If you’ve been chasing a revolver that can handle the heaviest .475 Linebaugh loads without flinching, the Magnum Research BFR .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh 7.5-inch Stainless is your answer. This five-shot beast is built around a cut-rifled stainless barrel and a Bisley-style grip frame, purpose-designed to keep you on target when the hammer falls on a 400-grain bullet. It ships with a Weaver scope mount and adjustable rear sight, ready for serious hunting or silhouette work right out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Magnum Research |
|---|---|
| Model | BFR (Big Frame Revolver) |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and barrel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .480 Ruger and .475 Linebaugh cartridges |
| Finish | Satin stainless |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (approx., per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Cut-Rifled Stainless Barrel – Why it matters: Hand-lapped rifling delivers consistent accuracy with cast or jacketed bullets, essential for heavy .475 Linebaugh loads at 1,400+ fps.
- Bisley-Style Polymer Grips – Why it matters: The tall backstrap and palm swell spread recoil across your hand, letting you shoot hot loads all day without that sharp slap you get from standard plow-handle grips.
- Five-Shot Cylinder – Why it matters: Thicker cylinder walls mean higher pressure tolerance and a safety margin that matters when you’re loading near max in the .475 Linebaugh.
- Adjustable Rear Sight & Weaver Scope Mount – Why it matters: The factory rear blade gives you windage and elevation clicks, and the included mount lets you drop a red dot or scope for 100-yard deer or steel.
- Drilled & Tapped Frame – Why it matters: No gunsmith needed to mount optics or a chest holster rail; it’s ready for your favorite setup in minutes.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the collector who wants a true big-bore single action that can pull double duty at the range and in the field. If you’ve already got a .44 Mag and want something that hits harder—or you’re a Linebaugh fan who appreciates a production gun that doesn’t need a custom shop—this BFR is your ticket. It’s also for the handgun hunter who wants one revolver that shoots both .480 Ruger and .475 Linebaugh, saving you barrel swaps and ammo headaches.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Dual-chamber capability means you can run cheaper .480 Ruger for practice and switch to .475 Linebaugh for hunting, all in the same cylinder.
- Pro: The 7.5-inch barrel balances muzzle velocity with portability—I’ve carried one all day in a Simply Rugged chest rig without it dragging my belt down.
- Con: It’s heavy. At over 3 pounds unloaded, this isn’t a pocket gun. You’ll want a sturdy holster and a belt that can handle the weight.
Comparison
| Feature | Magnum Research BFR .480/.475 | Freedom Arms Model 83 .475 Linebaugh | Ruger Super Redhawk .480 Ruger |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1,574 | $2,895 | $1,399 |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 7.5 inches | 7.5 inches | 7.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs | 3.0 lbs | 3.3 lbs |
| Scope Mount Included | Yes, Weaver base | No (optional) | Yes, integral rings |
| Dual Caliber | Yes (.480 & .475) | No (.475 only) | No (.480 only) |
FAQ
Is the Magnum Research BFR suitable for hunting large game?
Absolutely. With .475 Linebaugh loads pushing 400-grain bullets at 1,400 fps, you’ve got enough energy for elk, moose, and bear at moderate ranges. The 7.5-inch barrel gives you the velocity to keep that bullet expanding. Just make sure you practice with the heavy recoil before you head into the field.
Can I shoot .480 Ruger in the .475 Linebaugh cylinder?
Yes, that’s the whole point of this BFR model. It’s chambered for both cartridges interchangeably. The .480 Ruger is slightly shorter and lower pressure, but it fits and fires safely in the same cylinder. Use .480 for plinking and .475 for hunting.
What kind of accuracy can I expect at 50 yards?
With good factory ammo or handloads, most shooters get 2–3 inch groups at 50 yards. The cut-rifled barrel and adjustable rear sight help you dial it in. I’ve seen guys with steady hands and a scope hold 1.5 inches at that distance.
Does the revolver come with a case or tools?
It ships in a padded hard case with the Weaver scope mount, a hex key for the mount screws, and a manual. No cleaning rod or ammo, but it’s ready to mount optics and hit the range.
Ready to Own This BFR?
This Magnum Research BFR .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh 7.5-inch Stainless is a rare find at this price—most big-bore single actions from Freedom Arms run twice as much. Grab it while it’s in stock, and you’ll have a revolver that can handle anything the backcountry throws at you.
✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✅ Ships 1-2 business days
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Last updated: April 2026




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