethical ranges of 50-75 yards, where its heavy 300-400 grain projectiles deliver decisive terminal energy. Its single-action operation and substantial weight of 91.2 ounces (5.7 lbs) mandate a deliberate shooting cadence, making it unsuitable for defense but ideal for controlled-range use and hunting stands under appropriate state big-game regulations. This revolver is equally a statement piece for legacy-cartridge enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical translation of rifle power into a wheelgun format.
How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to a Freedom Arms Model 83 in .454 Casull?
The BFR in .45-70 is built for raw power and cartridge versatility, while the Freedom Arms Model 83 in .454 Casull prioritizes precision machining and a wider factory ammunition selection. The BFR's five-round cylinder accepts both standard-pressure .45-70 loads and modern, high-pressure offerings from Buffalo Bore or Garrett Cartridges, generating up to 3,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—exceeding the .454's typical 2,200 ft-lbs ceiling. The Freedom Arms Model 83 offers tighter lockup tolerances (often sub-0.004" cylinder gap) and a six-round capacity, making it the superior choice for pure target shooting, whereas the BFR's rugged simplicity and power margin define it as a dedicated hunting and recoil-management tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 6-inch barrel BFR weighs 5.7 lbs (91.2 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of 14 inches and a cylinder width of 1.75 inches, creating a substantial yet manageable hand-filling presence. This weight, distributed nearly 60% forward of the trigger guard, makes the perceived recoil of stout .45-70 loads manageable compared to a lighter revolver like the Stevens 334 Rifle, though prolonged off-hand shooting sessions will fatigue most shooters in under 20 rounds. Its Bisley-style rosewood grips measure 5.25 inches from heel to top of the frame, dictating a medium-to-large hand size for optimal control.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for new shooters, casual plinkers, or anyone seeking a defensive sidearm—its size, single-action requirement, and ammunition cost ($4-8 per round for full-power loads) make it a specialist's tool. Shooters with hand spans under 7.5 inches from thumb to trigger finger will likely struggle with the grip geometry and reaching the hammer spur for traditional cocking. Individuals in states with restrictive handgun hunting regulations or ranges that prohibit rifle-caliber handguns should verify local laws before purchase, as this is not a universally accepted range firearm.
What's in the box?
You receive the BFR revolver, one five-round cylinder, a set of adjustable black rear and orange-ramp front sights, and a 1/4-20 threaded mount pattern on the frame for optic bases. It ships without any optics base, rings, or carrying case—a necessary cost-saving measure at its $1,574.99 price point that demands budgeting $150-300 for a robust mount and scope rated for heavy recoil. A factory-provided cable lock and a single-sheet manual covering basic operation and warranty registration are included.
Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,574.99?
At $1,574.99, the BFR is a justifiable investment for the serious handgun hunter or cartridge collector who specifically seeks a .45-70 platform, offering a 35-40% cost savings over a custom-built single-shot handgun in the same chambering. For those whose needs are met by a powerful yet more conventional .44 Magnum or .454 Casull revolver, the considerable ammunition cost and niche application of the .45-70 BFR will not provide sufficient value. This is a tool for a specific job, priced accordingly for its low-volume, heavy-duty manufacturing process.
Key attributes
| upc | 761226091134 |
| manufacturer | Magnum Research |
| manufacturer part number | BFR45-70RW |
| capacity | 5 |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 6" |
| action | Single Action |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| sights | Rear Adjustable |
| shipping weight | 5.7 |
| package width | 9.4 |
| package height | 2.7 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Trijicon RMR optics mounts?
- No, the BFR's drilled and tapped frame uses a standard 1/4-20 thread pattern intended for weaver-style or Picatinny rail bases, not direct micro red-dot mounts. You will need an intermediate base, such as the EGW 460191 model, which adds approximately 0.75 inches of height to the sight plane and is specifically torqued to 25 in-lbs for this revolver's recoil impulse.
- Does it fit a standard large-frame revolver holster?
- No, the BFR's oversized cylinder and 1.75-inch frame width exceed the dimensions of holsters for common large-frame revolvers like the Ruger Super Redhawk. You require a custom or semi-custom holster from makers like Diamond D Custom Leather or Simply Rugged, with a lead time of 6-8 weeks and a typical cost of $120-180 for a field-ready model.
- What ammunition should I use for testing?
- Start with factory-loaded 405-grain soft point ammunition from Remington or Winchester, producing approximately 1,300 fps from the 6-inch barrel. Do not use any +P, 'For Rifle Only,' or custom handloads exceeding 28,000 CUP until you have verified your specific revolver's chamber and forcing cone dimensions with a qualified gunsmith, as .45-70 pressure standards vary widely.
- Can I order it through an FFL?
- Yes, this item is restricted to FFL transfer only and cannot ship directly to a private residence. All transactions require an FFL holder's license information provided to Ironclad Armory before shipment, with a typical processing and shipping window of 3-5 business days once the background check and 4473 form are completed at your chosen dealer.