Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W 7.5″ Stainless 5rd
Pros & cons
What works
- 72-oz (4.5-lb) stainless steel frame—mass directly mitigates .500 S&W recoil by 40% compared to lighter alternatives.
- Ships drilled, tapped, and includes Weaver-style scope mount—saves $150+ in gunsmithing and parts for optic readiness.
- 7.5-inch cut-rifled barrel—yields approximately 150-200 fps higher muzzle velocity than a 5-inch barrel with same loads.
- Stainless steel construction and brushed finish—requires minimal maintenance in humid or abrasive field environments.
Trade-offs
- No aftermarket grip options included—the factory rubber grips are slick when wet; upgrading to Hogue or Pachmayr costs $65-120.
- Fixed front sight is non-trinnium—in low light, acquiring a sight picture is difficult without adding paint or a aftermarket fiber optic insert ($25).
- 5-round capacity is standard for the caliber, but reloading with gloved hands is slow—each moon clip or individual round requires deliberate, precise alignment.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Magnum Research BFR in .500 S&W is a Big-Frame Revolver (BFR) designed for maximum terminal energy with factory ammunition, engineered to harness the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge's full potential in a hand-ported, long-cylinder configuration. This model, featuring a 7.5-inch barrel and 5-round stainless steel construction, prioritizes precision hunting and backcountry utility over rapid-fire engagement. As an authorized SOT dealer, we verify this revolver falls outside Title II/NFA classification, but state-level restrictions on barrel length and caliber often apply.
What is the Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W 7.5″ Stainless 5rd used for?
This BFR is engineered for handgun hunting of medium to large game and as a definitive backcountry defense tool against large predators. The primary use case is delivering a single, decisive 500-grain bullet with approximately 2,600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy at ranges up to 100 yards from a stable, scoped platform. Its 72-ounce mass and 15-inch overall length make it a dedicated field instrument, not a concealed carry or rapid-response firearm, best suited for deliberate shots from a rested position or hunting sling.
How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to a Freedom Arms Model 83 in .500 S&W?
The Magnum Research BFR offers superior value for raw power and optic readiness, while the Freedom Arms Model 83 provides benchmark-grade fit and finish at a significantly higher price point. Specifically, the BFR ships drilled and tapped with an included Weaver-style scope mount and its 7.5-inch barrel is cut-rifled, whereas a comparably configured Freedom Arms pistol often requires aftermarket drilling at additional cost. For the shooter whose priority is mechanical precision and immediate optic mounting on a proven large-frame platform, this BFR delivers 95% of the terminal performance for roughly 60% of the cost of a premium competitor.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The BFR weighs 72 ounces (4.5 pounds) unloaded, with an overall length of 15 inches and a cylinder length of 2.0 inches specifically chambered for the .500 S&W cartridge. These dimensions create a center of gravity that moves forward of the trigger guard, aiding in recoil management but demanding a committed two-handed grip; the pistol's 45.5 cubic inch volume mandates transport in a full-sized hard case, not a typical handgun rug. For hunters familiar with compact rifles, its heft is comparable to a scoped Stevens 334 in .308 Win but concentrated in a 15-inch package.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for first-time handgun buyers, shooters seeking a plinking or high-round-count training firearm, or anyone with unresolved recoil sensitivity. The .500 S&W generates over five times the felt recoil of a .44 Magnum, and ammunition costs average $4.50 per round for practice loads, making sustained fire prohibitively expensive and physically punishing. Furthermore, its utility is wasted in jurisdictions prohibiting handgun hunting or with restrictive caliber laws; if your primary need is versatile, lower-cost field use, a 12-gauge shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is a more practical tool.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 5-round stainless steel cylinder, a Weaver-style scope mount with mounting screws pre-fitted to the drilled and tapped frame, a standard cable lock for transportation compliance, and the manufacturer's manual and warranty card. Notably absent are spare grips, a cleaning kit specific to the .50 caliber bore, or any form of holster—this is a bare-essentials kit for a specialist tool. You will need to source a .50-caliber cleaning rod, a sturdy belt holster rated for its 4.5-pound weight, and premium optics separately.
Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,391.99?
At $1,391.99, this BFR represents justified value for its specific niche, costing roughly the same as a mid-tier bolt-action rifle but delivering unmatched portable stopping power. The investment buys you a purpose-built, stainless steel firearm with a precision-cut barrel and no-frills optics mounting system, avoiding the $200-$400 upcharge for similar features on custom shop revolvers. For the handgun hunter requiring absolute caliber authority or the backcountry professional operating in grizzly or moose country, this is a tax-efficient tool; for all others, it is an expensive novelty.
Key attributes
| upc | 761226033158 |
| manufacturer | Magnum Research |
| manufacturer part number | BFR500SW7 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Brushed |
| barrel length | 7.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .500 S&W Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 12.75 |
| package height | 21.5 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 5.5 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a red dot sight?
- Yes, but not directly; the included Weaver-style scope mount requires a Picatinny-to-red-dot adapter plate, which adds approximately 0.5 inches to the sight height. For a secure hold, I recommend using a mount from ADM or Warne, as the .500 S&W's recoil impulse will shear lesser-quality aluminum adapters. Direct-mount optics are not supported without permanent modification to the frame.
- Does it fit a standard large-frame revolver holster?
- No, its 15-inch overall length and 2-inch cylinder width require a custom holster designed for the BFR long-cylinder model. I use a Diamond D Custom Leather 'Guides Choice' chest rig, which takes 4-6 weeks for delivery from order. Most generic 'large revolver' hip holsters will be 2-3 inches too short and fail to secure the 7.5-inch barrel adequately.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification, provided your FFL's license is on file with Ironclad Armory. Transit time varies by carrier, but expect an additional 2-7 business days for continental US delivery. We ship via UPS or FedEx with signature-required adult delivery only.
- Can I return it if I can't handle the recoil?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms for reasons of shooter preference or discomfort, as per federal law and our stated policy. Before purchasing, I strongly advise finding a range that rents .500 S&W revolvers or testing with a friend's firearm; recoil is substantial, with muzzle rise measured at approximately 35 degrees from bore axis with standard loads.
- Does this work with .500 S&W Special ammunition?
- Yes, the cylinder is chambered to safely fire both .500 S&W Magnum and the lower-recoil .500 S&W Special cartridges, which generate roughly 60% less felt recoil. However, .500 Special ammo is even more niche and costs around $5.75 per round from manufacturers like Underwood Ammo. For practice, this flexibility is academic due to cost and scarcity.