Big bore revolvers are useful for numerous things, but they do tend to be best for hunting. The Magnum Research BFR in 500 Linebaugh is a great example of a high-quality revolver that does it all (within reason). We put the gun through its paces at the range and on hunts so we could report back to you on its performance. Check out our thoughts on this seriously big bore gun and how it gets the job done in the fields and woods.
What’s the Magnum Research BFR?
The BFR lineup designed and manufactured by Magnum Research includes an extensive family of revolvers designed for various purposes. It’s worth mentioning that BFR stands for Biggest, Finest Revolver, and that the manufacturer makes good on that claim with incredible dedication to quality and design. For this review, we’re covering the 500 Linebaugh, but we can attest to the fact that there are other awesome revolvers in the BFR family that are well worth the trigger time.
What are the details of the BFR in 500 Linebaugh?
In its 500 Linebaugh chambering, the BFR is a pretty substantial gun. This model has a 7.5-inch barrel, giving the shooter enough length for improved ballistics and accuracy without making the gun too oversized. It’s a short-cylinder revolver and is designed to withstand the not-insignificant recoil of its caliber. Guns ship with a fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight, but if you don’t want irons, that can be easily remedied because this revolver is also drilled and tapped for Weaver mounts.
Bisley grips are used on the BFR in 500 Linebaugh to create a good grip angle for running this gun. The grips in question are ivory colored, lending the revolver a classic aesthetic. As for the frame and barrel, they’re stainless steel, as is the finish. This gun weighs 3.5 pounds, which isn’t as hefty as you might expect for a 500 Linebaugh, and it has a five-round capacity. That should be plenty, considering the on-target performance of this revolver and the fact you’re not likely to be using it for self-defense purposes.
Other features include an overall length of 13.75 inches, a counter-bored cylinder, and a pawl that allows the cylinder to be rotated both ways. Interestingly, this is also a single-action gun (you’ll find a lot of these big bores are either single-action/double-action or double-action-only). This revolver has a transfer bar safety. The frame is reinforced as needed to ensure reliable performance and durability.
How does the BFR in 500 Linebaugh shoot?
This is a gun that can be shot off-hand at length, unlike some magnum revolvers that are too bulky or somehow unwieldy for it. Thanks to the BFR in 500 Linebaugh being a single-action, the trigger is pleasant right out of the box. The trigger pull is smooth, the break is clean, and the re-set is relatively short. Yes, you’re going to feel that felt recoil and muzzle rise, but it isn’t so excessive that it’s a real issue.
Shooting the gun with Buffalo Bore 500 Linebaugh 400 grain JHP (jacketed hollow point) ammo and Grizzly Ammunition 500 Linebaugh 525 grain WFNGC (wide flat-nosed gas checked) resulted in reliable, consistent cycling. Of course felt recoil is a bit greater with the 525 grain loads, but not enormously so (in comparison). Both loads are accurate on target with the Buffalo Bore ammo producing tighter groups. For availability, Buffalo Bore is going to be your go-to ammo for this caliber.
Although I did run this revolver with iron sights, I also ran it with a Leupold optic. If you’re going to be hunting, it can be helpful to put a handgun optic on your gun, just make sure it’s one that can handle the recoil. Not all optics are created equally. With irons, it was and is still possible to make accurate hits on target out to 50 yards — with 25-yard groups being the best, unsurprisingly — but my eyes benefit quite a bit from adding optics to the mix. With an optic, shots became precise at closer distances and relatively accurate at 100 yards. Yes, longer shots are made shooting from a rest. This can be done from a bench using a sandbag but if you’re out hunting, you can use shooting sticks, the window edge of a blind, or even your backpack.
The Bisley grips on the gun make it comfortable to grip and help mitigate the noticeable felt recoil. One thing worth mentioning is the way the trigger guard is undercut. If you’re going to be shooting at length — which I’ve done — you might notice the shape of the underside of the trigger guard causes some issues with the way it impacts your finger. There’s no escaping the fact that this gun recoils. Even if you’re a bigger guy, you’re going to notice it. The solution I found was to throw on fingerless padded shooting gloves which protect that finger from the results of lengthy live fire with 500 Linebaugh. You might still feel it in your wrists and thumbs, but your finger will thank you.
Can you hunt with the BFR in 500 Linebaugh?
Not only can you hunt with the BFR in 500 Linebaugh, you should. This is an accurate gun that delivers fantastic energy transfer and creates a sizeable wound cavity. It’s effective on everything from pests like raccoons to game animals such as whitetail deer. Keep in mind that an up-close shot on something like deer could result in some meat loss, but the amount lost isn’t so enormous as to truly matter. The 500 Linebaugh is a round that drops game fast, and that’s a huge plus in favor of its use.
It’s important to spend time practicing with the revolver prior to hunting, and if you’re going to put an optic on it, it needs to be properly zeroed. Make sure you zero optics and practice with the same ammunition you intend to hunt with. As with all hunting, your goal should be to drop your target with a single, well-placed shot. The 500 Linebaugh will do the work if you simply provide the point of aim.
Should you get a 500 Linebaugh?
The Magnum Research BFR in 500 Linebaugh is a stellar revolver for shooters who are fans of big bores. It’s great for range use and hunting with the latter being its most likely focus. But if you just want a big bore to ring steel, this is a fantastic gun for that as well.
Magnum Research designs and manufactures the BFR according to strict tolerances with great attention to detail. This is the kind of revolver you can and will pass down to future generations. It’s one you can handload for or pick up factory loads to shoot. Optics and irons are both options. No, it’s not a carry gun, but everything in your collection doesn’t need to be used for carry. This is a beautifully constructed revolver capable of impressive accuracy. It’s both useful and a conversation piece. You can take deer with it to fill your freezer with venison and also use it for the satisfaction of ringing steel at 100 yards. Whatever you want a big bore to do, the BFR in 500 Linebaugh will do it, and with style. We absolutely recommend this gun as the next addition to your collection.
