My new hunting handgun

I was in need of a single action to go with my double action in 44 Rem Mag.

At first I was considering going with a Ruger Super Blackhawk. I've always have been a fan of Ruger. But after reading some of the posts and threads I decided to check out Magnum Research BFR and Freedom Arms.

Freedom Arms was outside my budget, so it was between Ruger and MRI. It was a lot of back and forth. Then it became more of what's in stock and availability and delivery. So for the last two weeks I've been chasing down the MRI BFR, finally finding one at a little gun 98 miles from home.

Well here is my new hunting revolver, the Magnum Research Industries BFR with 5 inch barrel in 44RM.

While I was at it I got a sweet!! deal on a new(?) never fired TC 50 cal Hawkens BP rifle. And reluctantly, tore myself away from buying an 1871 BP falling block 50-70.

What decided you in favor of the BFR?
I've been thinking that a RugerBisley would be hard to beat, if I ever get anything along those lines.

Very nice. Your biggest danger is that they can be addictive.

Beautiful revolver,
I have 2 single action 44's but both are old interarms virginian dragoons and both have minor issues.

A fine pistole!

I like it @Ridge Runner !

Congrats on the new handgun. My .475 Linebaugh is a BFR and I am impressed. Is it of the quality of a Freedom Arms? No, but then again it costs half as much. Additionally, I find it’s quality to be superior to Ruger’s of which I have considerable experience with.
Enjoy your new wheel gun.

perttime said:

What decided you in favor of the BFR?
I've been thinking that a RugerBisley would be hard to beat, if I ever get anything along those lines.

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Short version:

I shoot A LOT!!!....The BFR is or seems to be the better (stronger) buildt,...when comparing Ruger and the BFR....More affordable....when comparing FA and BFR.

Shorter Long Version:

I like Rugers.....I would prefer 6 shots or five, when hunting....more in the gun less in my pocket....

When the hammer is in the full cock position the Ruger cylinder has A Lot more "play" than the BFR.

GRIPS: I much prefer the Ruger standard "cowboy" slender grips as opposed to the S&W large frame style grips on the BFR.

HOWEVER, the large rubber standard grips of the BFRs are comfortable.

On another note: I, Me, Personally, don't care for the Bisley style grips.

There are a variety of Pros and Cons: some quality, some cosmetic, some personal/ personality, and economics:

I couldn't, locally, find a Freedom Arms revolver in stock....when quoted a price to have one shipped....Never Mind!....

The BFR is about $300-400 dollars more than a Ruger, in my area. Again I Shoot A Lot....The Ruger lacks "tightness"...thus Personally, I don't think the Ruger will hold up to all the shooting I do, or the hunting loads I use.

SO, If you only shoot 1000 or less rounds a year, a Ruger is fine. But, If you intend to shoot heavy reloads, more than 1000 rounds per year, I recommend a better quality firearm.

A bit further:

Iron adjustable sights, or "cowboy" sights??? Pros and Cons: I prefer adjustable...Ruger?-BFR?...There isn't a real comparison, as much as personal preference. Same goes for barrel length...IT'S MY opinion back up hunting handguns should have short barrels (4-6 1/2 inch).....and...primarily hunting handguns have a longer barrel (7-1/2 + inch) is needed.

meigsbucks said:

Congrats on the new handgun. My .475 Linebaugh is a BFR and I am impressed. Is it of the quality of a Freedom Arms? No, but then again it costs half as much. Additionally, I find it’s quality to be superior to Ruger’s of which I have considerable experience with.
Enjoy your new wheel gun.

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After looking at the ballistics of the 475 Linebaugh / 480.....had I been able to handle and compare ....I may (may) have gone with the Linebaugh.

It will have to be some awesome handgun with some awesome ballistics to get me away from the 44 Rem Mag in a hunting handgun.

The 454, 475, 480, 45-70, etc just don't "trip my trigger" as a better caliber. Bigger yes, better... well it's personal opinions....

Hunter4752001 said:

Very nice. Your biggest danger is that they can be addictive.

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I am an addict when it comes to firearms....I have to restrain myself...haven't had the need for a straight jacket ...YET.......

When one is into period correct/ reenactment......hunting in North America...Africa...Europe.....South America...be it small game, big game, waterfowl, upland birds, varmints, etc....into shooting sports and friendly competition shooting...and just plain likes to shoot.....and the artistry of custom gun makers.....

It's a matter of: NEED, WHY BUDGET ...........and just because I want it!..........

Years ago (1967) I bought a Ruger SuperBlackhawk for my dad. He fired it a few times and said he didn't care for it. On recoil the lower part of the trigger would hit his finger. I shot it and had no problem. Then a few years ago I had occasion to shoot a SBH identical to the one I got my dad. Sure enough, the same thing as happened to dad. I'd shoot it and somehow the trigger seemed to go forward to hit my finger. Has anyone had that experience? How does it happen?

The BFR is a fine revolver for sure. Had one in .480 Ruger for a couple years, shot lights out. Just had no need of a hunting handgun. I too liked the rubber grips they came with, soaked up recoil well. I hate the look of the new bent banana grip frame they sell now, just butt ugly! Guys say it handles well but it looks atrocious!

The calibers discussion reminds me that I have some old Guns&Ammo magazines with Ross Seyfried articles stashed somewhere. He'd discovered Hamilton Bowen's 5-shot Ruger Bisley conversions and had a 475 Linebaugh built as an ultimate dangerous game revolver. Worked well too. A bit later, he came to the conclusion that a 5-shot 45 Colt, with really long Wide Flat Nose bullets would be even more ultimate. I recall he went for the 45 Colt cases because those bullets, in 454 Casull, were too long to crimp properly and still fit in the Ruger.

Nice. You'll have to post a range report.

jtb

As soon as I get back home and the weather is cooperative I plan to get to the range for some shooting. I'll post target(s) and my shooting review of the BFR.

Beautiful and in my favorite caliber, though mine is a SBH. Still I killed a pile of whitetails with it. When loaded with the right bullet, the 44 mag is all that is needed for deer. Just as a suggestion, try the Keith, Lyman #429244 bullet sized +0.001" over cylinder throat diameter, accurate and probably the most lethal bullet I've ever shot a deer with.

Good gun, how is it working now?

I own both a Taurus .44 mag, a S&W Model 29, and a Super Blackhawk that has been mag-n-ported. To me the ported Super Blackhawk is the nicest to shoot. I like the way it rolls in my hand and does not slam my wrist like the others. I have shot many a thousands of rounds down the barrels of that Super B. Yes, barrels. Over 20 years ago I had to send it back to Ruger to have a new barrel put on it because I had shot the factory barrel out. It was the replacement barrel that I had ported. Shoots even sweeter now.

The Taurus is robust as all get out and the Smith is the most handsome of them all. But shooting comfort? Make mine a Super Black Hawk.

meigsbucks said:

Congrats on the new handgun. My .475 Linebaugh is a BFR and I am impressed. Is it of the quality of a Freedom Arms? No, but then again it costs half as much. Additionally, I find it’s quality to be superior to Ruger’s of which I have considerable experience with.
Enjoy your new wheel gun.

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What he said. My .475 is a BFR, I find it to be higher quality than my Bisley .44.
I had the bbl cut to the lettering , about 5 5/8" , by Wild West in Anchorage. They did a nice job with a target crown and only charged me $130! Of course that was a few years ago.

A pair of .44's...Love both but more confident with the Smith as backup in Ak...
But that Ruger is so purdy!!
The Smith is a Performance Center V Comp...Smooth as Silk