This is a good video on these big ones. Kinda need to know indeed. This video says a lot for the 7.5 inch

I have three BFRs (44 Mag., 454 Casull; 50AE), and I think they are awesome. Mine have the older style Super Black Hawk style hammer, which I think is much better than the newer style ones. I do like the newer style rear sight better, though. The BFR revolvers are like a Ruger Super Black Hawk on steroids, and built like tanks. I do handload for all of mine, using both cast and jacketed bullets, and can thus shoot them with reasonable cost, since I bought most of the components several years ago. Magnum Research offers them in a bewildering array of calibers, and options.

What a beautiful revolver. The quality and the technology. Everybody loves Magnum Research. Miss my DE .50AE with Samson 300 grain bullets and especially my DE .44 Mag. Wanted the Freedom Arms .454 Casull 22 years ago.Finally purchased the Lipseys BFR .500 Magnum 5.77" barrel, Micarta with custom grip angle. Excellent prices and quality. These big bore custom revolvers run $2K to $3K plus. And understandably so. As a lot of detailed work goes into each one.

I also own the BFR 500 in 7.5inch. And I totally agree with you what you were saying about the recoil. It's a very fast, snappy and far rotation. For me it's definitely also the limit what I can handle. In fact I still need to work on my technique. Compared to that a Freedom Arms in 454 Casull feels like a 22lr.

I had a smith and Wesson performance center model that I actually broke the cylinder by putting 80 bear loads downrange in one session. Fortunately gunsmith was able to fix it. Unfortunately he made me aware that the smith just can't handle as hot of loads as I was using, and I ended up selling it. Am contemplating getting one of these.

My BFR is the earlier style with the blackhawk hammer and different sights I like it the and while the recoil is REALLY stout once you get used to it and develop a good technique it's fairly manageable I've shot it enough that 50 rounds without gloves and not getting hurt is my norm that being said every shot for the first 2 boxes of ammo I would just take chunks out of my thumb and fingers cause I would lock up being afraid of getting hit in the head but once I learned to loosen up and control the recoil not try and stop it I stopped getting hurt and started hitting targets that was a few years ago now I'm compertable shooting paper at 200 yards

i had the 45/70 for over a year and shot it religiously every week. the hottest factory loads i ever tried were from a company called great lakes (i think that was the name) in 405 gr. i took one apart just to see how much powder was in them-was 51 grains! anyways-best gun i ever owned-regret selling it but i will def be getting another one!( btw-i only ever shot it 1 handed-and im 5 foot 4)

+1 on the heat treating. I like the character.

I have one in 10in! You don't shoot one of these very often. One shot gave me a little bruise on the palm of my hand with the factory rubber grip. I might get Bisley grips for it.

The gun does recoil with the barrel going up and torque to the right with the heavier Corbon loads but it didn't hurt my hand like this fella is saying. I use just black leather police gloves with no padding or gel. I do prefer the medium loads for accuracy and less recoil. This gun is like getting old and not for sissies.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Doc Mason - More experience and better use of my grip has made a big difference in controlling the gun and handling the recoil. I have found the same with the medium loads. Plenty of power, good accuracy, and less recoil to contend with. Definitely not for sissies. But I do find it fun.

Send it back for the BFR Bisley upgrade grip. Max Prasac says it is the best factory Bisley grip made!!!

If you hold it properly, the gun just rises up in the air and points at the sky. I have this one, I didn't think it had much recoil at all. Just fun to shoot, it simply goes boom and floats up in the air. Unlike my 357 maximum. That one really kicks and stings your hands, so did my 454 casul, stings your hand.

I have a 5” and the 8 3/8” S&W, (long barrel is a Performance Center). I shot the 5” without the comp and I thought I was gonna die. The 8 3/8” gun has its comp non-removable so I can’t try it with that gun. They really recoil close to full house .44 magnums with those comps and the vast majority of shooters thing they understand what it is they are shooting. The BFR is a no BS honest kaboom and you can straight up whip yourself. I actually doubled twice with my 5” while shooting it without the comp, terrifying.

How does the recoil compare to the 45-70 bfr? Strongest load in each.

I have the 10in! I rarely shoot it, and I only shoot 2 or 3 rounds when I do. Owning one is good for bragging rights. The BFR is a stronger design than the S&W X-Frame, and you don't really need double-action for something this powerful.

I've got one of these they are great revolvers and very accurate I got the BFR because it's frame design is very similar to the super blackhawk which I love and I love my BFR and feel it's a lot stronger design than the xframe the only downside is the BFR's do recoil a good bit more than an xframe but once you've gotten accustomed to managing it it's not a problem

@traeucity6087

6 жыл бұрын

bosstube, Why does the BFR recoil a good bit more than the X-frames? Is it due to weight, or grip ergonomics? I'm asking because you have experience with both.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

@@traeucity6087 - Having shot both, the two factors are that the X-Frame is at least a half-pound heavier and the muzzle brake that SMith & Wesson designed is extremely effective.

@bosstube9046

4 жыл бұрын

@@traeucity6087 It's significantly lighter and no porting or brake

@traeucity6087

4 жыл бұрын

@@bosstube9046, Thank you.

@bosstube9046

4 жыл бұрын

@@traeucity6087 welcome

Now the good people at Magnum Research have given us a packable revolver the deepest penetrating round...the 500 Linebaugh! Now if Ruger will pay attention...

@williamgoldberg1

4 жыл бұрын

Google Sucks , define "powerful”. I agree the S&W has a significantly sharper recoil impulse and its SAMMI specifications shows a higher C.U.P. I have run many experiments with that round, and found its capabilities and short comings. But I’ll give you one thing, it’s a blast to shoot! As a big game handgun hunter who wants to kill very large animals, quickly and humanly, with a packable revolver I want "killing power”. Dr Marvin Fackler, leading researcher on terminal ballistics, has demonstrated with his research that projectiles incapacitate and kill with two principles; permanent wound cavity and blood loss. In short the projectile with the larger frontal diameter with the greatest penetration with be most effective. (Don’t take my word, do the research, read the supporting evidence. ). Simply stated, the 500 S&W is driven too fast, thus suffering from compound resistance. To see the example of compound resistance first hand; slap your hand into a pool of water as fast as you can move your hand, then slow down and force your hand into the water. The hydro static pressure of the fluid medium will resist penetration. Google Sucks, you are 100% correct the 500S&W is “more powerful”; however my argument is based on the most portable platform with the greatest penetration, thus the more effective hunting tool. Ruger, are you listening?

I am interested in the .460 Smith chambering. Not sure if I want the BFR Bisley or the compensated performance center X frame. The reason for the .460 is that I have a variety of chamberings easily available in .45 and am not stuck with a .50 only. What are your thoughts between the two?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Lonewlf7676 - I recently was given a Smith & Wesson 460XVR Precision Center with a 7.5" barrel as an anniversary gift by my wife. I was astounded when I did some chronograph testing that the velocities were still mind-blowing. The Hornady 200 grain FTX rounds are advertised at 2,200 fps and I averaged 2,212 fps! I honestly like the X-Frame for this round as it has a very effective compensator that really dulls the recoil (and seriously amplifies the report). You can get a number of different models with different barrel lengths, and the option to shoot other rounds in it is a confessedly nice option. So far, I've only shot the .460 S&W Magnum and the .454 Casull cartridges from it. Accuracy with this revolver has been fantastic.

Anyone know how what the recoil is like for the 444

Did you do a video on the new grip

So it can't be quick loaded? With a quick loader?

What are your favorite long and short frame models?

BB mentions on their website that they get much higher velocities from BFRs than they do X frame smiths

you said you'd put a link to the gloves, but I can't find it. I'm trying to be proactive about preventing carpel tunnel symptoms that I've started experiencing after long bouts of splitting wood. It occurs to me that shooting magnum revolvers a bunch probably has a similar effect. Perhaps you could even do a video comparing some different gloves you've tried? Thanks!

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

2 жыл бұрын

@Chris - My bad. KZread's really sensitive about creators leaving links to firearms-related products. Here's a link to Pro-Aim Gloves for you! www.pro-aim.com/Pro-Aim.com/Main.html

I've gotten in the 1600 fps range with the 440s and 1900-2000 fps with some 300 gr plated hollow points I've settled on a 440 at 1300 fps with that I can go through 50 rounds ( over about an hour) without being too sore after I shot my best group with my BFR with that load it was a .837 5 shot group at 100 yards offhand with irons I was really surprised my average is about a 2 inch 5 shot group at 100 yards ( meaning I can do it consistently) but after about 25-30 rounds it'll open up to about 3 inches

@precisionmarksman5084

6 жыл бұрын

bosstube That's fantastic shooting, small group for 100 yards off hand, were you standing, sitting what position for aim so consistent?

@bosstube9046

6 жыл бұрын

precisionmarksman I was standing and my point of aim was a neon green square in the center of an old notebook it was the second cylinder I had shot and the group was about an inch low and two left

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

@@bosstube9046 - That is just incredible shooting. Nice work!

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

bosstube - So far, I've chronographed my 440 grain loads at 1,689 fps at the highest point and my 300 grain Hornadu FTX bullets at a blistering 2,186 fps. Neither round was particularly fun to shoot, though. I am no dialing it back as I am only willing to put up with that kind of abuse for so long.

@bosstube9046

5 жыл бұрын

@@GoBigBoreOrGoHome thanks and yeah it's a hand full I'll admit but at least it's fun

Great vid! BFR in 500 S&W vs. 45-70 gov velocity and muzzle poundage comparison?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

MikeyDo - I don't have a BFR in .45-70... yet (don't tell my wife I said that). But I know that Kentucky Ballistics has done some videos with the .45-70 BFR where they chronographed some of the loadings. I believe the .45-70 does have the capability to exceed the muzzle energy of the .500 S&W Magnum. Not sure on the velocity. If I get my dirty little mitts on a .45-70 BFR, I would love to do a comparison video or videos.

@mikelsworld74

5 жыл бұрын

If you handload 45-70, you can blow past the 500 when it comes to velocity and muzzle energy. There are 3 levels...trapdoor lever action and modern loads.. Look at Hodgdon website.

@exothermal.sprocket

4 жыл бұрын

45-70 or 500 S&W are both very suitable for rifle barrel lengths. Seems like a waste just throwing powder in the air and lighting it on fire.

How does it compare to the 45-70 bfr? With both running hot loads?

@9unslin9er

5 жыл бұрын

You're honestly better off going with 45-70. You CAN get up to 3500ftlbs out of it, though that will be dramatically decreased with a 10" barrel. 500 will net you 2500-2800ftlbs all day, but the cost of ammo is Prohibitive: $50-$60 for 20rds vs $35 for 45-70. Also take into consideration the cylinder jump with the 500. It will be less accurate than a 45-70 purely due to physics.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Eric Lloyd - Cletus Kasady's response is pretty solid. The recoil, from what I'm told, is pretty comparable with full-power hot loads in both calibers. The cost of the .500 Magnum ammo is incredibly prohibitive if you don't reload. And from the folks I have spoken with who own a .45-70 BFR, I've heard they are tack-drivers. Accurate as can be!

@Bob5mith

5 жыл бұрын

The 45-70 can be fired with much cheaper and more available standard pressure loads. They're stout but very manageable. 405 gr. about 1000 fps with cowboy loads. There's more wrist strain holding it with one hand than firing it with one hand. But if you want ridiculous power, you can fire 430 gr. over 1650 fps, 2650 ft.lbs. I haven't measured anything that powerful from my 8" 500 X frame, but the X frame is much more manageable than even less powerful 45-70 from my 10" BFR. kzread.info/dash/bejne/eZ1_ucltdNfSkpM.html

I personally conceal carry this

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Aiden Blevins - I'm afraid to ask where you're hiding it!

@chrisbeekley1887

4 жыл бұрын

Liar

Great Video. Great looking revolver. Out of your 3 BDR's the 500 S&W, 500JRH, and the 475 Linebaugh which has the best overall value as far as power and Balance. Can the BFR be fitted with the Ruger Bisley grip?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Teddy Molnar - Best overall really goes to the .475 Linebaugh as it is cheaper to find components for than the .500 JRH. The downside is that the bullets can be tough to find. Bullets for the JRH are easier to find, and if you're willing to pay for the .500 JRH brass or take the time to chop down .500 S&W brass, then that is the best value. As to the Bisley grip, no, the Ruger Bisley grip doesn't fit. But you can now get a bisley style grip from Magnum Research.

I have the BFR in 45-70. Does your cylinder rotate a little? Mine moves a little bit. Is that normal?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Highlighted Comment - If you're talking a little wiggle, then yes. But if you're concerned, I'd call Magnum Research. My experience with their customer service has been excellent.

recoil and performance vs. BFR 45-70? Great channel, really want your input!

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Kruger187 - Thank you for the compliment, I really appreciate it. I've heard the full-power loads from Buffalo Bore and Underwood are comparable in recoil. For the performance, I think the .45-70 is doing similar or greater muzzle energy as the .500 S&W Magnum. I have also heard that the .45-70 BFR is one of the most accurate BFRs out there.

How did the Muzzle brake work for you? I am looking for a self defence grizzly gun for when I am fishng. In fact the last couple years they have seen some polar bears in the area. I am sure if it is controllable this would be the gun however I am looking at a 10MM just to be able to have 15 rounds available. What is your opinion?

@BaddFrogg777

Жыл бұрын

GLOCK 10MM Choose barrel length. Or add a barrel.

Could you do a video on hand loading?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

MikeyDo - Sure! Let me see if I can put something together next time I reload.

Is there any possibility of a longer-cased round that could be developed to utilize that long cylinder?

@bosstube9046

6 жыл бұрын

Kjames JRH they have the exact same size and weight revolver in 45-70 I've seen a few custom ones in crazy rounds like 458 Lott and I think 416 rugby

@kjamesjrh1993

6 жыл бұрын

Total insanity- i love it !

@Sherman62

6 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. It would be relatively easy to do in partnership with someone like Starline and it would be quite a coup for Magnum Research. I guess this video might point out the negative possibility though. Such a gun could really use effective porting and the most ergonomic grips.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Kjames JRH - There are some folks that have had the BFR chambere in .50 Alaskan by custom smiths. That is quite seriously risky, but I would be lying if I said I haven't looked into it. However, Magnum Research won't do it, and many smiths will not do it either.

im new to your channel, id like to see how you respond to your viewers. i want to see a comparison balistically between the 3030 bfr and the 500 bfr and which would you recommend? i want to pair a bfr with a lever action rifle or maybe a single shot so i have to decide on one caliber for both

@trijigon

6 жыл бұрын

six gun just google it lazy. Pair a 45-70 bfr with a marlin.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

hammer jockey - I don't currently have a way of getting a .30-30 BFR at this time. But I would definitely be willing to put a video together for something like that. That said, I have heard people talk about the .44 Magnum being comparable in a lever action to the .30-30 for deer hunting. Not sure if that helps, but if I get an opportunity to compare the two calibers in a BFR, I will.

The 8 shot Smith's won't chamber some of the hotter 357 loads but Ruger will.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

MikeyDo - I don't have much experience with the 8-shot .357 magnums from either, but I know the GP-100 is a tank! I love the feel of Smith & Wesson's 686, but if I wanted an 8-shot .357 magnum, I'd go for the Ruger Redhawk. That frame can really take a pummeling.

What loads have you been using that achieves that much kick? I have this same gun in an older model, and I've never had a recoil problem. Some loads I've tried have a sharp kick and will fatigue my palm after a few cylinders worth but nothing I've tried has even threatened to remove it from my grip. Have I simply never found the fun loads, or do I have a freakishly high grip strength?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

andre21198 - I shoot a lot of handloads. I have always stayed within my loading manuals, but I've experimented a lot with high-power loadings. I am currently dialing it back, and I have also since adjusted my grip.

Weigh it with ammo,i have a feeling that will be 4.7

I thought he scoffed at the .500 magnum? Part of the reason he got the .500 jrh right?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

dice kinet - Yup. You are 100% correct. I went for the .500 JRH because it's a more manageable, packable, and practical round. That said, I am prone to occasionally changing my mind. And also being a glutton for punishment. I got drawn into the idea of getting the .500 Magnum to see what it can do with those 300 grain Hornady FTX bullets at distance. So far, it has not disappointed. But perhaps I should have been a little less critical of the .500 Magnum as I am now having to eat my words.

@junichiroyamashita

4 жыл бұрын

@@GoBigBoreOrGoHome do you consider the 500 jrh to be a weaker round than what you expected? The idea of a BFR is seducing me but if i am to get one,i want it in the strongest handgun cartridge available,and some people have attribuited that title to the 500 S&W and some to the 500 Linebaugh.

the pushrod when reinstalling cylinder is awefully tough to get back in /// action should be open being sure all cylinders are not loaded when u showed rear sight to viewers

Dude, you really thought that gun manufacturers will tell you to shoot the hottest ammo you can find?

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Tabula Raza - Valid point. What was surprising is the folks at Smith & Wesson said that the Buffalo Bore ammo shouldn't be used because it is over SAAMI specs. A lot of it is in fact within SAAMI specs, so it should be okay to shoot. But the folks at MRI said any factory ammo was completely usable: Buffalo Bore, Underwood, Double Tap, anything. From what research I have been reading, the Smith & Wessons are said to have a stronger barrel than the BFRs but the BFRS are said to have a stronger frame than the Smith & Wessons. Hard to say for certain if this is 100% accurate, but it's just what I've been able to glean thus far.

I have the 10 inch BFR in 45/70. With Lever action level loads it easily matches the energy levels you talk about here with 3000ft/lb of energy. With ruger level loads it makes well over 3000ft/lbs of energy but does become fairly painful to shoot. My favourite load for big critters is a 550gr WFN at 1550fps. There's not much it will not end to end. The beauty of the BFR is the 3 inch long cylinder. You can run loads that would never fit in a saami spec 45/70 chamber with it's short throat. Here's a vid I did with a 300gr HP travelling at 2100fps. kzread.info/dash/bejne/gaen0rBpqtK5XbA.html

Bullet grain and velocity, although impressive, isn't always as equal to .45-70 grain and velocity, and certainly nowhere near as versatile and manageable as a well tuned Marlin with a 6 shot mag. Driving similar grain .45 cal slugs at or above similar velocities is going to achieve more effective penetration and less velocity loss over distance. I think big bore blasters like this are really cool. But anything past a well loaded .480 Ruger just isn't necessary in the world of handguns.

That grip wouldn't be for me. Rotation of the barrel and grip is not my idea of fun. I have the 4" and 8 3/8' S & W 500's Only experienced shooters should ever fire them with more than 1 round in the cylinder as their triggers both double and single action are very smooth. We don't need novices double tapping. First time shooters I always load only 1 round.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

C Kim - Well said. I've seen those double tap videos and it scares the crap out of me! This is why I made so much of the recoil. II'm hoping any novices will think carefully before opting to shoot one. If you can handle it, and know what to expect, it's not terrible. But for those who are not expecting what's coming, it can be downright dangerous.

@ipodhty

5 жыл бұрын

Well the gun is single action so double taps are not real a problem

Have this in the 460

Hey, 300 grain Underwood out of my Desert Eagle 10in barrel does like 1800fps and its way cooler and i have 10 mags , PS whoever stops shooting anything does not know balance

Shoulda gotten the bisley grip..... unless you have huge sweaty palms

I am sick and tired hearing this guy kept saying recoil, recoil and more recoil and the gun will rotate and come back at you. Single action handguns' grips are made so that during recoil the gun roll in your hand not snap at your hand. Therefore for the same caliber same gun weight same bullet same speed a single action revolver will be more comfortable to shoot than double action revolver. That is also why just about all single action revolver grip panels are smooth, not checkered. The Bisley style grips give the best smooth rotation. I don't see why he has gone through all that trouble sending his gun to a gunsmith to put on a Bisley style grip when Magnum Research new BFR's come with Bisley grip and white fault ivory grip panels. My new BFR 6.5" 454 Casull comes in Bisley grip. Recoil is totally manageable. You just need to know how to hold the gun, I suppose if you are a big bore guy and you don't know how to hold a single action correctly, then you better go home.

@mikelovin7

6 жыл бұрын

I agree, Go big bore and whine, then go home lol

@andym82376

5 жыл бұрын

That's exactly why I don't like big bore double action revolvers. They can't rotate and it just beats the hell out of your wrists. All of my single actions have nice smooth grips.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

Alex Vu - The point about recoil I'm trying to make is that, for the uninitiated, they will run the risk of not knowing what is coming and allow the barrel, or worse the whole frame, to plant itself in their forehead. Not everyone who watches these videos is an experienced shooter, and the noobs need to know what to expect. Also, while bisley grips and some plow handles are shaped to rotate, I'm not sure where you get the idea about most single action grips not being checkered to allow for this rotation. Never heard that from Max Prasac, Gary Reeder, Hamilton Bowen, John Taffin, David Bradshaw, or Jack Huntington. All of whom know way more about revolvers than you or I. Whether single action revolvers or double action revolvers are more comfortable is purely subjective. In the .454 Casull, I prefer the Ruger Super Redhawk, where you clearly are more of a fan of the BFR for that round. At the time I bought the BFR, the MRI wasn't offering the bisley grip they had when this video was uploaded. Also, to upgrade to the bisley grip with MRI was around $400 and it features white Micarta, not faux ivory. Having it custom fit to my hand with figured Turkish walnut was $420. Which would you choose? An extra $20 gets nicer looking grip panels and a better fit. As to your BFR having manageable recoil in .454 Casull, remember that you are generating around 37 ft-lbs. of free recoil with a 300 grain bullet travelling at 1,650 fps. Glad you can handle that. My .500 S&W Magnum BFR is generating around 57 ft-lbs of free recoil with a 440 grain bullet travelling at roughly the same speed (1,651 fps). That is a considerable amount more. The equivalent of a shooting your .454 Casull and a heavy recoiling .44 magnum at the same time. And yes, I did take the weight difference account when generating those numbers.

@GoBigBoreOrGoHome

5 жыл бұрын

@@mikelovin7 - See my response to Alex Vu.

@mikelovin7

5 жыл бұрын

@@GoBigBoreOrGoHome Why see your response? I have .500 S&W Magnum BFR so you're not telling me anything new here. I just don't whine about it when I shoot it, if I did, I would sell it and move on to something that didn't make me whine while shooting it. Simple as that.

Why not a rifle?, because a handhold revolver give you the real feeling!!!.

UN- packable. Yep.

Buy your self a 460