Since it doesn't appear that anyone else has had a BFR, I'll chime in.
The BFR is an excellent revolver and much more than an "novelty". I had a 10" 45-70 BFR for about 5 years (and over 3000 rounds) and a good friend had the 10" 30-30. I ran my 45-70 at the upper limits of what any sane person should/would do. Upper edge Lever action loads only, no cowboy loads out of my gun! They are incredibly strong, accurate and well made guns. After literally thousands of full power loads (300gr at 1800fps and 440gr at 1600 fps) my gun still locked up as tight as a bank vault. I only sold it because of a wrist injury. It just didn't make sense to own a gun which I couldn't shoot without causing more damage.
With the iron sights it was as accurate as I could shoot it. For me, that was a 10" gong at 175 yards off of shooting sticks. My friends 30-30 shot just as well. Remember that the revolver is MUCH stronger than any lever gun, so your loads can be adjusted accordingly. The only limiting factor on the 30-30 is the strength of the brass.
The BFR is just as effective as any Contender or other revolver. It's no more cumbersome than carrying a Contender in addition to a rifle (which I often do). With a scope it would be just as effective at any given range as a Contender in a similar caliber.
Buy it, love it, shoot it, and be happy.
Andrew