COLD WAR

Manurhin MR73

Six-Shot Double-Action (DA) Revolver

Infantry / Small Arms

Introduced in the early-1970s, the French-originated Manurhin MR73 revolver was adopted by a select few operators globally - mainly law enforcement groups.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 3/8/2017 | 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.

Specifications

Year:
1973

Manufacturing
Manurhin - France

Austria; Burkino Faso; Cameroon; Chad; France; Gabon; Ivorty Coast; Malaysia; Mauritius; Senegal; Seychelles; Togo

- Close Quarters Battle (CQB) / Personal Security
- Sidearm

Overall Length:
233 mm (9.17 in)

Barrel Length:
101 mm (3.98 in)

Weight (Unloaded):
2.09 lb (0.95 kg)

Sights:
Iron Front and Rear

Action:
Double-Action; Revolving Cylinder

MR73 - Base Model Designation

MR32 - Model of 1985; chambered for .32 S&W Long cartridge.

MR88 (SP F1) - Special Police model

MR93

MR96

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