Magnum Research BFR .45-70 7.50″ Bisley Grips
Pros & cons
What works
- Generates 2,500+ foot-pounds muzzle energy—similar to many rifle cartridges
- Weighs 4.86 lbs with 15" overall length—manageable for a .45-70 handgun
- Bisley grip design reduces perceived recoil by approximately 20% vs standard plowhandle
- Includes Weaver optics mount—saves $75-100 aftermarket expense
Trade-offs
- Recoil exceeds 30 foot-pounds—requires significant experience to manage effectively
- 5-round capacity limits practical use compared to rifles with 4-5 round magazines
- No threaded barrel option—cannot accommodate suppressors without aftermarket modification
- Limited holster availability for 7.50" barrel length—custom options start at $150
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Magnum Research BFR .45-70 7.50″ Bisley Grips is a large-frame single-action revolver chambered for the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, designed for hunters and shooters who demand maximum stopping power in a handgun platform. Built on Magnum Research's robust BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver) platform, this model features a 7.50″ brushed stainless barrel and frame with Bisley white laminate grips for improved control under heavy recoil. The combination of single-action operation and serious cartridge chambering makes this one of the most authoritative handguns available for big game hunting or wilderness protection.
What is the Magnum Research BFR .45-70 used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a heavy-game hunting sidearm and bear-country protection firearm, capable of delivering rifle-level energy from a handgun platform. The .45-70 Government cartridge generates approximately 2,500 foot-pounds of muzzle energy with full-power loads, sufficient for black bear, elk, or moose at close ranges. The 7.50″ barrel provides optimal velocity for the large cartridge while remaining manageable for field carry.
How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The BFR offers portability advantages but less practical accuracy beyond 100 yards compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester. While the Stevens 334 with its 20″ barrel and bolt-action design can consistently group under 1.5 MOA at 200 yards, the BFR's practical hunting accuracy is limited to about 3-4 MOA at 100 yards due to its revolver platform and heavy recoil. The BFR is better for close-quarters brush hunting where a rifle would be cumbersome, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win excels at longer ranges with less recoil management required.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 4.86 pounds (78 ounces) with an overall length of 15 inches and barrel length of 7.50 inches. The cylinder measures 2.10 inches in length to accommodate the full .45-70 cartridge, contributing significantly to the firearm's substantial heft and balance. The weight helps mitigate recoil but makes this unsuitable for all-day carry without a proper holster system.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for new shooters, those sensitive to heavy recoil, or anyone seeking a practical self-defense handgun for urban environments. The .45-70 generates significant muzzle blast and recoil force exceeding 30 foot-pounds, which can be punishing for inexperienced shooters. For general sporting use, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge shotgun as a more versatile and manageable option.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver with mounted Bisley grips, Weaver scope mount hardware, owner's manual, and Magnum Research's limited lifetime warranty documentation. Notably absent are any ammunition, cleaning supplies, or hearing protection—essential additions given the firearm's substantial report. The Weaver mount allows immediate optics mounting without additional gunsmithing requirements.
Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,573.99?
At $1,573.99, this BFR represents fair value for specialized hunting applications where its specific capabilities are required. Comparable custom .45-70 revolvers from smaller manufacturers typically start around $2,200, putting the Magnum Research offering in a competitive position for this niche market. The investment only makes sense if you specifically need handgun-powerful-enough for large game where rifles are impractical.
Key attributes
| upc | 761226088233 |
| manufacturer | Magnum Research |
| manufacturer part number | BFR45707B |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Brushed |
| barrel length | 7.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .45-70 Government |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 15 |
| package height | 21.5 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 5.9 |
| sights | Black Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .45-70 Government ammunition?
- Yes, it handles all SAAMI-spec .45-70 ammunition including factory loads up to 28,000 PSI. However, I recommend avoiding +P or 'hot' handloads that exceed SAAMI pressure limits, as the BFR's cylinder is engineered for standard pressure ranges. Most major manufacturers like Hornady, Federal, and Remington produce compatible ammunition.
- Does this revolver come with a scope mount installed?
- The Weaver scope mount base is included but not installed—you'll need to mount it using the provided hardware. Installation requires basic tools and takes approximately 15 minutes with proper alignment. The mount accepts standard Weaver-style rings for various optics configurations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms purchases are generally non-returnable due to federal regulations once transferred. The Bisley grips have a specific profile measuring 5.25 inches in circumference—I recommend handling a similar gripped revolver before purchasing. Ironclad Armory's policy allows returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days of transfer.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to your selected FFL dealer takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which typically requires 1-2 business days for verification. You'll need to coordinate directly with your dealer for transfer timing, which adds another 2-3 days for background check completion in most states.