Magnum Research revolver quality

They're actually closer to FA than Ruger. They're based on the Ruger with the same "bolt pattern" to the cylinder but with a larger outer diameter and beefier frame. Going to be an awful lot of gun for the .357 though.

Get the ruger, you will never regret it.

I would do the Magnum Research if they made something in a configuration that you liked and couldn't get in Ruger (50JRH for example). Or, if you simply wanted something different.

I do not have a MR yet but will get one someday, especially if they made a smaller frame for the 44SPC.

Best to compare the weights of BFR vs Ruger before purchasing.

-Stan

Ruger’s, Pine Tree Casting makes the frames for the BFR

Way too heavy for a .357.

Like both very much but in 357 go ruger.

I have to agree with others, that is a really large revolver for anything short of a big bore. If you have never held one they are almost comically large revolvers. As for quality, they are certainly well built, I can't imagine ever hurting one even with my .475 Linebaugh loads but I think the workmanship/finish of my two Ruger Super Blackhawks is better.

I looked into a BFR in 45 Colt because I really wanted the Keith-style base pin latch.

Then I compared the weight to a Blackhawk and made other plans as the BFR was just too heavy.

-Stan

I think it would be a good range gun but for me….again just for me, I would enjoy the Ruger more. A Blackhawk is a perfect .357 single action platform in my opinion, a tad bit over built for the round, well balanced and will handle the recoil very well.

A couple of things I do not like about the BFR and most will disagree with me on this one is the free spinning cylinder, the reverse pawl on those things just bothers me and the other is the obnoxiously stiff loading gate that does not have a positive engagement when you open and close it like most SA revolvers have.

It's nice the bfr cylinder spins both ways when the gate is open.

Mn Fats said:

A lot of folks speaking of size.

It would be a range only gun so I'm wondering if it matters, may even be more comfortable shooting but "comically large" doesn't sound very appealing.

Click to expand...

As an example, 7.5” barreled BFR in 44 Magnum is 3.86lbs and a 7.5” barreled Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 Magnum is 3.0lbs.

I suspect the difference in weight will be even more in 357 Magnum as less steel is removed from the base gun during manufacture.

For the price of a BFR you could likely get a Blackhawk from Tyler Gun Works made however you want it.

-Stan

Troy, yeh I can certainly see it being useful if you had a bullet jump crimp and lock up the cylinder. It would help make for an easy fix.

I don't own a 357 BFR, however have shot one a number of times. Liked the grip, better than stock Blackhawk. Some have commented about the size - it is large, comfortably so. That would not be a limiting factor for me. The sights were good for my aging eyes, better than Ruger. If I wanted a 357 revolver for hunting, would seriously consider the BFR.

Targa said:

Troy, yeh I can certainly see it being useful if you had a bullet jump crimp and lock up the cylinder. It would help make for an easy fix.

Click to expand...

I started shooting the bfr really young when my dad had the first 45-70 and 500s&w came out I was about 10-11 dad made lighter loads. If for me was easier to load and more so unload then the rugers, and I had some time on the rugers before the bfr's came along. Was shooting full power loads before I was 13. Both are great guns.

I’m gonna echo the others here. A MR revolver is just too bulky for a 357. I would only really consider their long cylinder thumpers. 357 Herrett or 35 Remington being the ultimate goal for me. I would absolutely buy a nice 30-30 though if the configuration was right.

But I’m weird. I have a 16” 357 single action that I love.

Here is a Ruger NM 44 special Blackhawk 4 5/8” Bisley and a BFR 500 Linebaugh 5” Bisley side by side.

I considered a BFR in 350 legend. I have zero experience with the BFR but I've always wanted one. I'm not thirsty for big recoil so the 350 legend looked appealing.

I also think Ruger makes a fine single action.

Jonesy814 said:

Ruger’s, Pine Tree Casting makes the frames for the BFR

Click to expand...

They cast them but they are machined in Jenkins MN. and finished in Pillager MN.
My nephew works at Pequot Tool and I got a tour, watching them being done.

Think of them as a Ruger on steroids. They started in the same place, the BFR is just more "swole".

Mn Fats said:

35 Remington would be a fun one.

Click to expand...

Before rona I was thinking 35rem in the bfr would be very nice, I live 20 minutes from khar arms believe the khar semi autos are made there, next door is there store they have there called Tommy gun. One day one of the owners was there and I mentioned a bfr in 35 would be nice, he seemed interested but with Rona going on in sure they other things to worry about. I think it would be better then the 30-30.