Magnum Research BFR — .500 JRH, Short Cylinder, Stainless Steel

Magnum Research BFR .500 JRH

Magnum Research BFR (.500 JRH) puts a serious, rifle-derived cartridge into a purpose-built handgun package. Available in short-cylinder configurations with a 5.5″ or 7.5″ cut-rifled barrel, the BFR .500 JRH is designed for precision, hard-hitting performance, and durability. Manufactured in the USA with brushed stainless steel construction, stress-relieved and cut-rifled barrels, and drilled & tapped optics readiness, the BFR .500 JRH targets hunters, big-bore target shooters, and collectors searching for “handgun hunting .500 JRH,” “BFR .500 JRH for sale,” or “big-bore revolver stainless.”

Overview

The BFR (Big Frame Revolver) family is engineered from the ground up as magnum-capable revolvers. The .500 JRH short-cylinder models deliver a compact, powerful platform with match-grade barrels and a five-shot cylinder. The shorter frame options make the revolver more maneuverable in the field while retaining the heavy-duty lockup and accuracy enthusiasts expect from MRI’s big-frame designs. Each revolver ships with rubber ergonomic grips and a Weaver-style scope mount (drilled & tapped) so optics can be fitted quickly and securely.

Key features & buyer benefits

• Caliber: .500 JRH — a large-bore, high-energy cartridge suitable for heavy hunting and long-range handgun work when used with appropriate bullets and loads.
• Barrel options (short cylinder): 5.5″ (BFR500JRH5 / BFR500JRH5B) or 7.5″ (BFR500JRH7 / BFR500JRH7B) cut-rifled, stress-relieved barrels for excellent accuracy with both lead and jacketed projectiles.
• Construction: Brushed stainless steel frame and components for corrosion resistance and long service life.
• Capacity: 5 rounds — standard for BFR short-cylinder models.
• Action: Single-action revolver with crisp trigger pull and positive lockup for repeatable precision.
• Optics ready: Drilled & tapped for a Weaver-style scope mount (included) so you can fit optics for precision or hunting roles.
• Controls & ergonomics: Supplied with rubber ergonomic grips to help manage recoil and maintain control during follow-ups.

Models & basic specs

Model	Barrel	Overall Length	Weight (approx.)	Capacity
BFR500JRH5 (BFR500JRH5B)	5.5″	Approx. 11.75″	Approx. 3.25 lbs	5
BFR500JRH7 (BFR500JRH7B)	7.5″	Approx. 13.75″	Approx. 3.5 lbs	5

Performance & practical shooting notes

• The .500 JRH is a high-energy cartridge — expect significant recoil and muzzle blast; practice and proper technique are essential for safe and accurate shooting.
• The 7.5″ barrel increases muzzle velocity and sight radius versus the 5.5″ model, improving ballistic performance and long-range potential at the cost of slightly more overall length/weight.
• Use a solid two-handed grip, appropriate stance, and shoot progressively hotter loads only as you are comfortable and have verified the revolver’s function with those loads.
• Test several factory loads in your revolver to identify what feeds, groups, and manages recoil best for your intended use (hunting, target, or display).

Safety & reloading cautions

• Prefer reputable factory ammunition for hunting or field use. If you reload, follow published .500 JRH data from trusted sources and work up loads incrementally while watching for pressure signs.
• Inspect components (brass, primers, bullets) carefully and do not substitute primer types or exceed pressure data intended for handgun barrels.
• Using improperly loaded ammunition may cause catastrophic failure and will void manufacturer warranties. When in doubt, consult an experienced reloader or qualified gunsmith.

Maintenance & long-term care

• Clean the bore, forcing cone, and cylinder chambers after shooting; use brushes and solvents rated for the bore diameter.
• Inspect cylinder throats, extractor, and yoke for signs of wear or erosion after heavy use; have a qualified gunsmith evaluate any concerning signs.
• Lubricate moving parts per the owner’s manual and keep the revolver stored in a dry environment to protect the brushed stainless finish.
• Check scope-mount screws and re-torque after optics installation and periodically after shooting to maintain zero and mount integrity.

Common buyer questions — answered

• Q: Which barrel length should I choose?
  A: Choose 5.5″ for a more compact, maneuverable revolver; choose 7.5″ if you want higher muzzle velocity, a longer sight radius, and improved ballistic performance for hunting or longer-range shooting.
• Q: Is the .500 JRH suitable for hunting?
  A: Yes — when paired with appropriate bullets and ethical shot placement, the .500 JRH in a BFR can be used for handgun hunting. Always follow local hunting regulations and ensure you select suitable ammunition.
• Q: Can I mount optics?
  A: Yes — short-cylinder BFRs are drilled & tapped and ship with a Weaver-style scope mount so you can add optics rated for heavy recoil.

Specifications (summary)

Feature	Details
Model family	Magnum Research BFR — Short Cylinder (.500 JRH)
Caliber	.500 JRH
Barrel lengths	5.5″ (BFR500JRH5/BFR500JRH5B), 7.5″ (BFR500JRH7/BFR500JRH7B)
Rifling	Cut-rifled, stress-relieved
Capacity	5 rounds
Action	Single-action revolver
Finish	Brushed stainless steel
Sights	Factory black fixed front / rear adjustable; drilled & tapped for Weaver mount (included)
Included	Rubber grips, Weaver-style scope mount, installation screws
Trigger pull	Approx. 3–4 lbs (single action)
Notes	Weights and lengths are approximate. Specifications subject to change without notice; confirm exact configuration and availability with your dealer.

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 you are ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond. Verify federal, state, and local laws about ownership, transport, and hunting with handgun cartridges before purchase or use. If shipping is required, confirm FFL/transfer requirements with your dealer.

Final thoughts & call to action

The Magnum Research BFR .500 JRH (Short Cylinder) is a compact, high-power revolver for shooters who want rifle-class performance in a revolver package. Ideal for hunters, precision big-bore shooters, and collectors, the BFR .500 JRH pairs match-grade barrels with stainless durability and optics readiness. purchase.