Hi everybody, new guy here,
I just sold a couple guns to finance another purchase,
I had a 480 years ago, and like a dummy, sold it, I have a 44 super blackhawk, so I want something a little bigger, like a 475, or a 500JRH,you know, something along those lines.
So, I was wondering about the bfr, and how those two calibers would shoot out of the same gun. Anybody know about these? thanks

Welcome to HHM!

Don't know anything about the BFR myself, but you'll find plenty of people here willing to lend you their knowledge and experience.

Thanks, I'd love to have some of those custom revolvers I seen you guys have.

I have one (45-70) and love it. They're accurate as can be. Shooting .480 or .475 I haven't heard or read of any drop offs in accuracy but a google search might clear that up. good luck!

Doc with a Glock has a few of them, he can fill you in.

branch,

Can't go wrong with a BFR! Have 9 of varying calibers from 22 Hornet to 444 Marlin. Had a 475L, a buddy wanted more than I and ended up with it for a bison hunt. Accuracy, quality, and durability are top notch. They are not Freedom Arms but neither is their cost.

Welcome to HHM.

Doc

I do see some Freedom Arms in 454 caliber, in my budget, but not sure if I want a 454, I hear they have a sharp kick to them compared to a 475.
Although I do reload, so I guess you could make them as hot as you can handle.

I have a 475 Linebaugh BFR and a FA 83 454 Casull. I think between the two, the 475 has the edge. If hunting is your intended purpose you really can not be let down by either revolver or caliber. Try to find them at a local gun shop and handle them both or better yet, find a friend that has them and shoot them first.

BFRs are great revolvers. No, they don't have the fit and finish of the FA but as Doc pointed out, they don't cost what an FA does either. That said, they are pretty much second to none on the accuracy front in my experience. Here is my first one in .500 JRH.



It delivered the goods as far as accuracy goes.

I have one too. It is in 500 JRH and I had the grip frame worked over by Jack Huntington. It is a great gun with a super smooth trigger. You will love it in whatever caliber you choose.

I have both calibers and if they're loaded to their potential, I can't tell that one is "sharper" over the other. Both can be unpleasant to shoot loaded to those levels. I honestly don't know how anyone can tell the difference in their recoil levels when loaded to those levels. I'm sure that "scientifically" one has more felt recoil than the other, but I'm not calibrated to tell the difference. That said, if you hand load, both can be loaded down to your comfort levels and in most cases, don't need to be run full potential.

I've been reading on this stuff along time, especially, your posts Whitworth, way back on the accurate reloading forums, when they were going strong, not as popular now for some reason. I didn't post alot, just read and learned all the posts back then.
Now I'm retired, so funds are limited, so it's like, lets get this last good one.
I wished I would have gotten the BFR 500jrh, before they took them out of there line up. I called them yesterday, and nearly jumped out of my chair when he said how much they were, nearly double from a couple years ago. The 475/480 is still reasonable.

branch,

I've got a new in the box, unfired 6" BFR in 50 AE with the extra 500 JRH cylinder. If interested PM me.

Doc

Oh you just had to go there didn't you ;-)

PM ed, you Doc

My 475 BFR is not an example of accuracy or quality

Did you send it back and have them correct it?

Feel free to expound upon that statement. Inquiring minds want to know ;-)

Indeed!

The gun is horribly inaccurate with all loads. It binds up when cocking the cylinder. It is out of time and yes it has been back to the factory. I refuse to sell it because I do not want to take the financial loss it would bring.

I routinely shoot 460 and 500 smiths without a problem. Also shoot 454 SRh and 480 sRH without problems. Not a fan of BFR

I'm sorry you got a bad one, but this is hardly the norm. I have had a lot of good experiences with Magnum Research's customer service and can't imagine that they won't make good considering the problems as you describe them. Have you asked them to replace it? What caliber is it if I may ask?

It is a 6 inch .475/480. The gun was made before Magnum Research was acquired. That seems to be a sticking point in getting it repaired. It has been back there for the accuracy issues and other issues. I contend that two of the chambers are bored out of center. Besides the inaccuracies it binds up when attempting to cock it. I cannot use it for hunting as it is unreliable. Finally the timing is off as I get misfires where the firing pin hits the edge of the primer. I would be thrilled beyond imagination if they would replace it.

Check your PMs.

Hey Whitworth! New around here, but I see some of you good folks at castboolits. Just curious, what barrel length is that 500jrh BFR in this picture? Looking to add one, and that one looks just about right! Thanks- Dan