Overview
Introduced in the early-1970s, the French-originated Manurhin MR73 revolver was adopted by a select few operators globally - mainly law enforcement groups.
Introduced in the early-1970s, the French-originated Manurhin MR73 revolver was adopted by a select few operators globally - mainly law enforcement groups.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the Manurhin MR73 Six-Shot Double-Action (DA) Revolver. Entry last updated on 3/8/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Manurhin MR73 Six-Shot Double-Action (DA) Revolver. Entry last updated on 3/8/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The Manurhin MR73 was a six-shot revolver appearing during the Cold War period (1947-1991) and originating from French arms-maker Manurhin in 1973. It was a largely traditional product with special attention given to quality and reliability - which ultimately limited its adoption by various services around the globe (mainly police). However, this quality made the gun prohibitively expensive for militaries and the MR73 did not see widespread adoption in those circles.
Internally the revolver utilized a tried-and-true Double-Action (DA) system of operation. The hammer was exposed at the rear of the frame in the usual way. The six-shot cylinder rotated in the action and swung out for loading / reloading (and cleaning). The iron sight featured a webbed section to promote better drawing from a holster. Barrel lengths ran from 2.5" to 5.25" and saw the gun take on various shooting forms as a result - concealed-carry, security, law enforcement, target shooting, etc... Chamberings proved various and ran the gamut of usual offerings: .22LR, .32 S&W Long, 9x19mm Parabellum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum. The rimless 9mm cartridge could be fired by replacing the cylinder itself.
The "Gendarmerie" became a special version of the MR73 sporting adjustable rear sights and revised front sights. Other versions included the MR32 (in .32 S&W Long), the Special Police F1 (MR88), the MR93, and the MR96.
One notable operator of the MR73 remains EKO Cobra, the special counter-terrorism force of Austria.
Internally the revolver utilized a tried-and-true Double-Action (DA) system of operation. The hammer was exposed at the rear of the frame in the usual way. The six-shot cylinder rotated in the action and swung out for loading / reloading (and cleaning). The iron sight featured a webbed section to promote better drawing from a holster. Barrel lengths ran from 2.5" to 5.25" and saw the gun take on various shooting forms as a result - concealed-carry, security, law enforcement, target shooting, etc... Chamberings proved various and ran the gamut of usual offerings: .22LR, .32 S&W Long, 9x19mm Parabellum, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum. The rimless 9mm cartridge could be fired by replacing the cylinder itself.
The "Gendarmerie" became a special version of the MR73 sporting adjustable rear sights and revised front sights. Other versions included the MR32 (in .32 S&W Long), the Special Police F1 (MR88), the MR93, and the MR96.
One notable operator of the MR73 remains EKO Cobra, the special counter-terrorism force of Austria.
Specifications
YEAR: 1973
MANUFACTURER(S): Manurhin - France
ACTION: Double-Action; Revolving Cylinder
CALIBER(S): .22LR; .32 S7W Long; 9mm Parabellum; .38 Special; .357 Magnum
SIGHTS: Iron Front and Rear
OVERALL LENGTH: 233 mm (9.17 in)
BARREL LENGTH: 101 mm (3.98 in)
WEIGHT: 2.09 lb (0.95 kg)
OPERATORS: Austria; Burkino Faso; Cameroon; Chad; France; Gabon; Ivorty Coast; Malaysia; Mauritius; Senegal; Seychelles; Togo
Variants
• MR73 - Base Model Designation
• MR32 - Model of 1985; chambered for .32 S&W Long cartridge.
• MR88 (SP F1) - Special Police model
• MR93
• MR96
• MR73 - Base Model Designation
• MR32 - Model of 1985; chambered for .32 S&W Long cartridge.
• MR88 (SP F1) - Special Police model
• MR93
• MR96
