Modeled after the Ruger Blackhawk, it is constructed of stainless steel and chambered for a number of powerful handgun cartridges, such as .460 S&W Magnum and .500 S&W Magnum; popular rifle chamberings, including .30–30 WCF, .444 Marlin, and .45-70 Government; and even .410 bore shotshells.

Notably, the BFR platform has also served as the basis for custom caliber conversions to 19th century big game cartridges such as the .50–110 WCF and .50-90 Sharps, as well as the .500 Bushwhacker, which is currently considered to be the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world in terms of muzzle energy.

[3] Officially the acronym now stands for "Biggest, Finest Revolver",[4] though it was rebranded for a time as the "Big Frame Revolver" after Magnum Research's 2010 acquisition by Kahr Arms.

Some models that use identical bores, such as the .45-70 Government and .450 Marlin, can be made with two cylinders for the same gun.

[6] The BFR revolvers were originally made by D-MAX in Springfield, South Dakota, until Magnum Research bought them out.