Walther BFR Revolver Instruction Manual

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

FFIIRREEAARRMMSS SSAAFFEETTYY

YYOOUURR RREESSPPOONNSSIIBBIILLIITTYY

Safety must be the first and constant consideration
of every person who handles firearms and
ammunition.

This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in
learning how to use and care for your revolver
properly. Only when you are certain you fully
understand the Manual and can properly carry out
its instructions should you practice loading, unload­ing, 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 instruc­tion 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.

The person with a gun in his possession has a full­time job; he cannot guess; he cannot forget. He
must know how to use his firearm safely.

Do not use any firearm without having a complete
understanding of its particular characteristics and
safe use.

-1-

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
significantly from that of most single action
revolvers. The information and instructions which
follow apply
A careful reading of this manual will help you to
understand the logic of the revolver’s mechanism
and to make full use of the advantages which it
provides.
Unlike the earlier single action revolvers that had
four hammer positions, the
cocked and all the way forward.
The revolvers mechanism incorporates a transfer
bar. The transfer bar, which is raised into firing posi­tion as the trigger is pulled to the rear, transmits the
energy of the hammer blow to the firing pin. This

OONNLLYY

to the BFR model revolver.

BBFFRR

has only

TTWWOO::

transfer bar mechanism makes a “safety” notch
unnecessary.

The gate (loading gate) can be opened
only when the hammer and trigger are
fully forward. Opening the gate immobi­lizes the trigger, hammer, and transfer bar.

When the gate is opened, the cylinder is unlatched
and can be turned by the hand for loading or
ejection. When the gate is closed, the cylinder latch
functions in the normal manner. The loading notch
is therefore unnecessary in the revolver’s design.

-2-

AMMUNITION

CCAALLIIBBEERR//MMOODDEELL AAMMMMUUNNIITTIIOONN

.22 Hornet .22 Hornet
.30/30 .30/30 Winchester
.444 Marlin .444 Marlin
.45LC/410 .45 Colt/.410 Shotshells
.450 Marlin .450 Marlin
.454 Casull .454 Casull
.45/70 .45/70 Gov't
.480/.475 .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh
.50AE .50AE
.500 S&W .500 S&W

(up to 3")

AMMUNITION

CARTRIDGES NOTICE

It is extremely dangerous to use a cartridge
whose pressure is greater than that developed
by cartridges loaded to Industry standards. Even
the strongest firearm can be damaged as a result
of excessive pressure.

*BFR 45/410CHOKE: Remove choke when
firing .45 Long Colt bullets or .410 slugs. Chokes
are to be used only when firing shot shells.

*BFR 45/70: We do not recommend the use
of the PMC 405-grain lead flat point load (PMC
part number 45-70 CA).

*BFR 500S&W: If deciding to reload at your
own personal risk it is very critical that the
correct primer is used. The use of a Magnum
primer in a standard primer pocket will result in
a very dangerous situation.

MAGNUM SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR
INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN
CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT
OF, THE USE IN BFR REVOLVERS OF
FAULTY, OR NON-STANDARD, OR
REMANUFACTURED OR HAND LOADED
(RELOADED) AMMUNITION, OR OF
CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR
WHICH THIS FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY
CHAMBERED.

-3-

HANDLING

CARRYING:

The MAGNUM BFR may be carried with all chambers loaded.
When the hammer and trigger are fully toward at the same
time, the transfer bar is lowered out of firing position and the
hammer rests directly on the frame, not on the firing pin. See

Handling Warning.

HANDLING WARNING

Do not load the revolver until you are ready to use it. NEVER

CARRY ANY REVOLVER WITH THE HAMMER COCKED OR WITH
THE TRIGGER HELD TO THE REAR.

If the trigger is held to the rear, the gun can fire if the hammer
strikes the transfer bar. Note that it need not be a deliberate
effort to pull the trigger. Any situation where the trigger
attains its rearward position and permits the transfer bar to be
interposed between the hammer and the pin can cause the
cartridge under the firing pin to discharge if the hammer falls
or is struck.

NEVER DROP OR STRIKE ANY REVOLVER- COCKED OR
UNCOCKED- OR CARRY OR HANDLE A REVOLVER
IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE HAMMER WILL BE STRUCK.

TO LOAD AND FIRE:
NOTE: The loading gate cannot be opened unless the
hammer and trigger are fully forward.

1. Open the gate.

2. Turn the cylinder clockwise, by hand, and insert cartridges
into chambers.

3. Close gate. The revolver is now in its normal carrying
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
must first be manually cocked and then the trigger must be
squeezed. That sequence must take place to fire each shot.

WARNING: When cocking the hammer, have a firm hold on

the grip with the shooting hand. DO NOT TOUCH THE

TRIGGER WHILE COCKING THE HAMMER. TOUCH THE
TRIGGER ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FIRE.

COCKING: With the fore portion of the thumb firmly on the
hammer spur, draw the hammer fully to the rear until it stops.
Then permit the hammer to move forward until the trigger
engages in the hammer at full cock.
FIRING: Once the hammer has been cocked, a light pressure
on the trigger will disengage the trigger from the hammer.
The hammer will fall forward and the revolver will fire.

CAUTION: Recoil of any center fire caliber causes the muzzle

of the gun to flip upward with substantial force.

-4-

FIRING WARNING

DECOCKING (UNCOCKING)

When firing any revolver, be sure all persons are at a safe
distance to the rear of the shooter. When fired, all revolvers
discharge gas and particles through the clearance gap
between the cylinder and rear of the barrel. When firing any
revolver always be certain that nothing (including your hands)
is in the path of the hot gas and particles which discharge
from the front and sides of the cylinder.

WHEN SHOOTING, ADEQUATE EYE PROTECTION IS
ESSENTIAL. SHOOTERS AND BYSTANDERS MUST WEAR
SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTION. EXPOSURE
TO SHOOTING NOISE CAN DAMAGE HEARING.

TO UNLOAD OR EJECT

CARTRIDGE CASES

1. If the hammer is cocked, it must be decocked.

2. Open the gate.

3. Turn cylinder clockwise by hand to align a chamber with
the ejector rod. Push the ejector rod rearward using the
thumb-piece on the rod toward fired casing. Repeat until
all chambers are empty. Do not eject unfired cartridges
onto any surface where the cartridge primer might strike a
solid object discharge.

4. Check all cylinder chambers to make sure all cartridges have
been removed. Close Gate.

THE REVOLVER

If the revolver is cocked and you wish to let the hammer
down to its forward position (against the frame) proceed as
follows:

USE EXTREME CARE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO
DECOCK THE REVOLVER AS THE THUMB SLIPPING
DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCI­DENTAL DISCHARGE IF THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO
THE REAR.

1. Point revolver in a safe direction and make sure both hands
are dry and not impeded in anyway.

2. Grasp the revolver if right handed so that the thumb and
forefinger of your left hand are firmly holding the frame;
forward of the trigger guard. Your left hand is in full control
of the revolver.

3. With your right thumb securely in control of the hammer
squeeze the trigger only enough to permit the hammer to
“break free” of the trigger. IMMEDIATELY RELEASE

THE TRIGGER--SLOWLY PERMIT THE HAMMER TO
MOVE FULLY FORWARD. The trigger and hammer will

move towards their rest positions.

-5-

TO REMOVE CYLINDER

SCOPE MOUNTING

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR REPLACE A

LOADED CYLINDER.

1. Open gate (make sure hammer is not cocked).

2. Unscrew cylinder-pin screw 4 turns and withdraw the
cylinder-pin.

3. Remove cylinder from loading gate side of frame.

4. To replace cylinder simply reverse the above procedure.
Holding the gun with the barrel pointed away from you
and in a safe direction, rotate the cylinder one-fourth turn
in a clockwise direction to ensure that the pawl is correctly
positioned on the cylinder ratchet. Cylinder pin should be
replaced with no binding.

5. Be sure the set screw in the cylinder pin is FLUSH when
installed. If NOT installed correctly revolver will not function
properly.

DRY-FIRING: THIS REVOLVER SHOULD NOT BE DRY FIRED.
FANNING: NEVER fan the revolver. Fanning is an unsafe

way to fire a gun and is abusive to the revolver’s mechanism.

1. Remove rear sight.
a. Drift out 1/16 inch pin.
b. Loosen elevation screw until sight assembly comes off.

*Be sure to remove slowly - there are two small springs

under the sight which can be easily lost.

2. Remove plug screws.

3. Place scope base on the top of the frame. Screw holes will
line up easily.

4. Place a drop of red loctite on each of the screws before
installing to ensure the base will not loosen under recoil.

5. Tighten Screws.

SIGHT ADJUSTMENTS

1. To raise point of impact, turn elevation screw on the rear
sight counterclockwise.

2. To lower point of impact, turn elevation screw clockwise.

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.

-6-

LUBRICATION WARNING

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.
DO NOT spray or apply lubricants directly on ammunition. If
the powder charge of a cartridge is affected by the lubricant,
it may not be ignited but the energy from the primer may be
sufficient to push the bullet into the bore where it may lodge.
Firing a subsequent bullet into the obstructed bore may
damage the revolver and cause injury to the shooter or those
nearby.
USE LUBRICANTS PROPERLY. You are responsible for the
proper care and maintenance of your firearm.

DISASSEMBLY—REASSEMBLY

WARNING

Never clean, lubricate, disassemble or work on a revolver
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
attempting to take the gun apart. It is essential that the

BBEEFFOORREE

disassembly and reassembly operations be carried out with
knowledge and care.

CARE AND CLEANING

ALWAYS BE CERTAIN THE REVOLVER IS UNLOADED
BEFORE CLEANING.

The revolver’s internal mechanism can be lubricated without
disassembly. A few drops of oil recommended as suitable for
firearms, applied periodically about the various frame open­ings, will work its way into the mechanisms parts. The exterior
of the revolver should be cleaned with a solvent and wiped
with an oily patch, followed by a clean dry patch. DO NOT

APPLY EXCESS LUBRICATION.

To clean the revolver after firing, remove the cylinder and
clean the barrel from the muzzle by running a cleaning rod
with a solvent coated patch through the bore several times
until all metal foulings are removed. Then wipe the rod clean
and using a dry patch swab the bore until it is clean. Repeat
above procedure for all chambers.

-7-

CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL

PISTOLS

Firearms made of stainless steel are more resistant to corrosion
than blued steel firearms. However, in the interest of proper
operation and long life of your pistol, inspect it frequently,
clean and lubricate and apply an appropriate rust preventative
as required.
Contact with some types of holsters can also cause stains or
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
dry after exposure to adverse conditions. If a firearm is to be
stored, coat with a light film of oil or preservative.

SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY

FIREARMS:

Magnum firearms returned for repair should be sent to:
MAGNUM RESEARCH, Inc.
7110 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432

1. The complete revolver should be sent.

2. Revolvers must be sent prepaid. (COD not accepted.)
We also suggest insuring your package.

3. The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as laws of most States
does not prohibit an individual from shipping a firearm
directly to the manufacturer for repair.

4. Enclose your name, address, daytime telephone number,
serial number of the firearm and model. Describe the
trouble with the handgun and the work you wish to
have done.

5. WARNING: Before shipping any firearm, be certain it is
unloaded !!!

6. Please do not send personal accessories, holsters, grips, ETC.

ALTERATION WARNING

MAGNUM RESEARCH WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
ALTERATION OF ANY PART OF THIS FIREARM AFTER IT LEAVES
OUR CONTROL, OR FOR ANY ADDITION OR SUBSTITUTION OF
PARTS OR ACCESSORIES. THIS PRODUCT WAS DESIGNED TO
FUNCTION PROPERLY IN ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION. ANY
CHANGES MADE IN THIS PRODUCT ARE SPECIFICALLY CON­TRARY TO OUR INSTRUCTIONS AND WE EXPRESSLY DO NOT
AUTHORIZE ANY CHANGES TO BE MADE AFTER MANUFAC­TURE. DO NOT JEOPARDIZE YOUR SAFETY BY MAKING MODI­FICATIONS TO THIS FIREARM.

-8-

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.

-9-

Revised 5/05

Magnum Research, Inc.

7110 University Avenue NE • Minneapolis, MN 55432
[phone] • [phone] • www.magnumresearch.com

-1-