Kebco Manurhin MR88 357 Mag DA/SA Double Revolver 1995-1999
SOLD FOR: $1386
LSB#: 220220MH013
Make: Manurhin, imported by Kebco of Hanover, PA.
Model: MR88
Serial Number: FD05632
Year of Manufacture: 1996-1999
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Revolver with a Swing-Out 6-Shot Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MR88 Cal. .357 Magnum”. The left side of the top strap is marked “Made in France”. The right side of the frame is marked with the Manurhin logo. The right side of the barrel is marked “KEBCO HANOVER PA”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “05599” and “CIP / N”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked with the serial number, “FD05632”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to a serrated ramp that is pinned into a notch in the barrel rib.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece Trausch textured black rubber. There are just minor handling marks, but otherwise the grips are free of any notable wear or damage. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition, as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver is stainless steel. There are very minor hairline nicks and scuffs scattered about the revolver, but otherwise this revolver is free of any notable wear or damage. Screws are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus-to-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide is tight to the frame. The single action is feather light and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This MR88 includes a black Manurhin snap-case, a cleaning kit, and a tool.
Our Assessment: The MR73 is, if not legendary, an exceedingly well-regarded and respected revolver released in 1973. The development of the revolver took place contemporarily with the founding of the French Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group). GIGN is notable for their use of revolvers in their operations. GIGN Founder Christian Prouteau has said, “We’re not here to carry out the higher orders, we’re here to bring the people we have to arrest in front of a court, and not deliver immediate justice.” The philosophy was that use of a revolver demonstrated true technical proficiency and capability. The Manurhin Special Police revolver appeared in around 1979 as a less expensive alternative to the excellent, but very costly MR-73 revolver for use by various French law enforcement organizations. The Manurhin Special Police was a joint project between French company Manurhin and US company Sturm, Ruger and Co. It was built using Ruger Service Six revolver frames and lockwork, and assembled in France using French-made cylinders and barrels. Around 1988 Manurhin introduced a commercialized version of the Special Police F1 as the MR-88 revolver. It was produced by Manurhin until the mid-90s, and at the time, Kebco of Hanover PA imported it to the states. Today MR-88 revolvers are still manufactured for commercial sales by French company Chapius armes, along with its older brother, the MR-73 revolver. As of now, MR-88 revolvers are almost 50% less expensive than MR-73 revolvers of comparable dimensions and caliber. The example on offer here is a Kebco import, with virtually no wear. As of now the MR88 is no longer in production, as only a new version of the MR73 is currently being imported by Beretta, so original production versions such as this are certainly becoming more rare. Do not hesitate to add this handsome revolver to your collection. Good luck and happy bidding!