Manurhin MR73 MR-73 3″ Fixed Sight .357 Magnum Revolver, 1974-1978
SOLD FOR: $2125
LSB#: 220220MH012
Make: Manurhin
Model: MR73
Serial Number: B14671
Year of Manufacture: 1974-1978
Caliber: .357 Magnum & .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Sing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The sideplate is marked with a Manurhin logo and “SER: B14671”, the right of the frame in front of the sideplate is marked “made / in / France”. The right of the barrel is marked “MR 73 Cal. 357 Magnum”. The left of the frame is marked “SER: B14671”. The left of the barrel is import-marked “C.A.I. GEORGIA VT. / MADE IN FRANCE / MANURHIN MDL. MR73 .357 MAGNUM”. The right of the backstrap (concealed by the grips) has St. Etienne proof marks.
Barrel Length: 3”, Pinned with Shrouded Ejector Rod.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade that is pinned to the barrel’s rib; the top of the barrel is finished matte for glare reduction. The rear sight is a square notch in the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Trausch checkered black rubber with palm shelf, thumb shelves, shallow finger grooves and a swell at the top to stop the grip from sliding down in your hand. The grips have some minor scuffing in the smooth portions. The checkering is well defined . The right panel has a storage cutout for a trigger adjustment wrench which is not present. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Matte & Polished Blue with Strawed Hammer & Trigger
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The new finish is strong throughout. The action shows minor operational wear and there are a few scattered minor marks. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish exposed when the grips are installed, but there is more notable erosion and pitting under the finish which is concealed by the grips. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good-Very Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The cylinder can be pushed clockwise out of lock clockwise without too much effort unless the hammer is cocked or the trigger is partially depressed. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. When the cylinder is in lock it has light rotational play with almost none front to rear. The timing is correct. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Though not widely known for it, France is home to one of the finest combat revolvers ever made. Introduced in 1973, the Manurhin 73 is made to exacting specifications with a cold-hammer forged barrel, adjustable trigger weight in both single and double action and a shorter throw on its hammer than most other revolvers resulting in a shorter double-action trigger. The revolver was soon adopted by France’s elite SWAT teams RAID and GIGN due to the revolvers impressive reliability. These agencies have stated that the revolver “indefinitely withstands” 150 rounds of full-power .357 Magnum daily without breakage or unacceptable wear. Accuracy is also guaranteed as each revolver is tested at the factory and no revolver is allowed to leave which cannot group 20mm (.8″) at 25 meters. This revolver has clearly seen some use, but if RAID and GIGN are to be believed, it is of no matter as this precision made combat revolver can take a licking and keep on ticking. Please see our photos and good luck!