Update (12/13/2023):
Aside from those who have already sent us their revolvers, are currently on our waiting list, or purchased revolvers with the intention of sending them to us for a .500 Bushwhacker conversion, we are discontinuing the conversion of customer BFRs to .500 Bushwhacker. We will instead offer converted .500 Bushwhacker revolvers for sale as we complete them. Please contact us if you have any questions.
General Information on .500 Bushwhacker Conversions
A standard .500 Bushwhacker conversion entails:
1. Rechambering a suitable long cylinder BFR revolver to .500 Bushwhacker and relettering the barrel (if you desire a rifle or single shot pistol converted to .500 Bushwhacker, consultation must precede a quote).
2. The fitting and installation of a Ti Pro 5 muzzle brake, which is pinned and welded.
3. Keying the ejector rod housing to the barrel.
4. The fitting and installation of a steel 2 Dogs front sight by Fermin Garza. These sights are a taller, higher quality product than the factory aluminum BFR sights, and allow the user to fine-tune point of impact with a broader range of ammunition. If you already have a .500 Bushwhacker revolver and would like a 2 Dogs front sight adapted to suit your firearm, we can assist you with this also.
5. The addition of a new rear sight and rear sight riser (the new front sight is mounted atop the muzzle brake).
6. Replacing the grip frame screws with a sturdier variety than the factory type (the factory grip frame screws have a tendency to fail with sustained use of high-power cartridges, including the .460 and .500 S&W Magnums).
For a total of $2,199 plus the cost of the revolver and shipping.
If a BFR is converted to .500 Bushwhacker from a chambering other than .500 S&W Magnum, expect an additional fee of $599 for the fitting and installation of a .50 caliber barrel blank. The suitable standard chamberings for our conversions are: .30-30 Winchester, .444 Marlin, .45/.410, .460 S&W Magnum, or .500 S&W Magnum. Some of these chamberings are now manufactured in the six shot configuration, but only five shot cylinders are suitable for .500 Bushwhacker conversions.
For all applications involving heavy recoil, we prefer the MRI plow handle grip frame (especially with the old-style Pachmayr grips) to the factory Bisley grip frame. We find that the Bisley grip frame, with its slick faux ivory panels and heavily rounded backstrap, exaggerates roll to an unhelpful extent in the larger chamberings. The factory Bisley grip panels are also much narrower than either the Hogue or Pachmayr plow handle grips. Note that the white polymer factory Bisley grip frame panels have a tendency to crack from the recoil impulse of the larger chamberings.
Shipment Policy
Due to current carrier policies, if you wish to send a firearm to us for customization or maintenance, it may only be shipped to us through an authorized FFL dealer and we must return it to you through an authorized FFL dealer. All shipments are made 'signature required.' It is best to use a business-hours address where someone will be able to take delivery without special scheduling or arrangements. When shipping, please follow these steps: 1. Remove rails, scopes, and other accessories not necessary to the work. Please make sure the gun is reasonably clean. 2. Package your firearms securely and insure them. See to it that they are unloaded. 3. For additional security when shipping, request a ‘delivery confirmation/signature required’ service. If you wish to verify arrival of your gun at our shop, please retain your package tracking number and contact your carrier. 4. Expect higher prices when shipping from and to Alaska and Hawaii.
S&W X-Frame Tuning
Cylinder gap reduction service: $150 + return shipping of the firearm.
See also the TII Muzzle Brake Adaptors and .500 S&W +L ammunition available in our store.
Muzzle Brake Installation
If you desire to install a muzzle brake on your firearm, we can accommodate a wide variety of pistols, revolvers, and rifles. Cost will vary depending on the nature of the job and the price of the brake installed. Consult us for feasibility and a quote.
Ammunition Discount
If you return the fired cases from our ammunition in good working order, we will discount the cost of the brass from any further ammunition loaded from the cases (the discount varies by caliber, and is specified in the respective product descriptions). While ammunition cannot be shipped by the Postal Service, inert brass cases can be. This is typically the most cost-effective way of returning fired cases. If you are interested in this option, contact us and we'll assist you with the process.
Special Requests and/or Standard Gunsmithing Services
Our services are not limited to this list, which we intend to expand with time. If you have a special request, there is a good chance we can assist you or refer you to someone better equipped to do so. In these cases, contact us for feasibility and a quote.
Custom Bullets
A wide variety of cast bullets are available on our sister site, Bengal Bullets. New bullet designs are available upon customer request.