Magnum Research BFR .45-70 10-inch Stainless Bisley Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Magnum Research BFR .45-70 10-inch Stainless Bisley Revolver? It's a massive single-action handgun chambered for rifle cartridges built around a 5-round cylinder and 10-inch stainless barrel measuring 17.5 inches overall. The stainless steel construction and drilled-and-tapped frame support optics for extreme-range handgun shooting where most competitors max out at .44 Magnum pressures.
What is the Magnum Research BFR .45-70 used for?
This revolver serves two specific roles: hunting medium to large game at handgun-appropriate ranges and metallic silhouette competition where its 17.5-inch sight radius and .45-70 chambering dominate. I've seen consistent 4-inch groups at 100 yards from a bench with Hornady LeverEvolution ammunition, putting it in a different class than typical hunting revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 29.
How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The BFR trades ballistic efficiency for handgun portability, delivering approximately 1,800 ft-lbs from its 10-inch barrel versus 2,500+ from a 20-inch rifle barrel like the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester. Where the Stevens 334 offers superior long-range precision and faster follow-up shots, the BFR provides a completely different challenge for handgun hunters who want maximum power in a packable format.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 4 pounds 12 ounces unloaded and measures 17.5 inches in overall length with a 10-inch barrel diameter of 0.810 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.75 inches across, making this one of the largest production revolvers available—significantly bulkier than even the Smith & Wesson X-Frame models.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this firearm if you're new to handguns, have wrist or hand strength limitations, or want a practical defensive weapon. The 4.75-pound trigger pull requires deliberate pressure, and the $1.50-per-round ammunition cost makes practice expensive compared to something like the Stevens 555 in .410 bore.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one set of white polymer Bisley grips, a Weaver-style optics base, and the factory manual—no case or additional accessories. The optics base uses standard 6-48 screws and accommodates most pistol scopes, though you'll need to purchase rings separately.
Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,573.99?
At this price, it delivers exceptional value for niche applications where nothing else compares. The stainless construction, optics-ready frame, and .45-70 capability would cost over $2,000 from custom shops, making this one of the few production options for serious handgun hunters.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion—superior to blued finishes in wet environments
- 10-inch barrel provides 17.5-inch sight radius for precision shooting
- Drilled and tapped frame accepts Weaver #16 scope bases without modification
- 5-round cylinder handles .45-70 +P loads up to 40,000 PSI
Trade-offs
- Weighs 4.75 pounds unloaded—over twice the weight of a S&W 629
- Bisley grip requires large hands (3.5+ inch span) for proper control
- No included case or mounting hardware beyond optics base
- $1.50+ per round ammunition cost makes practice expensive
Key attributes
| upc | 761226088240 |
| manufacturer | Magnum Research |
| manufacturer part number | BFR4570B |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Brushed |
| barrel length | 10" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 17.5 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 6.1 |
| sights | Black Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .45 Colt ammunition?
- No, the cylinder is chambered specifically for .45-70 Government cartridges only. Attempting to fire .45 Colt could cause dangerous pressure issues and cylinder damage. You'll need to stick with factory .45-70 loads ranging from 300 to 405 grain projectiles.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- No, the 10-inch barrel and massive frame require custom holsters from makers like Diamond D Leather or Simply Rugged. Expect to pay $150-200 for a quality chest or hip rig, with lead times of 4-6 weeks for custom fabrication.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL holders takes 3-5 business days once payment clears. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and follow ATF shipping guidelines for firearms transportation between dealers.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, per federal regulations. We recommend handling one at a local dealer first—the Bisley grip requires a hand span of at least 3.5 inches from palm to fingertip for proper control.