S&W or Magnum Research BFR in 460 S&W?

[TargetTerror]

I plan on getting a revolver in 460 S&W in the near future. I thought that S&W was the only manufacturer in that cartridge, but then I discovered that Magnum Research also chambers there BFR revolver in 460.

http://www.magnumresearch.com/bfr_specs.asp

Does anyone have any experience with MRI? How does the fit/finish, balance, trigger, and durability/reliability compare to the Smiths? I've been very happy with my Smiths, but I want to make sure that I purchase the right gun (that the BFR is cheaper is also a plus, but not a deal maker by any means).

 

[batmann]

I would go with the S&W--better track record and probably better resale.
If you can go the $$$$, go with a Freedom Arms in .454.

 

[TargetTerror]

If you can go the $$$$, go with a Freedom Arms in .454.

I don't think even the Freedom Arms 454 would take too kindly to a 460 SW round

 

[Redhawk1]

I have the S&W PC model 460 Mag. It is a great gun. I also have a BFR in 500 Mag that I also love very much. It comes down to personal choice. I happen to like both. I also have a couple of the S&W 500 Mags. Get the one the you like the most, you won't go wrong with either choice. JMHO.

 

[357-8-times]

Biggest difference is:

BFR is SA with a side extractor
SW460 is DA with star extractor

I think the BFR looks alot better, but that is subjective.

I have dry fired both and they both feel great and crisp but are also noticably heavy.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I know someone who bought a BFR in .450 Marlin and is very happy with it. They are totally different guns like 357-8-times said above. It's hard to compare the two.

 

[General Geoff]

BFR is a range gun, the Smith is more practical for various reasons including swing out cylinder/star extractor and double action capability. The BFR has neither of these.

If you're going to get a BFR, get one in .45-70, as the round has about the same punch as .460, but with lower chamber pressures (less wear & tear on the gun).

 

[critter]

The General has it. I have a friend who has a BFR in 45-70. It is a well fitted and finely finished gun and the caliber is awsome! It is, however, a huge piece of artillery. He uses it for backup bear medicine.

His has a 10" barrel and is unbelievably accurate. Recoil is certainly present but surprisingly managable.

A really fun boomer!

 

[Redhawk1]

General Geoff, what do you mean range gun? I hunt with my BFR all the time, it sure is not just a range gun. I also own a S&W PC 460 Mag.
Sure most people know the differance between them both as far as double action and single action, but I will tell you, I can shoot my 500 Mag BFR just as fast as I can fire my double action S&W 460 and 500 Mags.

But I do like the 45-70 in the BFR also, I think that will be my next gun.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

But I do like the 45-70 in the BFR also, I think that will be my next gun.

Redhark1,
Before you buy a 45-70 take a look at one in .450 Marlin. If you really want a gun that will hunt anything that's the gun IMO.

This is from the Hornady Site:
45-70 Govt 325 gr 2050 fps - 3032 ft/lbs
.450 Marlin 325 gr 2225 fps - 3572 ft/lbs

 

[Redhawk1]

Those are factory loads, I don't use factory loads. I can reload my 45-70's to equal the 450 Marlin without having a belted case.

The only advantage for a 450 Marlin is factory loads are loaded hotter.
Also I have seen a 450 Marlin at the gun shop I go to and the owned sent the gun back 3 times because the cylinder was getting damage in the area where the belt sat from the 450 Marlin. So a 45-70 is the way to go in my opinion.


TargetTerror, if the 460 Mag is what you want, then stick with it, it is a great round in either gun.

 

[Big Boomer]

BFR or S&W

I own a 460 S&W PC 12" and now am purchasing a 500 mag but in the BFR. Although I like my Smith I just don't think they have it when it comes to HUGE POWERFUL rounds. The BFR is built like a tank.

Yes the Smith is DA but there is NO way you can get a double tap with that unless the second round is going to shoot geese at 40,000 ft up. The "star" extraction is "sometimes" quicker. Not if you have fired hot loads, or have previously fired 454 or 45 colt in it then fired the 460 rounds. They will stick to the point that you might have to pound them out with a dowel. Don't fire the shorter ones first!

Single action is easier to extract. In heavier loads I have gotten cylinder jump as well with the Smith. This is where it actually becomes unlocked and will pass the next round. So when you cock it again you will "skip" a round. I had read about this on the 500 but it shocked me to see it on the 460.

The BFR has a massive frame that I have seen take a full load of 500 mag and contain the cylinder with an obstructed barrel. The barrel blew out but the cylinder and top strap held that was insane!

Reloads are going to be a bit slower with the BFR, but IMHO looks better anyhow. The longer Cylinder of the BFR will allow you to play with the seating depths of large grain bullets allowing them to be seated out further, reducing pressure. In addition, some others like the 45/70 you can order a 450 marlin cylinder and shoot both!

I have had my frame replaced on the S&W I would not buy another S&W in 460 mag, I might consider one in 500 but the 460 the pressures are just way to high for the x frame. I feel that the BFR would be a much better choice for this round.

I will be picking up my 500 tomorrow in a 10". Not only do I like them better, but they are cheaper! I'm getting mine for $699. Much better than the $1100 I spent on my S&W.

I like the BFR's because they remind me so much of the Ruger's that I own and they too are renowned as being built extremely tough.

I'd love Ruger to come out with the 500 or the 460 but that is unlikely...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Those are factory loads, I don't use factory loads. I can reload my 45-70's to equal the 450 Marlin without having a belted case.

Redhawk1,
If you reload then I totally agree with you. Besides, if you are carrying a revolver chambered in 45-70 you can carry a Marlin Carbine chambered in the same caliber. Ya gota love big bore lever guns!!

 

[TargetTerror]

Thanks for all of the replies! There is more interest in big bore revolvers on this forum than I had thought.

For those of you who have shot both the Smiths and BFRs, how do the triggers compare? I really like the feel and let off of the Smiths.

Regardless of which gun I get in 460, I'm DEFINITELY getting a BFR on 45-70 at some point That is too awesome of a setup not too have.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For those of you who have shot both the Smiths and BFRs, how do the triggers compare? I really like the feel and let off of the Smiths.

TargetTerror,
Like said above, they 2 guns are totally different so it's very hard to compare triggers. A SA trigger by nature is a short crisp pull whereas DA triggers are heavier and longer than any SA. S&W are known for their great triggers but the newer revolvers can't compete with the old ones from 1980 and back. Both guns are different and both are good for what they are intended for. I think you might be happier with a S&W 460 from what you are posting but I'm sure you would like the BFR if you feel the need for a good SA hunting pistol.

 

[General Geoff]

General Geoff, what do you mean range gun? I hunt with my BFR all the time, it sure is not just a range gun.

I apologize; I am not a hunter nor am I interested in hunting, so that application sort of slipped my mind. But since you mentioned it, yes a BFR would make a great hunting pistol for big game.

 

[Redhawk1]

ArchAngelCD, the trigger on both of my guns are very crisp. I can't complain about either one of them.