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INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR MAGNUM’S BFR

Biggest Finest Revolver

STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER

* Shown with optional Hogue grip and Millett adjustable rear sight.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM
THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM WHEN ON LOAN OR WITH CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
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FIREARMS SAFETY
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Safety must be the first and constant consideration The person with a gun in his possession has a full-
of every person who handles firearms and time job; he cannot guess; he cannot forget. He
ammunition. must know how to use his firearm safely.

This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in

learning how to use and care for your revolver Do not use any firearm without having a complete
properly. Only when you are certain you fully understanding of its particular characteristics and
understand the Manual and can properly carry out safe use.
its instructions should you practice loading, unload-
ing, etc. with live ammunition.

If you have any doubts about your ability to

handle or use a particular type of gun safely, then
you should seek supervised instruction. Such instruc-
tion is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs,
or police departments. If none of these sources can
help you write to the National Rifle Association,
Washington, D.C. 20036 They will assist you.
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FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND
CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM

The mechanism of Magnum’s BFR differs transfer bar mechanism makes a “safety” notch
significantly from that of most single action unnecessary.
revolvers. The information and instructions which The gate (loading gate) can be opened
follow apply ONLY to the BFR model revolver. only when the hammer and trigger are
A careful reading of this manual will help you to fully forward. Opening the gate immobi-
understand the logic of the revolver’s mechanism lizes the trigger, hammer, and transfer bar.
and to make full use of the advantages which it When the gate is opened, the cylinder is unlatched
provides. and can be turned by the hand for loading or
Unlike the earlier single action revolvers that had ejection. When the gate is closed, the cylinder latch
four hammer positions, the BFR has only TWO: functions in the normal manner. The loading notch
cocked and all the way forward. is therefore unnecessary in the revolver’s design.
The revolvers mechanism incorporates a transfer
bar. The transfer bar, which is raised into firing posi-
tion as the trigger is pulled to the rear, transmits the
energy of the hammer blow to the firing pin. This

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AMMUNITION
*BFR 45/410CHOKE: Remove choke when
CALIBER/MODEL AMMUNITION firing .45 Long Colt bullets or .410 slugs. Chokes
.22 Hornet .22 Hornet are to be used only when firing shot shells.
.30/30 .30/30 Winchester
*BFR 45/70: We do not recommend the use
.444 Marlin .444 Marlin
of the PMC 405-grain lead flat point load (PMC
.45LC/410 .45 Colt/.410 Shotshells (up to 3")
part number 45-70 CA).
.450 Marlin .450 Marlin
.454 Casull .454 Casull *BFR 500S&W: If deciding to reload at your
.45/70 .45/70 Gov't own personal risk it is very critical that the
.480/.475 .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh correct primer is used. The use of a Magnum
.50AE .50AE primer in a standard primer pocket will result in
.500 S&W .500 S&W a very dangerous situation.

MAGNUM SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS

AMMUNITION RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR
INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN
CARTRIDGES NOTICE CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT
OF, THE USE IN BFR REVOLVERS OF
It is extremely dangerous to use a cartridge FAULTY, OR NON-STANDARD, OR
whose pressure is greater than that developed REMANUFACTURED OR HAND LOADED
by cartridges loaded to Industry standards. Even (RELOADED) AMMUNITION, OR OF
the strongest firearm can be damaged as a result CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR
of excessive pressure. WHICH THIS FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY
CHAMBERED.
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TO LOAD AND FIRE:

HANDLING NOTE: The loading gate cannot be opened unless the
CARRYING: hammer and trigger are fully forward.
The MAGNUM BFR may be carried with all chambers loaded. 1. Open the gate.
When the hammer and trigger are fully toward at the same 2. Turn the cylinder clockwise, by hand, and insert cartridges
time, the transfer bar is lowered out of firing position and the into chambers.
hammer rests directly on the frame, not on the firing pin. See 3. Close gate. The revolver is now in its normal carrying
Handling Warning. condition- hammer and trigger fully forward and transfer
bar lowered out of firing position.
4. The revolver is now ready to be fired. Keep the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction. To fire the revolver, the hammer
HANDLING WARNING must first be manually cocked and then the trigger must be
Do not load the revolver until you are ready to use it. NEVER squeezed. That sequence must take place to fire each shot.
CARRY ANY REVOLVER WITH THE HAMMER COCKED OR WITH WARNING: When cocking the hammer, have a firm hold on
THE TRIGGER HELD TO THE REAR. the grip with the shooting hand. DO NOT TOUCH THE
If the trigger is held to the rear, the gun can fire if the hammer TRIGGER WHILE COCKING THE HAMMER. TOUCH THE
strikes the transfer bar. Note that it need not be a deliberate TRIGGER ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FIRE.
effort to pull the trigger. Any situation where the trigger COCKING: With the fore portion of the thumb firmly on the
attains its rearward position and permits the transfer bar to be hammer spur, draw the hammer fully to the rear until it stops.
interposed between the hammer and the pin can cause the Then permit the hammer to move forward until the trigger
cartridge under the firing pin to discharge if the hammer falls engages in the hammer at full cock.
or is struck. FIRING: Once the hammer has been cocked, a light pressure
NEVER DROP OR STRIKE ANY REVOLVER- COCKED OR on the trigger will disengage the trigger from the hammer.
UNCOCKED- OR CARRY OR HANDLE A REVOLVER The hammer will fall forward and the revolver will fire.
IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE HAMMER WILL BE STRUCK. CAUTION: Recoil of any center fire caliber causes the muzzle
of the gun to flip upward with substantial force.
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FIRING WARNING DECOCKING (UNCOCKING)

When firing any revolver, be sure all persons are at a safe THE REVOLVER
distance to the rear of the shooter. When fired, all revolvers
discharge gas and particles through the clearance gap If the revolver is cocked and you wish to let the hammer
between the cylinder and rear of the barrel. When firing any down to its forward position (against the frame) proceed as
revolver always be certain that nothing (including your hands) follows:
is in the path of the hot gas and particles which discharge USE EXTREME CARE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO
from the front and sides of the cylinder. DECOCK THE REVOLVER AS THE THUMB SLIPPING
WHEN SHOOTING, ADEQUATE EYE PROTECTION IS DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCI-
ESSENTIAL. SHOOTERS AND BYSTANDERS MUST WEAR DENTAL DISCHARGE IF THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO
SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTION. EXPOSURE THE REAR.
TO SHOOTING NOISE CAN DAMAGE HEARING. 1. Point revolver in a safe direction and make sure both hands
are dry and not impeded in anyway.
TO UNLOAD OR EJECT 2. Grasp the revolver if right handed so that the thumb and
forefinger of your left hand are firmly holding the frame;
CARTRIDGE CASES forward of the trigger guard. Your left hand is in full control
1. If the hammer is cocked, it must be decocked. of the revolver.
2. Open the gate. 3. With your right thumb securely in control of the hammer
3. Turn cylinder clockwise by hand to align a chamber with squeeze the trigger only enough to permit the hammer to
the ejector rod. Push the ejector rod rearward using the “break free” of the trigger. IMMEDIATELY RELEASE
thumb-piece on the rod toward fired casing. Repeat until THE TRIGGER--SLOWLY PERMIT THE HAMMER TO
all chambers are empty. Do not eject unfired cartridges MOVE FULLY FORWARD. The trigger and hammer will
onto any surface where the cartridge primer might strike a move towards their rest positions.
solid object discharge.
4. Check all cylinder chambers to make sure all cartridges have
been removed. Close Gate.
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TO REMOVE CYLINDER SCOPE MOUNTING

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR REPLACE A 1. Remove rear sight.
LOADED CYLINDER. a. Drift out 1/16 inch pin.
1. Open gate (make sure hammer is not cocked). b. Loosen elevation screw until sight assembly comes off.
2. Unscrew cylinder-pin screw 4 turns and withdraw the *Be sure to remove slowly - there are two small springs
cylinder-pin. under the sight which can be easily lost.
3. Remove cylinder from loading gate side of frame. 2. Remove plug screws.
4. To replace cylinder simply reverse the above procedure. 3. Place scope base on the top of the frame. Screw holes will
Holding the gun with the barrel pointed away from you line up easily.
and in a safe direction, rotate the cylinder one-fourth turn 4. Place a drop of red loctite on each of the screws before
in a clockwise direction to ensure that the pawl is correctly installing to ensure the base will not loosen under recoil.
positioned on the cylinder ratchet. Cylinder pin should be 5. Tighten Screws.
replaced with no binding.
5. Be sure the set screw in the cylinder pin is FLUSH when SIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
installed. If NOT installed correctly revolver will not function
properly. 1. To raise point of impact, turn elevation screw on the rear
DRY-FIRING: THIS REVOLVER SHOULD NOT BE DRY FIRED. sight counterclockwise.
FANNING: NEVER fan the revolver. Fanning is an unsafe 2. To lower point of impact, turn elevation screw clockwise.
way to fire a gun and is abusive to the revolver’s mechanism. 3. To move point of impact to the right, turn windage screw
on the rear sight counterclockwise.
4. To move point of impact to the left, turn windage screw
clockwise.
NOTE: BARREL LENGTH, AMMUNITION, AND
PERSONAL GRIP CONTROL WILL AFFECT POINT
OF IMPACT.
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disassembly and reassembly operations be carried out with

LUBRICATION WARNING knowledge and care.

Firing a revolver with oil, grease, or any material even partially

obstructing the bore may result in damage to the revolver and
injury to the shooter and those nearby.
CARE AND CLEANING
DO NOT spray or apply lubricants directly on ammunition. If ALWAYS BE CERTAIN THE REVOLVER IS UNLOADED
the powder charge of a cartridge is affected by the lubricant, BEFORE CLEANING.
it may not be ignited but the energy from the primer may be The revolver’s internal mechanism can be lubricated without
sufficient to push the bullet into the bore where it may lodge. disassembly. A few drops of oil recommended as suitable for
Firing a subsequent bullet into the obstructed bore may firearms, applied periodically about the various frame open-
damage the revolver and cause injury to the shooter or those ings, will work its way into the mechanisms parts. The exterior
nearby. of the revolver should be cleaned with a solvent and wiped
USE LUBRICANTS PROPERLY. You are responsible for the with an oily patch, followed by a clean dry patch. DO NOT
proper care and maintenance of your firearm. APPLY EXCESS LUBRICATION.
To clean the revolver after firing, remove the cylinder and
clean the barrel from the muzzle by running a cleaning rod
DISASSEMBLY—REASSEMBLY with a solvent coated patch through the bore several times
WARNING until all metal foulings are removed. Then wipe the rod clean
and using a dry patch swab the bore until it is clean. Repeat
Never clean, lubricate, disassemble or work on a revolver above procedure for all chambers.
while it is loaded. Never install or remove a loaded cylinder. A
loaded cylinder can discharge if dropped or struck.
CAUTION: The user of a revolver should contact Magnum
Research Customer Service at 800-772-6168 BEFORE
attempting to take the gun apart. It is essential that the
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3. The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as laws of most States

CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL does not prohibit an individual from shipping a firearm
PISTOLS directly to the manufacturer for repair.
4. Enclose your name, address, daytime telephone number,
Firearms made of stainless steel are more resistant to corrosion serial number of the firearm and model. Describe the
than blued steel firearms. However, in the interest of proper trouble with the handgun and the work you wish to
operation and long life of your pistol, inspect it frequently, have done.
clean and lubricate and apply an appropriate rust preventative 5. WARNING: Before shipping any firearm, be certain it is
as required. unloaded !!!
Contact with some types of holsters can also cause stains or 6. Please do not send personal accessories, holsters, grips, ETC.
rusting. Rusting may also occur as a result of the handgun
being exposed to moisture, humidity, salt or chemicals.
Exposed surfaces on the firearm should be cleaned and wiped
ALTERATION WARNING
dry after exposure to adverse conditions. If a firearm is to be
MAGNUM RESEARCH WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
stored, coat with a light film of oil or preservative.
ALTERATION OF ANY PART OF THIS FIREARM AFTER IT LEAVES
OUR CONTROL, OR FOR ANY ADDITION OR SUBSTITUTION OF
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY PARTS OR ACCESSORIES. THIS PRODUCT WAS DESIGNED TO
FUNCTION PROPERLY IN ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION. ANY
FIREARMS: CHANGES MADE IN THIS PRODUCT ARE SPECIFICALLY CON-
Magnum firearms returned for repair should be sent to: TRARY TO OUR INSTRUCTIONS AND WE EXPRESSLY DO NOT
MAGNUM RESEARCH, Inc. AUTHORIZE ANY CHANGES TO BE MADE AFTER MANUFAC-
7110 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432 TURE. DO NOT JEOPARDIZE YOUR SAFETY BY MAKING MODI-
FICATIONS TO THIS FIREARM.
1. The complete revolver should be sent.
2. Revolvers must be sent prepaid. (COD not accepted.)
We also suggest insuring your package.
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TEN COMMANDMENTS OF
FIRE SAFETY
1. Don’t rely on your gun’s safety. Treat every gun as if it were loaded and ready to fire.

2. Don’t shoot unless absolutely sure of your target and what is beyond it.

3. Always be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions. Only carry ammunition of the proper size for the
gun you are using.

4. Never point your gun at anything you do not want to shoot. Watch your muzzle so the other person
doesn’t have to.

5. Never leave your gun unattended unless you unload it first.

6. Avoid alcoholic beverages both before and during shooting.

7. Never carry a loaded gun, when you climb a tree, cross a fence, jump a ditch or go through areas
where you are apt to slip or trip.

8. Never shoot at a hard, flat surface or the surface of water. Make sure you have a safe backstop.

9. Carry only empty guns, taken down or with the action open.

10. Store guns and ammunition separately; beyond the reach of children.
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Magnum Research, Inc.

7110 University Avenue NE • Minneapolis, MN 55432
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(763) 574-1868 • (763) 574-0109 • www.magnumresearch.com