Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W 10-inch Brushed SS 5-Shot

About this product

What is the Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W 10-inch Brushed SS 5-Shot? It's a purpose-built, large-frame single-action revolver engineered exclusively for the most powerful commercially available handgun cartridge on the planet, the .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. This isn't a scaled-up adaptation of a smaller frame; it's designed from the ground up for the cartridge's 2.25-inch case length and 50,000 PSI pressure curve. The 10-inch barrel and five-shot cylinder represent what shooters in the field call the "Long Cylinder" configuration, which prioritizes sustained mechanical advantage and maximum powder burn over quick handling.

I've spent eleven years in military contract armory and compliance, so I don't write fluff. You're here to cut through the marketing. Below, I answer the questions a technically-minded shooter actually asks before dropping $1,400 on a hand cannon.

What is the Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W used for?

The BFR Long Cylinder is a specialized tool for metallic silhouette competition, long-range handgun hunting, and as a definitive ballistic demonstration platform. It is the correct firearm for a shooter whose primary objective is to launch a 500-grain projectile at 1,350 feet per second with the mechanical consistency only a single-action lockup and a 10-inch sight radius can provide. Its 4.7-pound mass and 17.5-inch overall length make it unwieldy for personal defense or general woods carry, but that's not its design intent. Field-stripping the revolver for cleaning is straightforward, taking less than 90 seconds once familiar with the cross-pin and crane system common to large-frame Ruger designs.

How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to a single-shot pistol for .500 S&W?

The Magnum Research BFR provides a five-shot repeating capacity, offering a distinct tactical and practical advantage over a single-shot pistol like the Thompson/Center Encore, which must be broken open and reloaded for every shot. For hunting or a metallic silhouette match, the BFR's capability to fire up to five powerful rounds without reloading drastically increases engagement potential and reduces time in the shooting cycle. Conversely, the Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter platform is better at caliber swapping, allowing a single frame to host barrels from .17 HMR to .45-70 Government with a simple barrel change, something the fixed-frame BFR cannot do. For the dedicated .500 S&W Magnum shooter who wants multiple hits without a reload, the BFR is the superior choice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Magnum Research BFR with its 10-inch barrel weighs 75.2 ounces (4.7 pounds) and measures 17.5 inches from the muzzle to the back of the grip. The five-shot cylinder is 2.4 inches in length to accommodate the full 2.25-inch long .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. The brushed stainless steel finish on the frame, barrel, and cylinder adds 4 ounces over a comparable blued model but provides superior corrosion resistance, especially for hunters in wet climates or near saltwater. When holstered, the overall package requires a purpose-built chest or hip rig, as standard holsters for revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 500 will not fit this 10-inch profile.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for a first-time handgun owner, a concealed carry licensee, or someone recoil-sensitive. The .500 S&W Magnum generates more than 55 foot-pounds of recoil energy at the shooter's hand; it's a punishing cartridge that demands proper form and respect. It's also not for the budget-minded, as just 40 rounds of factory ammunition will cost roughly $200. If your primary application is close-range target shooting or personal defense, I recommend a more practical, lower-recoil option like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, which delivers more versatile terminal ballistics for less cost per round.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete revolver, a Weaver-style scope base with mounting screws, and the owner's manual. The factory ships the gun in a lockable hard case with internal foam cutouts for the pistol and its one primary accessory. The frame is already drilled and tapped for the included mount, requiring only a torque wrench (not included) to properly secure a scope. Expect no spare grips, speed loaders, or soft cases; Magnum Research assumes a purchaser of this firearm is entering the heavy-caliber market and already has the requisite ancillary gear for maintenance and transport.

Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,387.99?

Yes, at $1,387.99, the BFR Long Cylinder delivers exceptional value for its specific, performance-driven niche where no other production repeating handgun competes. The price point is justified by the specialized steel forgings, the extensive machining required for the five-shot cylinder, and the cost of proof-load testing each firearm with overloaded cartridges. Compared to a custom-built alternative from a boutique maker, which can start at $3,500, this is a mass-produced solution to a low-volume problem. If your need is to ethically take large game at over 100 yards with a handgun, or to consistently hit 200-meter steel targets, this is the tool for the job. For a more versatile introduction to precision shooting, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge for clay sports, which teaches fundamentals with far less recoil stress.