Magnum Research .500 S&W Revolver, Stainless Steel

Magnum Research .500 S&W Revolver in .500 S&W is the company’s flagship big‑bore single‑action revolver — built in the USA as a purpose‑designed magnum platform for shooters who want maximum handgun power. The Long Cylinder configuration (available with a 10″ cut‑rifled barrel) delivers exceptional muzzle velocity and accuracy with both lead and jacketed bullets. If you’re searching for “BFR .500 S&W for sale,” “best big‑bore revolver,” or “handgun hunting .500 S&W,” this product page covers the features, use cases, and critical safety notes buyers need to know.

Why buyers choose the BFR .500 S&W

• Big‑bore capability: The .500 S&W is one of the most powerful production handgun cartridges — suitable for large game hunting, handgun‑based fieldwork, or collectors who want flagship magnum performance.
• Purpose‑built design: The BFR is engineered from the ground up as a big‑bore revolver — full stainless construction, cut‑rifled barrels, and beefy frame geometry for long service life and consistent accuracy.
• Accuracy & versatility: Cut rifling and long barrels (10″ on Long Cylinder models) produce excellent accuracy with heavy bullets; shipped with a Weaver‑style scope mount for optics use.
• Multiple calibers & frame choices: The BFR family supports many calibers and two frame sizes — choose the configuration that fits your hunting, range, or collection needs.

Key features

• Action: Single action (BFR design)
• Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
• Barrel: Long Cylinder option — 10″ cut‑rifled barrel (other lengths/calibers available)
• Finish: Brushed stainless steel construction
• Sights: Factory fixed front / rear adjustable (black)
• Capacity: 5 rounds (standard)
• Grips: Supplied with rubber grips (standard)
• Accessories: Shipped with MRI Weaver‑style scope mount (drilled & tapped; screws included)

Important reloader safety notice (read before reloading .500 S&W)

Critical — Primer pocket types and primer selection: Commercial ammunition and brass for .500 S&W may be produced with either large pistol primer pockets or rifle primer pockets. Cor®Bon has produced .500 S&W brass with a trailing “R” in its headstamp to denote rifle‑primer brass. Starline and other makers may also supply mixed headstamp types. Do not load rifle primers in brass intended for large pistol primers. Rifle primers seated in large‑pistol pockets (or vice versa) change ignition timing and primer seating geometry and can greatly increase the risk of simultaneous ignition or catastrophic failure in a revolver. Always:

• Check the headstamp and primer pocket depth of the brass before reloading.
• Use only the primer type the brass is manufactured for (large pistol vs rifle).
• If unsure, discard questionable brass or consult the brass manufacturer.
• Note: Hornady commercial .500 S&W product uses large pistol primers; avoid substituting rifle primers into Hornady headstamped brass.

Also note: using reloaded ammunition in Magnum Research firearms voids the factory warranty. When in doubt about reloading for high‑pressure magnum cartridges, consult an experienced reloader or professional gunsmith.

Typical applications

• Handgun hunting: Taking medium to very large game (where legal) with heavy‑for‑caliber bullets and appropriate shot placement.
• Big‑bore target & long‑range handgun shooting: Use the Long Cylinder 10″ barrel and optics for precision on heavy bullets at extended handgun distances.
• Collection & display: Premium big‑bore revolvers like the BFR are popular with collectors who value American craftsmanship and mechanical presence.

BFR Long Cylinder model highlights & specs (summary)

Spec	Typical Long Cylinder .500 S&W Configuration
Model family	BFR (Big Frame Revolver)
Caliber	.500 S&W Magnum
Barrel Length (Long Cylinder)	10.00″
Rifling	Cut rifled (match grade)
Overall Length	Approx. 17.5″ (model dependent)
Weight	Approx. 4.7–5.3 lbs (model and barrel length dependent)
Capacity	5 rounds
Height	Approx. 6″
Slide / Frame Width	Approx. 1.75″
Sights	Factory black fixed front / rear adjustable
Finish	Brushed stainless steel
Included	Rubber grips, Weaver‑style scope mount (drilled & tapped), installation screws

Reloading & ammunition guidance

• Prefer high‑quality, reputable commercial ammunition for hunting or defense roles; heavy jacketed or monolithic bullets are common for .500 S&W applications.
• If you reload, verify primer pocket type, follow published load data for the .500 S&W, and work up loads incrementally while watching for pressure signs.
• Do not mix rifle‑primer and large‑pistol‑primer components; primer pocket identification and headstamp reading are essential safety steps.
• Because the .500 S&W generates very high pressures, ensure your brass and components are specified and rated for magnum use.

Maintenance & long‑term care

• Keep the bore and chambers clean and free of corrosive residues; use solvents and brushes rated for large bores.
• Inspect the forcing cone, cylinder throats, and extractor for signs of wear or erosion after heavy use.
• Lubricate hinge, yoke, and moving surfaces per the owner’s manual and store the revolver in a dry environment.
• Have the revolver periodically inspected by a qualified gunsmith, especially after shooting heavy magnum loads or if you notice pressure signs or excessive wear.

Buyer FAQs

• Q: Is the BFR .500 S&W suitable for hunting?
  A: Yes — with proper bullets and shot placement the .500 S&W and a 10″ BFR are used for big‑game handgun hunting. Verify local hunting laws first.
• Q: What is the recoil like?
  A: Expect strong, heavy recoil and significant muzzle blast. Use a stable two‑handed grip and invest time in recoil management training.
• Q: Can I mount optics?
  A: Yes — Long Cylinder BFRs ship with a Weaver‑style scope mount and are drilled & tapped for installation.
• Q: Are there other calibers available in BFR?
  A: Yes — the BFR family includes many calibers (examples: .30‑30, .444 Marlin, .45/70, .460 S&W, and more). Choose the frame and caliber combination for your intended use.

Safety & legal reminders

Always follow firearm safety fundamentals: treat every firearm as loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond. Verify federal, state, and local laws regarding ownership, transport, hunting, and use of large‑bore revolvers before purchase.

Final thoughts & call to action

The Magnum Research .500 S&W Revolver is a purpose‑built, American‑made big‑bore revolver for serious shooters who want the ultimate in handgun power and accuracy