Manurhin MR73 Now Imported by Beretta

[NY-1]

Apparently Beretta has started to import these, in two barrel lengths. I'd love to see how those grips feel and what the fit/finish are like (that bluing looks gorgeous), but that interest seems to come at a pretty hefty price tag!

Coming to America: Beretta Importing New Manurhin MR73 Revolvers :: Guns.com

Manurhin Guns - Beretta.com



----

Edit: Beretta put out a video, and man do these things look well crafted!

YouTube

[Cdog]

I too was curious, until I reached the last paragraph in the article.

My curiosity quickly left after reading the price!

[UncleEd]

Yes, a lot of money. But
the prices are in line with
other handguns from such
producers as Wilson Combat,
Nighthawk and a handful
of other custom style 1911s.

In my area, I've seen a few
Korths sell which were about
the same prices.

And a few posteers here have
mentioned ownership of more
than one Kortrh or Manurhin.

[Old_Cop]

Is there a delete option for the gold plated hammer and trigger?

[Miami_JBT]

I need a six inch MR73 in my stable. I'd be willing to sell off one of my six inch Pythons to fund a Manurhin.

[cowboy4evr]

Actually I was surprised that the price wasn't higher ? Quality always comes at a price . It's beyond my price point but that doesn't mean it's not worth it . If money was no object then I probably would buy one , the sporter model just to see if it's as good as everyone says . Regards Paul

[teletech]

I wonder about a couple things:
Will the new imports have the same quality as the old guns?
It could be they cheap out about things now, or it could be that modern CNC/EDM manufacturing allows them to produce even better guns for the money.
How will the new imports affect the price of the older guns?
As they become more common they might get more popular and having an old one gets even more desirable, or else the increased supply allows the price to drop a bit.
Only time will tell I suppose.

[Sistema1927]

Those grips look like they would be right at home on an RG.

Pass.

[bruce5781]

A friend of mine in Colorado ordered two last week from a Dealer in NYC and they over-nighted them to him. He says the blue is magnificent.

[lamarw]

Here is a link to the one I acquired last month with pictures. It is a sporter model with a 5.25" barrel, Nil grips/stocks and in an Italian Nigrini case. Additional Pictures of Manurchin MR73

[Echo40]

Sweet! Way out of my price-range, but sweet.

[Rammer Jammer]

Manurhin MR73 has been my grail gun for years. Beretta importing them will hopefully make them more available and though they won't likely go down in price, the chances of one ending up in my safe have gone up.

[HardToHandle]

Originally Posted by Old_Cop

Is there a delete option for the gold plated hammer and trigger?

There are a number of folks who frequent this forum and Pistol Forum. There is a solid thread on the MR73 there. Two points I gleaned from the learned comments.

1) One recently new owner removed the strawed gold trigger color through strategic heating.

2) The present MR73 manufacturing is “artisanal”, which I assume makes it on par with limited run manufacturing that Wilson or others do, if not very close to custom gunsmithery US style. The fact they are no longer built at the Mahurin complex on Mulhouse was a bit of turnoff for me but does account for the price.

[NY-1]

Originally Posted by Old_Cop

Is there a delete option for the gold plated hammer and trigger?

That's my only problem with how they look (and I generally don't care for full underlugs, but it works well here). Apparently it's closer to a "straw" color in person, but I'd much rather they be case hardened or silver.

Edit: That straw color is growing on me. Not too bright or gaudy, and certainly unique.

[glenwolde]

Yes that's a Pythonesque price point. I wonder if they'll sell below MSRP..? I'd like a 6" but I guess 5.25" is close enough.

[clang444]

The grips are made by Trausch. I won a Karma for a pair for a K/L frame Trausch grips years ago on this website. They are very comfortable, I like them much better than Hogues. I don't know if they are available any more:

[lamarw]

The MR73 was introduced in 1973. It has been 20 years since the manufacturing ownership and location moved to Champus Armes. They are also the manufacturer of high grade rifles and shotguns.

I can only assume Beretta will also import those firearms, but maybe not if it competes against their long guns. According to the internet, the maximum production rate for MR73s is only 400 per year. In the event this stays the same, I do not see the lowering of the MRSP.

The trigger and hammer are not gold plate. They are more of a straw color and less obvious in real life than they seem in some photos. The same could be said about the case hardening of a S&W trigger & hammer.

The blued finish will absolutely knock your socks off (that is if you wear socks).

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by clang444

The grips are made by Trausch. I won a Karma for a pair for a K/L frame Trausch grips years ago on this website. They are very comfortable, I like them much better than Hogues. I don't know if they are available any more ...

Jacques Trausch died in 2012, and had no heirs willing to continue the business, so production ceased and what has been on the market are earlier, usually used French police surplus grips.

However, since the Beretta website specifically brags with the grips as created by “the legendary Jacques Trausch”, I would assume they acquired the rights to name and patents and are having them made for their guns, either in-house or contracted somewhere.

Who knows, maybe they’ll sell them retail for older guns again too.

[SLT223]

Look at some of the new production MR73 reviews before buying. They are not made to the old durability standards that made it famous...or so it seems.

[Toyman]

There was some talk on a facebook page about timing issues but the poster did not stipulate if his gun was an older used one when he purchased it of if it was from newer issue.

[VictorLouis]

Originally Posted by SLT223

Look at some of the new production MR73 reviews before buying. They are not made to the old durability standards that made it famous...or so it seems.

Could you perhaps post up a link, or two (3) that detail this for us?
YouBoob search return might show hundreds....Thanks!

[Breakaway500]

Made in France. Pass.

[CLASSIC12]

I bought a new one made by Chappuis Armes back in 2009 (and made in 2007). Price was 2000 Swiss francs, which was the same in US dollars. Today’s price in Switzerland in $ 3000.

They are beautiful guns with an amazing blueing. Trigger is great, accuracy is excellent. A true collector and shooter.

[Rio Laxas]

Originally Posted by SLT223

Look at some of the new production MR73 reviews before buying. They are not made to the old durability standards that made it famous...or so it seems.

I have heard that echoed on the various forums, but I have not seen anything concrete, other than perhaps this: MR73 The unbreakable revolver BROKEN : Revolvers

I asked someone who is a bit of of an expert on MR73s, and he said that to his knowledge Chapuis uses the same ordnance tool steel as the original Mulhouse version.

This seems to be confirmed here: Wheelgun Wednesday: Manurhin MR73 Review -The Firearm Blog

And here: Gun Review: Manurhin MR73 Sport .357 Revolver - The Truth About Guns

I have seen others say that it is not the same steel and that it is regular carbon steel. It's hard to know which one is true, because there is scant information available about the differences. I suspect that the available information for the Mulhouse variant is often repeated as being true for the Chapuis variant. As far as I know, the internal design is the same as well.

I will say that the 5-1/4" Chapuis produced version that I currently have has a much nicer trigger than the 4" Mulhouse police variant that I used to have (probably just an adjustment issue). I don't have enough rounds through my Chapuis version to say whether it lives up to the MR73s reputed durability, but it is definitely the nicest 357 that I own.

[VictorLouis]

Wow, that first vid linked in the above post,
.
MR73 The unbreakable revolver BROKEN : Revolvers

...was terrible to watch. The load with the flash did not seem to show any more recoil, as though it were overpressure. I've never seen a forcing cone look like that, either. Cracked, yes, but not that 360 degree 'grenade' blast look.

[lamarw]

Originally Posted by Rio Laxas

I have heard that echoed on the various forums, but I have not seen anything concrete, other than perhaps this: MR73 The unbreakable revolver BROKEN : Revolvers

I asked someone who is a bit of of an expert on MR73s, and he said that to his knowledge Chapuis uses the same ordnance tool steel as the original Mulhouse version.

This seems to be confirmed here: Wheelgun Wednesday: Manurhin MR73 Review -The Firearm Blog

And here: Gun Review: Manurhin MR73 Sport .357 Revolver - The Truth About Guns

I have seen others say that it is not the same steel and that it is regular carbon steel. It's hard to know which one is true, because there is scant information available about the differences. I suspect that the available information for the Mulhouse variant is often repeated as being true for the Chapuis variant. As far as I know, the internal design is the same as well.

I will say that the 5-1/4" Chapuis produced version that I currently have has a much nicer trigger than the 4" Mulhouse police variant that I used to have (probably just an adjustment issue). I don't have enough rounds through my Chapuis version to say whether it lives up to the MR73s reputed durability, but it is definitely the nicest 357 that I own.

Just to add to the above; Champus took it over from Mulhouse 20 years ago. It is not like this is a new handgun on the market. If the quality of work, materials, or tooling had changed it would of become obvious especially with the amount of training the GIGN performs with the Manurhin revolvers.

I have read just about everything I could find on the internet for a number of years now. I have not read of any significant drop in quality. The admiration of this firearm seems to be as solid as ever.

I would appreciate those with evidence otherwise to post it with specifics as to the observer and the shortcomings. In other words the who, where, when and what.

[Mark8]

Originally Posted by lamarw

If the quality of work, materials, or tooling had changed it would of become obvious especially with the amount of training the GIGN performs with the Manurhin revolvers.

Do they still do the extreme training with the MR73? I thought they kept some of the long barrel "sniper" revolvers for certain tasks but stopped using the MR73 as a standard sidearm.

[Andyd]

Originally Posted by lamarw

...

I would appreciate those with evidence otherwise to post it with specifics as to the observer and the shortcomings. In other words the who, where, when and what.

I have seen similar forcing cone erosion in Europe where two based powders were used. Maybe the answer to the problems of the broken "unbreakable" gun were the faulty reloads*** he purchased from somebody else. I have first hand experience with Chapuis Armes revolvers and directly compared one to a Mulhouse gun without finding any obvious quality differences, nor differences in accuracy.

One account that is sensationally discrediting an expensive firearm like Chapuis Armes - and they are French on top - is happily parroted by everybody who cannot come up with $3,300 for a revolver. No further proof needed than some unknown and unreliable source, someone who does not even reload his own ammo, to declare it junk.

***
"I shot approx 3,500 rounds of Geco 158 gr J.H.P. and about 500 rounds of 38 spl re-loads purchased from my club."

[Donn]

Nice looking piece, but like Korth, way above my pay grade.

[bc1023]

Originally Posted by Cdog

I too was curious, until I reached the last paragraph in the article.

My curiosity quickly left after reading the price!

Well high quality isn’t cheap. I’ve got a couple from the 70’s.

[NY-1]

Beretta just put out a video - that bluing looks positively magnificent!

YouTube

[teletech]

Originally Posted by Mark8

Do they still do the extreme training with the MR73? I thought they kept some of the long barrel "sniper" revolvers for certain tasks but stopped using the MR73 as a standard sidearm.

From what I've been able to find it seems they are still part of the dress uniform and have never been officially retired but everybody has moved on to newer weapons as of about 2000. Or almost everybody, being macho, French, and elite forces they pretty much get to carry what they want so if there are any old-timers still on the force then they might opt to keep carrying the MR73. It would be cool to know if there are any out there so inclined.

[Toyman]

A Manurhin for the masses, model 88.

[CLASSIC12]

A few pics of the sniper version







The normal version

[CLASSIC12]

After reading and posting in this thread I had to take mine to the range

[OLDSTER]

Originally Posted by Toyman

A Manurhin for the masses, model 88.

Did Manurin copy Bill Rugers' cylinder release design, or visa-versa ?

[lamarw]

Originally Posted by OLDSTER

Did Manurin copy Bill Rugers' cylinder release design, or visa-versa ?

The attachment may help with your question;

Manurhin Special Police revolver, Manurhin MR-88 revolver (France) - Modern Firearms

[ISCS Yoda]

I'm impressed that the French police use a revolver for anything, never mind dangerous SWAT-type work. I don't need a Manurhin for any purpose but it's nice to see Beretta branching out into such things.

[Richard Simmons]

Just watched a YouTube video about this revolver by TFB TV. They are the issue sidearm for the French GIGN anti-terrorist unit. They require them to withstand 40,000 rds of full power .357 mag per year and they reportedly have one revolver with over 1,000,000 rds through it without a major component failure.

[NY-1]

Originally Posted by Richard Simmons

Just watched a YouTube video about this revolver by TFB TV. They are the issue sidearm for the French GIGN anti-terrorist unit. They require them to withstand 40,000 rds of full power .357 mag per year and they reportedly have one revolver with over 1,000,000 rds through it without a major component failure.

Here's the video in question. Hopefully the dealer pricing will be a bit lower, but it honestly seems to be worth the money. (Just wish they'd also include a set of wood grips at that price!)

YouTube

[VictorLouis]

One of James' BEST reviews, ever, LOL.

If someone could explain the dual white dots on the rear,
with the plain patridge front.....I am sure curious.

[bc1023]

The are among the finest revolvers ever made by man.

I have a couple 1970's models. In fact, the 4" is a first year 1973 gun unfired in the box. The 6" MR 73 Sport is my shooter. I've been wanting to shoot the 4" model, but I don't due to its extremely high collector value.

[JohnRippert]

Nope. Not at anything near that price. I can get a couple or three 19-2's in excellent condition with all the bells and whistles for that kind of money.

[bc1023]

Originally Posted by JohnRippert

Nope. Not at anything near that price. I can get a couple or three 19-2's in excellent condition with all the bells and whistles for that kind of money.

I wouldn’t take four 19’s for an MR73. Not even close to being as nice a revolver

[CLASSIC12]

Originally Posted by bc1023

The are among the finest revolvers ever made by man.

I have a couple 1970's models. In fact, the 4" is a first year 1973 gun unfired in the box. The 6" MR 73 Sport is my shooter. I've been wanting to shoot the 4" model, but I don't due to its extremely high collector value.

Beautiful. I don’t think I could refrain from shooting that 4 inch fixed sights.

[jeffrefrig]

So, are these better guns than the Korth, or vice versa, or matter of opinion? And how do I tell the Mrs. I pulled almost $4K out of my (our) annuities management co.?

[bc1023]

Originally Posted by jeffrefrig

So, are these better guns than the Korth, or vice versa, or matter of opinion? And how do I tell the Mrs. I pulled almost $4K out of my (our) annuities management co.?

I like it better as much as my Ratzeburg Korths and much more than the current Lollar Korths. I don't buy the Lollar Korth revolvers.

[Andyd]

Originally Posted by jeffrefrig

So, are these better guns than the Korth, or vice versa, or matter of opinion?...

An interesting question that is coming up often enough.

The quality of Korth and Manurhin MR73 are better than what S&W has delivered in the last 70 years but that does not also mean that they are shooting better.
I compared my four inch MR73 directly against an older S&W 15 and both delivered the same accuracy, rested and off-hand. My S&W K-22 is as accurate as any of my rimfire Korths, too, but the difference is, that all my rimfire Korths are excellent, no overtorqued barrels, poorly fitted cranes, or hard extraction after 24 rounds.

I have learnt to appreciate quality from my early childhood on and for me the Ratzeburg Korth is the pinnacle of handgun quality, closely followed by SIG Neuhausen and the Manurhin MR73. Personal preference is a part of that conclusion.

[bc1023]

Originally Posted by Andyd

An interesting question that is coming up often enough.

The quality of Korth and Manurhin MR73 are better than what S&W has delivered in the last 70 years but that does not also mean that they are shooting better.
I compared my four inch MR73 directly against an older S&W 15 and both delivered the same accuracy, rested and off-hand. My S&W K-22 is as accurate as any of my rimfire Korths, too, but the difference is, that all my rimfire Korths are excellent, no overtorqued barrels, poorly fitted cranes, or hard extraction after 24 rounds.

I have learnt to appreciate quality from my early childhood on and for me the Ratzeburg Korth is the pinnacle of handgun quality, closely followed by SIG Neuhausen and the Manurhin MR73. Personal preference is a part of that conclusion.

Speaking of quality, have you seen this, Andy?

I’ve got one inbound this month.

German Geiger GRP Roller Delayed Blowback Pistol -The Firearm Blog

Test: Die Geiger Rollenverschluss-Pistole | all4shooters.com

[kobsw]

Originally Posted by CLASSIC12

I bought a new one made by Chappuis Armes back in 2009 (and made in 2007). Price was 2000 Swiss francs, which was the same in US dollars. Today’s price in Switzerland in $ 3000.

They are beautiful guns with an amazing blueing. Trigger is great, accuracy is excellent. A true collector and shooter.

Those are beautiful revolvers that appear to be of the highest quality. It's great to see a manufacture providing this level of elegance and craftsmanship.

I really like the straw colored hammer and trigger, I'm not put off at all. There a some really nice original WWI/WWII guns out there with that same treatment(straw color) and it really adds to their appeal.

Best regards,

Kobsw