big bores...

[Joe S.]

Ok,
So now I have a hankerin for a big bore… I been lookin at BFR’s. I think I want to get a 454 casull or a 475 linbaugh. i think i want a 5.5-6.5" barrel length as well...

Not sure yet, gotta save my pennies. However, I may try to get a Ruger and have it converted, or buy one that has already been converted, but I don’t have one at this time to give the treatment to, so it maybe that I can come out better buying the BFR?

Anyway, I am leaning towards the 454 because the ammo will be cheaper to make (I think). However, after shooting a buddy’s 475 BFR, I am in love and may want to do that instead…

What are yall’s opinions of each caliber, and what would be my best bet gun wise? I like Freedom Arms manufacturing process as described on their website, but I am wondering if they are worth THAT MUCH more???

 

[44ruger]

First: There is just nothing like firing a big bore. I tried several calibers in my younger years and the 44mag has always been my favorite. I've been shooting semi-autos for years but return to the big bore revolvers from time to time. Right now i am right in the middle of that return once again. I started to shoot he 454 back about 10years ago. With the job and grand kids just didnt have the time to fool with it much. Bought 500 pieces of star-line brass 9years ago and 500 bullets and am now just loading them.
Been shooting the 44mags and 454 on several occassions here lately. Just love the 44. Ruger's in 44 as well as 1 smith and wesson.
I have the 454 in a Freedom Arms. I like quality. Cant afford as much of it as i would like to but i do have this one. I believe it is 6" barrell. I had one with , i think 9", and just did not like it. I really do love shooting this FA. It is a very good quality revolver. It shoots well. I cant tell you how accurate it is, because i just have not had enough time on the range to get settled down with it. Just trying to get to where i can manage the recoil. I am no expert but if you have been looking, all the ratings say this is probably one of the best you can buy. I would prefer to buy this one than to go thru all the wait of having one built. I would love to have something Hamilton Bowen built, but at my age, it will probably never happen. Just dont have the time to shoot what i have, so even if i had a custom one built, my time to enjoy it would be limited.
I think if i were you and looking for a big bore, i would choose the 454. I would buy the FA. I would look for a used one. One more option, or two, is the fact that you can buy extra cylinders for the 45 to be able to shoot 45colt and also to shoot 45ACP. I get the big bore, and the 45colt and 45ACP sort of like going backwards. But it give you the opportunity to handle the revolver, have the same feel, same trigger and all and then jump up to big. You can also just down load the 454 for practice. Lots of options.
Another option would be just in the short term is to buy a ruger in 44mag. Just nothing like the 44. Great calibre.
In the 454, i would definitely buy. Of course you have your options of a double action in 454, and 44mag, or a single action.
Have fun and good luck with your decision.

 

[Olsherm]

45 colt is a pretty "big" bore.LOL .450 I like having fun.Just load up the old 45 and you will think you have a "big bore"!

 

[JimP]

I wanted a FA and feel that they are really top of the line. They are known for their 454 Casul so I bought one with 7 1/2" octagonal barrel and .45 Colt and .45 ACP cylinders. For now, I have only shot 45 Colts and 45 ACPs with it. It is a Gorgeous work of art and shoots dead on.
In the meantime I am going to buy a Ruger 44 magnum very soon. I like the Super Blackhawks, Bisley, Hunter, lots of choices!

best,

JimP

 

[Joe S.]

I have a 5" 44 mag super blackhawk and love it. I got a chance to shoot that 475 BFR and have been wanting more. Ha.

Not sure i can afford it when the time comes but gonna try to get it together.

But cant you shoot 45 long colt thru the 454 cylinder??

 

[toroflow]

To convert a Ruger to a larger caliber is $1500 minimum. I had wanted a .480 single action and thought of converting a Blackhawk to .480 and was quoted $1695 to start with (basic caliber conversion). Then I thought to myself, why not just buy a BFR in .475 (will also shoot .480s) for under $1,000 and be done with it. Actually, if you watch the sales and Gunbroker, a BFR can be had for as cheap as $550-650. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Lee Martin]

If you're interested in a 475, consider the BFR. They can be had for $800 and are fine out-of-the box shooters.

I purchased this one in 2003 and so far it's consumed over 3,000 rounds of heavy 475 (420's @ 1,350 fps is the only load I've shot).

Last year the gun got a facelift to include: 1) barrel chop to 6.0", 2) the Jack Huntington grip reshape, and 3) a 2Dogs post front sight.

Some 25-yard, bench-rested groups (all 5-shots). Remember, aside from the grip and front blade it's bone stock:

Here's a close-up of the front sight blank:

And I have less than $1,200 in it.

 

[Joe S.]

Very nice Lee Martin!

 

[eveled]

I always wanted a BFR in 30/30. Ed

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Lee, That's some NICE shooting!

 

[flatgate]

F-A .454 Worth every penny. Awesome revolver.

flatgate

 

[Joe S.]

I was pokin around on FA's site and i see they have a gun with a "manual sloding bar safety" or something like that. What is that and does anyone have a pic?

Im guess that is not a transfer bar?

 

[Hammerdown77]

I think that is only on the model 97 (the smaller framed gun). It is kind of like a transfer bar in a recess in the face of the hammer. Freedom Arms patented the design, it's quite clever. However, I still believe they recommend you carry the gun with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

A used FA in 454 for under $1200 ($1500 for a nice Premier grade) is one of the best values out there. Personally, I'd have a hard time paying what they are asking for them new today. My 5.5" 454 Premier grade came with a one hole test target (5-shots). I bought it used from a dealer in the state. It is a work of art, there is no play anywhere.

My BFR 500 JRH, while a great gun, is basically a beefier Ruger with a little better barrel. They are a fantastic deal for $800-$900, if you can find 'em for that. I think that for most shooters, the accuracy of the BFR will be indiscernible from that of the FA, under real world conditions. However, the level of refinement and finish will not, the FA is so much better in that regard. Again, if I could afford it, and I had the option of a new BFR vs. a used FA in the price range I mentioned, it would be no contest. Freedom Arms all day long.

 

[Lee Martin]

I agree. On paper I can't tell much of a difference between FA's and BFR's. Handling the two however, the nod goes to the 83 on fit and finish.