BFR question

[Action_Can_Do]

I am considering buying a magnum research BFR. My question is can I order the gun from magnum research with any kind of barrel porting? And if not, just how expensive is it to have the gun ported? I have been looking at the BFR for a little while, and would love to get one, but the idea of a heavy kicking single action revolver is intimidating.

 

[Standing Wolf]

If you can't get it ported from the factory, visit http://www.magnaport.com

 

[P95Carry]

ACD, welcome - I have the BFR in 45-70 - and while it is quite a kicker, with (very 'warm') homeloads, it is well manageable IMO. Not actually as brutal as my SRH in .454 with hot loads.

AFAIK no factory option for porting but, Magnaport does some slick jobs on hand cannons. I believe porting on the SRH costs about $300 - where they take some barrel off and add a section as the compensator.

Frankly - I'd get the gun and try first. To a degree I'd say too - if you think you want porting then maybe you don't want a big thumper anyways!

 

[Jesse308]

P95Carry, is the BFR made by Magnum Research or imported by them. If they are not made by them who does? And does the small trigger guard hurt when firing with the recoil?

 

[P95Carry]

Jesse - I have the notion that Mag Research is not the actual maker per se - in as much as they don't if I recall do all the maching etc themselves - more like agents. I think that is what I found out.

Where the actual manufacture takes place I am not sure tho I do think the guns are ''home grown''! I'd really have to dig a bit to check and be sure. Why not contact Mag Research. Someone else here may have the exact answer too.

Sorry to be a bit vague!

 

[Boarhunter]

Like P95Carry, I too own a BFR in .45/70, and shoot/boar hunt with it fairly often. It is one of my favorite firearms (out of many) and not near as difficult to shoot (without porting) as you might imagine. Even with warm reloads (405 grain Remington jacketed soft points at about 1,350 fps), it is not at all bad to shoot. It does not have the quick, painful recoil of a scandium Smith magnum or a .500 Smith, but is almost more like the strong push of a black powder round. Get it and you will be pleased; and do not be surprised if you forego the porting as unnecessary once you have shot a few rounds down range.

Boarhunter

 

[XLMiguel]

I'd definitely shoot it before making any decisions about porting. It's a heavy gun (4 lbs+, IIRC) that soaks up the recoil pretty well. My buddy has one in .450 Marlin that I've shot a bit. It's definitely a 'thumper', but it really isn't what I'd call abusive, though I wouldn't want to shoot it all day long (nor could I afford to ). It's a fine gun.

 

[Jesse308]

Jesse - I have the notion that Mag Research is not the actual maker per se - in as much as they don't if I recall do all the maching etc themselves - more like agents. I think that is what I found out.

P95Carry, I didn't think they were the actual makers either. I was just curious because I know they import for IMI.

Also do you have a problem firing the BFR with the small trigger guard? I'm interested in getting the BFR in 30-30 but I'm still not too sure if the 30-30 would be a good choice out of the 10" barrel.

 

[moredes]

I'm with Boarhunter and P95Carry-- I, too, agree that even the fairly stout loads in the 45-70 BFR aren't 'discouraging'. I've got a lot of experience with 1911's. The 45-70 has a recoil that is much stiffer, but in no way do I find it intimidating. As someone said, it's more "pushy". The grip's contour, much like a Ruger SBH, allows the gun to 'roll up' in the hand, and doesn't jar me like the grips on even an S&W 29. I can't conceive of an N-frame (or something like it) in a caliber > .44Mag that would be as comfortable to shoot as a round frame like the BFR or SBH. I'd agree with them and also suggest you shoot the BFR several times before deciding on the need for porting.

 

[P95Carry]

Jesse - no the trigger guard has never been an issue for me, and I have largish hands.

As you getting to hear - the gun is really not a problem in recoil. There definitely is a more ''push'' tendency - compared with the rather abrupt ''kick'' from a hot .454. That said - the sucker sure is gonna move - vigorously! But the method for controlling that is easily aquired - no need for ''white knuckle'' hold, just firm and steady - then letting the gun rise and go freely. Mine and most ''cannons'' with RH twist tend to come up and left.

Can't really comment re 30-30 tho that dear ol' round is still much in use. I have to think of .223 in my Contender with 14" barrel - which is a great combination but not sure how well things would go with a bottleneck thru a revo. To be honest I had not even heard of that cal for the gun - but then once I decided on getting mine I only ever was set on the 45-70.

Of course another option could be to go the .454 route and then there should be the chance to use .45LC as well, tho forget whether they actually recommend an extra cyl. My .454 SRH doesn't.

 

[pezo]

I beleive I have heard a few times in the past that ruger makes the frames. I would double check this info though.