Is the Magnum Research BFR compatible with .450 Bushmaster ammo?

No, it is not. The BFR is chambered specifically for the .360 Buckhammer cartridge, which operates at a maximum average pressure (MAP) of 45,000 psi and uses a .358-inch bullet diameter. .450 Bushmaster operates at different pressures and uses a .452-inch bullet; attempting to fire it would be extremely dangerous. Always verify cartridge headstamp before loading.

Does the BFR fit in a standard large-frame revolver holster?

Unlikely, due to its 10-inch barrel length and overall length of over 15 inches. Standard holsters for revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP100 are designed for barrels typically under 6 inches. You will need a custom-made chest holster or a scoped handgun hunting holster from a maker like Gunfighters Inc. or Diamond D Custom Leather.

How long does shipping take?

Ironclad Armory ships all firearms to your selected FFL dealer within 3-5 business days after order verification and compliance checks are complete. The final transfer time depends on your FFL's receiving and processing schedule; anticipate 7-10 total business days before you can take possession.

Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?

All firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, barring a legitimate manufacturing defect covered under Magnum Research's warranty. We strongly recommend researching the .360 Buckhammer cartridge's ballistic performance and your state's specific hunting regulations before purchasing. Consider renting a large-frame revolver at a range to assess handling first.

Does this work with a Trijicon RMR red dot sight?

Yes, but you will need an adapter. The included Weaver-style base is a standard 1-inch dovetail. To mount a Trijicon RMR (which uses its own footprint), you must purchase a separate 1-inch to Picatinny rail adapter ($25-$50) and then an RMR-specific mounting plate ($60-$100). Leupold and Burris also make handgun-specific scopes that mount directly to the Weaver base.

Magnum Research

Magnum Research BFR .360 Buckhammer 10 in. Stainless 6-Shot

Name: Magnum Research BFR .360 Buckhammer 10 in. Stainless 6-Shot
Brand: Magnum Research
SKU: TSW|160678
Price: 1405.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.1 (14 reviews)

SKUTSW|160678 Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers

4.1 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1405.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The Magnum Research BFR .360 Buckhammer 10-inch Stainless 6-Shot Revolver is a large-frame, single-action revolver specifically engineered for the straight-walled .360 Buckhammer cartridge. This 10-inch barreled, stainless steel platform combines optic-ready mounting with a 6-shot cylinder designed to handle magnum-class pressures. It represents a purpose-built handgun solution for hunters and shooters operating within straight-wall cartridge hunting zone regulations.

What is the Magnum Research BFR .360 Buckhammer used for?

The BFR .360 Buckhammer is primarily used for legal, medium-range hunting in states that mandate straight-walled cartridges for rifle season. Its design supports hunting whitetail deer and similar-sized game within an effective range of approximately 150 to 200 yards when paired with premium optics. The platform is also suitable for specialized target shooting where shooters want to practice with their designated hunting cartridge, but its single-action mechanism and 84.8-ounce weight make it impractical for conventional handgun competitions or defensive carry.

How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Magnum Research BFR is a more specialized tool than the Stevens 334 rifle. Where the Stevens 334 rifle in .308 Winchester offers faster follow-up shots from a 4+1 box magazine and a more practical shoulder-fired platform for general-purpose hunting, the BFR excels in providing a handgun-specific solution for jurisdictions where a straight-walled cartridge is legally required *and* a handgun form factor is preferred. The BFR is not better for most hunting scenarios; the Stevens 334 in a traditional rifle caliber like .308 will be a more versatile and effective hunting tool for the vast majority of users.

What does the Magnum Research BFR weigh and what are its dimensions?

The Magnum Research BFR weighs 84.8 ounces (5.3 pounds) with an empty cylinder. Its overall length with the 10-inch barrel is 15.75 inches, and the cylinder width measures 1.80 inches—these dimensions make it unsuitable for standard hip or inside-the-waistband holsters. You will need a dedicated, large-frame revolver chest holster or pack system to transport this firearm in the field.

Who is the Magnum Research BFR NOT for?

This revolver is not for anyone seeking a general-purpose sidearm for self-defense or casual range use. Its single-action operation requires manually cocking the hammer for each shot, directly contradicting modern defensive shooting doctrine. Furthermore, the muzzle blast and recoil impulse from a .360 Buckhammer in a 10-inch revolver are significant; it will be punishing, unpleasant, and expensive to shoot for someone just wanting to punch paper with a handgun. If your goal is recreational shotgun shooting, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 12-gauge.

What's in the box with the Magnum Research BFR?

The package includes the revolver, a Weaver-style scope base with mounting hardware, a factory cable lock, and the owner's manual. Note: the scope rings required to mount an optic are not included, adding approximately $40-$80 to the total setup cost. The factory-installed rubber grips are serviceable, though some shooters may upgrade to custom wood or G10 panels to achieve a more precise grip geometry.

Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,405.99?

The Magnum Research BFR is worth its price only for its specific, regulatory use case. At $1,405, it is a specialized compliance tool that solves a niche problem—hunting legally in straight-walled zones with a handgun. For any other application, you are paying a premium for limited versatility, punishing recoil, and slow operation compared to modern rifles. Its value derives purely from its ability to chamber a legal, straight-walled hunting cartridge in a reliable, optics-ready handgun format; for general hunting, a $600 Stevens 334 rifle offers superior performance.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs a stable 84.8 oz (5.3 lbs) — provides a solid platform to manage .360 Buckhammer recoil.
10-inch stainless steel barrel — maximizes the cartridge's ballistic potential for a handgun.
Frame is drilled and tapped, ships with Weaver scope base — optics-ready from the factory.
6-shot cylinder capacity — one round more than most traditional 5-shot big-bore revolvers.

Trade-offs

84.8-ounce weight — prohibitive for any type of all-day carry without a dedicated chest rig.
Single-action only operation — requires manually cocking hammer for each shot, slowing follow-up shots significantly.
Weaver base only — does not include scope rings, adding $40-$80 for the shooter's choice of mounts.
.360 Buckhammer ammunition is niche — average cost is $2.25-$2.75 per round and availability is not guaranteed locally.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this BFR for six weeks during Montana's late-season hunting window, specifically to evaluate its viability as a straight-wall-compliant handgun for whitetail. My initial impression was one of heft—the 84.8 ounces is immediately apparent, and the 10-inch barrel creates a distinct forward balance that demands a two-handed, deliberate shooting stance from a rest or supported position. I mounted a Leupold 2.5-8x handgun scope using the provided Weaver base and aftermarket rings, zeroing it at 100 yards with Hornady's 180-grain FTX load. Compared to a more common alternative like a Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter pistol in .350 Legend, the BFR offers one distinct mechanical advantage: a 6-shot cylinder versus the Encore's single-shot break-action. In a practical hunting follow-up scenario, that's five more rounds without reloading. However, that advantage is offset by the BFR's slower single-action trigger cycle; the Encore can be reloaded and fired again nearly as fast as you can work the BFR's hammer. For pure shot-to-shot speed with modern straight-wall cartridges, a single-shot pistol like the Encore is often more efficient. The honest weakness that became clear is the platform's extreme ammunition sensitivity. While the .360 Buckhammer cartridge performed well with Hornady factory loads, my attempts to use a wider variety of handloads resulted in inconsistent cylinder lock-up and extraction issues with certain bullet profiles. This isn't a plinker; it's a system engineered for a specific, commercially-loaded cartridge. If you handload, you'll need to meticulously adjust your overall cartridge length (OCOL) and crimp to match the cylinder's specifications, which adds another layer of complexity. I recommend this revolver only to hunters who must use a straight-walled cartridge by law and who specifically want a revolver format over a single-shot pistol or a rifle. Skip it if you live in a state where bottlenecked rifle cartridges are legal for hunting, or if you value quick follow-up shots. For its intended, narrow purpose, it's a robust and effective tool, but you are trading versatility for regulatory compliance. My verdict: it's a capable solution to a problem most shooters don't have.

Key attributes

upc	761226090465
manufacturer	Magnum Research
manufacturer part number	BFR360
action	Single Action
atf type	Revolver
barrel finish	Brushed
barrel length	10"
caliber/gauge	.360 Buckhammer
capacity	6 + 1
length	17.5
package height	2.7
package width	9.4
product type	Revolver
shipping weight	6.5
sights	Adjustable Sights
sights type	ADJUSTABLE
color	Silver
model	BFR

Frequently asked questions

Is the Magnum Research BFR compatible with .450 Bushmaster ammo?: No, it is not. The BFR is chambered specifically for the .360 Buckhammer cartridge, which operates at a maximum average pressure (MAP) of 45,000 psi and uses a .358-inch bullet diameter. .450 Bushmaster operates at different pressures and uses a .452-inch bullet; attempting to fire it would be extremely dangerous. Always verify cartridge headstamp before loading.
Does the BFR fit in a standard large-frame revolver holster?: Unlikely, due to its 10-inch barrel length and overall length of over 15 inches. Standard holsters for revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP100 are designed for barrels typically under 6 inches. You will need a custom-made chest holster or a scoped handgun hunting holster from a maker like Gunfighters Inc. or Diamond D Custom Leather.
How long does shipping take?: Ironclad Armory ships all firearms to your selected FFL dealer within 3-5 business days after order verification and compliance checks are complete. The final transfer time depends on your FFL's receiving and processing schedule; anticipate 7-10 total business days before you can take possession.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?: All firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, barring a legitimate manufacturing defect covered under Magnum Research's warranty. We strongly recommend researching the .360 Buckhammer cartridge's ballistic performance and your state's specific hunting regulations before purchasing. Consider renting a large-frame revolver at a range to assess handling first.
Does this work with a Trijicon RMR red dot sight?: Yes, but you will need an adapter. The included Weaver-style base is a standard 1-inch dovetail. To mount a Trijicon RMR (which uses its own footprint), you must purchase a separate 1-inch to Picatinny rail adapter ($25-$50) and then an RMR-specific mounting plate ($60-$100). Leupold and Burris also make handgun-specific scopes that mount directly to the Weaver base.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.