Magnum Research BFR .460 S&W Magnum 10″ 5‑Shot Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- 10-inch barrel delivers 1,850 fps velocity - 150 fps faster than 8-inch competitors
- Factory drilled and tapped with Weaver mount included - saves $150 in aftermarket costs
- Stainless steel construction withstands extreme weather - 50% more corrosion resistance than blued models
- 5-round cylinder capacity maximizes power while maintaining manageable size
Trade-offs
- 4.70-pound weight requires strong support hand - not suitable for extended off-hand shooting sessions
- Single-action only operation limits rapid follow-up shots compared to double-action revolvers
- 17.5-inch overall length demands specialized holsters - custom options start at $125
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Magnum Research BFR .460 S&W Magnum 10″ 5-Shot Stainless is a large-frame single-action revolver designed for maximum power and long-range handgun applications. Built with a 10-inch stainless steel barrel and five-round cylinder capacity, this American-made firearm delivers .460 S&W Magnum performance with traditional single-action operation. The revolver comes factory-drilled and tapped with a Weaver scope mount included, making it ready for optical sighting systems out of the box.
What is the Magnum Research BFR .460 S&W Magnum used for?
This BFR is purpose-built for big game hunting and long-range metallic silhouette shooting where maximum energy delivery matters. The 10-inch barrel provides 1,850 fps muzzle velocity with factory 200-grain loads, making it effective on game up to 200 yards when paired with optics. Compared to our Stevens 334 .308 Winchester rifle, the BFR offers handgun convenience with rifle-like ballistics in a more compact package.
How does the Magnum Research BFR compare to a Smith & Wesson Model 500?
The BFR outperforms the S&W Model 500 in barrel length and velocity gain, delivering approximately 150 fps more velocity from its 10-inch barrel versus the S&W's 8.38-inch standard configuration. Where the S&W excels is double-action capability and faster follow-up shots, while the BFR's single-action design provides superior trigger control for precision work. Both handle the same .460 S&W cartridge, but the BFR's longer sight radius makes it the better choice for target shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 4.70 pounds and measures 17.5 inches in overall length with a cylinder width of 1.75 inches. The 10-inch barrel contributes significantly to both the weight distribution and balance, making it feel surprisingly manageable despite the substantial power. At 4.70 pounds, it's nearly 2 pounds heavier than most duty pistols but balances well for off-hand shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This BFR is absolutely not for concealed carry or beginner shooters unfamiliar with heavy-recoiling firearms. The 4.70-pound weight and 17.5-inch length make it purely a hunting or range tool, while the .460 S&W Magnum recoil requires proper technique to manage effectively. If you're looking for a more versatile field gun, consider our Stevens 555 Sporting 20-gauge shotgun for lighter recoil and wider application.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, Weaver scope mount base, owner's manual, and factory test target showing 3-inch groups at 25 yards. Magnum Research ships these revolvers in a sturdy cardboard box with foam padding, though serious hunters will want to invest in a proper hard case for field transport. The scope mount installs in minutes using the pre-drilled and tapped holes in the frame.
Is the Magnum Research BFR worth it at $1,406.99?
At $1,406.99, this BFR delivers exceptional value for hunters needing maximum handgun power without custom gun prices. The included Weaver mount and factory drilling represent about $150 in aftermarket value alone, while the stainless construction ensures durability in harsh conditions. For specialized long-range handgunning, nothing at this price point matches the BFR's combination of power and precision features.
Key attributes
| upc | 761226037934 |
| manufacturer | Magnum Research |
| manufacturer part number | BFR460SW10 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Brushed |
| barrel length | 10" |
| caliber/gauge | .460 S&W Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 17.5 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.6 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 6.3 |
| sights | Rear Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .454 Casull ammunition?
- Yes, the BFR .460 S&W Magnum safely chambers and fires .454 Casull ammunition due to shared cartridge dimensions. You'll experience reduced recoil and approximately 300 fps lower velocity compared to full-power .460 loads. Always verify ammunition compatibility in your specific firearm before use.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on this revolver?
- The factory-installed Weaver rail accepts most red dot mounts including Burris Fastfire and Vortex Venom patterns. The mounting system uses 6-48 thread screws and requires no gunsmithing for installation. Allow 10-15 minutes for proper mounting and torque specification adherence.
- What is the barrel twist rate?
- Magnum Research uses a 1:20 twist rate in the 10-inch .460 S&W barrel, optimized for stabilizing heavy 240-300 grain bullets commonly used in hunting applications. This matches the twist rate used in most .460 S&W rifles for consistent performance across platforms.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days via FedEx or UPS ground service. All firearms ship within 24 hours of cleared payment and completed FFL verification. International shipments require additional 10-15 day processing for export compliance.
- Does the warranty cover scope mount installation?
- Magnum Research's lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects but excludes damage from aftermarket accessory installation. Professional installation by a qualified gunsmith is recommended to maintain warranty coverage. Ironclad Armory offers installation services for $45 with 24-hour turnaround.