BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
#108091
05/06/2012 9:09 PM
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sixgunner454
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I've been tempted for the last few years about the BFR 500 S&W. I don't know much about the firearm itself of if it has a good lifespan if shot alot. I'd appreciate any posts to help me with this decision. Thanks!
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: sixgunner454]
#108097
05/06/2012 9:54 PM
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Whitworth
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REALLY big! Redefines the term large.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108098
05/06/2012 10:07 PM
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cfish2
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I have one in 45-70 and its a very well made gun. Stout defines it. t is also one of my most accurate wheel guns, heck most accurate guns in general.
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: cfish2]
#108107
05/06/2012 10:42 PM
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Whitworth
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I have one in 45-70 and its a very well made gun. Stout defines it. t is also one of my most accurate wheel guns, heck most accurate guns in general. I agree they are generally crazy accurate, and extremely strong!
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108109
05/06/2012 10:47 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Dave Tarbell
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I agree the bfr is a great gun,Ive got one in 475L and sure like it,shooting one in 500 S&w alot might be a job tho.
Dave Tarbell
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Dave Tarbell]
#108110
05/06/2012 10:53 PM
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Whitworth
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I agree the bfr is a great gun,Ive got one in 475L and sure like it,shooting one in 500 S&w alot might be a job tho. Dave, I have found that there is so much mass that even with really heavy loads, the BFR in .500 Smith isn't that bad to shoot.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: sixgunner454]
#108111
05/06/2012 11:01 PM
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Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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Great gun, except for the handle.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: s4s4u]
#108113
05/06/2012 11:11 PM
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Whitworth
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Great gun, except for the handle. No doubt!
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: sixgunner454]
#108125
05/07/2012 12:23 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,001
mikefrompa
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I have one in 454 and it is really accurate. Easily hit a whitetail at 100 yds. no problem. Very well made wheelgun. Everything is nice and tight. Fit and finish is very good.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: mikefrompa]
#108126
05/07/2012 12:51 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
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pro pro pro.... no cons!!! :-) I don't even own one, but want one!!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#108129
05/07/2012 1:13 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
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pro pro pro.... no cons!!! :-) I don't even own one, but want one!! Cons are: poor quality sights and plowhandle grip frame.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: KRal]
#108134
05/07/2012 1:44 AM
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Raptortrapper
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"Cons are: poor quality sights and plowhandle grip frame."
Okay, I'll give ya that. But the pros are that its big, its really big, and its cool! That should make up for the small, insignificant, teeny tiny cons shouldn't it??!! :-)
Last edited by raptortrapper; 05/07/2012 1:48 AM.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#108137
05/07/2012 1:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
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s4s4u
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That should make up for the small, insignificant, teeny tiny cons shouldn't it??!! :-) Shoot one in a BIG bore and then revisit that sentiment. The handle really sucks.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: sixgunner454]
#108144
05/07/2012 2:52 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
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Taking all of the above into consideration: problem easily solved by going with a Freedom Arms Model 83 in .500 Wyoming Express!!! (instead)
Just had to throw that in! Tongue in cheek but really does have some validity to it.
Expense is more, yeah; and recoil is more, yeah; but everything else is superior.
JMHO
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: s4s4u]
#108146
05/07/2012 3:03 AM
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Raptortrapper
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That should make up for the small, insignificant, teeny tiny cons shouldn't it??!! :-) Shoot one in a BIG bore and then revisit that sentiment. The handle really sucks. Well crap... Guess ya got me there.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#108164
05/07/2012 7:33 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
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wapitirod
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The only con I have about it is the cylinder length, I wish Magnum would make a mid length cylinder to handle the 500 and 460 S&W and maybe even add the 475 and 500 Max. The long cylinder is overkill for those two cartridges so you have alot of throat but they still shoot good. I had a 45-70 in 7.5" and it was very accurate and very strong. I was using 450 Marlin pressure loads which in the 45-70 will actually out perform the Marlin.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: wapitirod]
#108174
05/07/2012 1:01 PM
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Gary
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Kral is 100% on the mark with poor sights and grip frame to the point of being punishing to the shooter if you shoot full-house loads. It is a very accurate gun. I don't know why they don't fix the problems. Seems to me it would be very easy to solve. There are some cosmetic things I don't like too like the deeply cut barrel markings and the weird angle where the trigger guard area mates with the main frame. It looks like an afterthought - oh this thing needs a trigger, let's bolt one on.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Gary]
#108175
05/07/2012 1:14 PM
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Whitworth
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I too can't stand the cheap aluminum front sight. That said, for the price point, they are pretty good, however.....
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108177
05/07/2012 1:41 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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wtroper
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I do not own a BFR. However, I have fired one in 500 S&W. A friend, who lives in Ohio, owns one. He has had the trouble with his when firing full-house loads. It has been back to BFR twice. No solution. Finally, Dennis (SSK's employee) fixed it. My friend now saves the full-house loads for his encores. Shoots lighter loads in the BFR.
As with anything mechanical, not all are A-1.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: wtroper]
#108183
05/07/2012 2:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
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sixgunner454
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Doesn't anyone make replacement sights for them? Also, would it be possible to put a Ruger bisley gripframe on it? - Just thinkin'
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: sixgunner454]
#108190
05/07/2012 3:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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The Bisley grip frame is a real pain in the but to retrofit. There are solutions, though and the most logical (for me at least) is a modification that Jack Huntington performs, that extends the grip frame. It makes it more Bisley-esque, and it looks a world better. This is what I am having done to my BFR in .500 JRH. I will try to dig up a photo of one that has the estension work done to it.
Yes, the front sight can be changed.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108197
05/07/2012 4:08 PM
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tradmark
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my son has one in 454 casull and it's ridiculously accurate. bullstrong and just needs a trigger job. he actually prefers the handle and the way it recoils to my FA. i don't. i wouldn't hesitate to get one in 500 smith if that's what i wanted.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: tradmark]
#108198
05/07/2012 4:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
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sixgunner454
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Thanks alot for all your info.! It might take some time but, I think I'm going to start saving up for one.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: sixgunner454]
#108199
05/07/2012 6:07 PM
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Whitworth
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Okay, here is the stock BFR before the grip mods (and before the octagon barrel), and afterwords. It really changes the way they shoot and look (for the better as far as I am concerned).
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108210
05/07/2012 8:14 PM
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cfish2
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And letsot forget that when you run out of bullets, you can turn the gun around grip it by the warm barrel and club to death what ever comes your way. Did I mention their stout?
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: cfish2]
#108214
05/07/2012 8:57 PM
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Vance in AK.
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My opinion doesn't matter a bit on this, but I gotta say I think that with the long cylinder they are just plain ugly! With the shorter cylinder they are a sharp gun. Whit's .475 is a looker (even stock- no doubt more so with the mods.). I would like to try one some day in one of the Linebaugh calibers.
Vance in AK.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Vance in AK.]
#108216
05/07/2012 9:04 PM
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wapitirod
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The front sight can be changed out with aftermarket models.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Vance in AK.]
#108218
05/07/2012 9:27 PM
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s4s4u
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I think that with the long cylinder they are just plain ugly! x2
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: s4s4u]
#108221
05/07/2012 10:46 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
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KRal
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Whit, that mod on the grip looks kinda FA'ish. It does look much better and it's got to feel better.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: KRal]
#108227
05/07/2012 11:18 PM
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Whitworth
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Whit, that mod on the grip looks kinda FA'ish. It does look much better and it's got to feel better. It's the best $300.00 (this includes custom grips) you can spend on a BFR as far as I am concerned.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108235
05/08/2012 12:47 AM
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Joined: Jun 2008
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wheelguns
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Whit, that mod on the grip looks kinda FA'ish. It does look much better and it's got to feel better. It's the best $300.00 (this includes custom grips) you can spend on a BFR as far as I am concerned. Or just buy a FA'S. Sorry my experience with the BFR has not been the same as others. If the gun would have been accurate i could have over looked the fit and finish,the trigger,the grip,the sights,the bulk,but i digrees maybe i just got a lemon.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: wheelguns]
#108238
05/08/2012 1:00 AM
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Raptortrapper
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maybe i just got a lemon. I had the same thing happen with a Kimber .45 I bought. I had nothing but problems with it, so then everything else about the gun started to bother me too!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108249
05/08/2012 3:09 AM
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s4s4u
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Whit, that mod on the grip looks kinda FA'ish. It does look much better and it's got to feel better. It's the best $300.00 (this includes custom grips) you can spend on a BFR as far as I am concerned. If you gotta put a $300 fix on a $900 gun to make it shootable, I'd sooner have Rod "fix" an old Bisley ;-)
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: s4s4u]
#108263
05/08/2012 10:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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Whit, that mod on the grip looks kinda FA'ish. It does look much better and it's got to feel better. It's the best $300.00 (this includes custom grips) you can spend on a BFR as far as I am concerned. If you gotta put a $300 fix on a $900 gun to make it shootable, I'd sooner have Rod "fix" an old Bisley ;-) It'll cost you a lot more than $300.00 bucks to turn an old Bisley into a .475, or .500 Linebaugh or JRH. Hell, a good set of custom grips on any gun should run you around $300.00 alone. People either love or hate the BFR and they always (and unfairly) get compared to FAs, but for the money, they are very hard to beat and they are strong revolvers.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108268
05/08/2012 11:58 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,097
jwp475
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Grizzly Ammo used my BFR in 500 JRH to develop the factory loads that they produced. Mike told me that he was extremely impressed with the revolver. He also stated that it was one of the most accurate revolvers that he had ever shot and that includes FA's
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: Whitworth]
#108273
05/08/2012 1:18 PM
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s4s4u
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It'll cost you a lot more than $300.00 bucks to turn an old Bisley into a .475, or .500 Linebaugh or JRH. Thinkin' more like $300 gun and $900 worth of work, or so. In the end I would be more satisfied with the result, even if it costs a bit more. You will never see me drop 3 bills on a set of grips, Hogues are just fine ;-)
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: s4s4u]
#108275
05/08/2012 1:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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It'll cost you a lot more than $300.00 bucks to turn an old Bisley into a .475, or .500 Linebaugh or JRH. Thinkin' more like $300 gun and $900 worth of work, or so. In the end I would be more satisfied with the result, even if it costs a bit more. You will never see me drop 3 bills on a set of grips, Hogues are just fine ;-) Hard to find a Bisley for $300 any more (I'm always looking for deals).....but that's neither here nor there. We're actually comparing apples to oranges. Hogue makes only a handful of different grips for the Bisley and there is no guarantee they will fit your hand well. I cannot over-emphasize how a good set of custom grips, made for your hand, improve shootability -- particularly when dealing with a revolver that kicks hard (makes all the difference in the world). This is a topic for another thread, but custom grips are money well spent IMHO.
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: s4s4u]
#108277
05/08/2012 2:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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jwp475
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It'll cost you a lot more than $300.00 bucks to turn an old Bisley into a .475, or .500 Linebaugh or JRH. Thinkin' more like $300 gun and $900 worth of work, or so. In the end I would be more satisfied with the result, even if it costs a bit more. You will never see me drop 3 bills on a set of grips, Hogues are just fine ;-) If I could get frist class conversions done for that price then I'd take a dozen of them. A set of custom grips properly done and fits ones hand perfectly is worth every penny. When a grip fits ones hand perfectly felt recoil seems to be less
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: jwp475]
#108278
05/08/2012 2:18 PM
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cfish2
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The bisley I recently purchased on Gbroker and sent to Rod for my custom build, I picked it up for 350.00 and that included shipping.
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: BFR 500 S&W - Pros & Cons?
[Re: cfish2]
#108281
05/08/2012 2:51 PM
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Whitworth
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The bisley I recently purchased on Gbroker and sent to Rod for my custom build, I picked it up for 350.00 and that included shipping. You did well on that one. I see a lot more Blackhawks around that price point, but not so many Bisleys.
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