Manurhin MR 73 ...the best 357 Magnum?

[Cardboard_killer]

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but, having bought one a year ago when Aim had them, I finally got to the range and shot it. Double action was very nice, but felt strange because of the short pull.

Anyway, I got it home and decided to try disassembling it to see how gunked up in side it was. As I haven't taken one down before, and parts aren't plentiful, I had reservations. Well, it was filthy inside once I did break it down. A long slow soak in OMS for the small parts, and a dip in the sonic cleaner for the frame. Cleaned up the gunk nicely, but the finish is pretty bad.

I'm thinking of getting it refinished by Ford's down here near Tampa. It's expensive, and normally wouldn't think of it, but there is a fair amount of abrasion on one side and lots of blue loss and some fine rust on the side plate--mechanically sound but ugly. I don't think I can lower the value of it. If it were just bluing loss, I wouldn't care, but the fine rust and the abraision spot are not pretty.

 

[Jebus35745]

The 4" I found with adjustable sights shoots nicely for me in double action. It's being reblued with a high gloss finish local for less then 300. The name Manurhin will be re-engraved for less then 100 so it will show up nicely. Hopefully it will keep me from buying one of the expensive nice ones on the auction sites. There has been a lot of them for sale lately and they go quickly. The 3" ones seem intriguing as a carry gun, Larry

 

[22lrGunNut]

Does anyone know if the current Chapuis MR73 uses the same strong tool steel as the original Mulhouse MR73? Also wondering if there's any difference in construction and quality between the two.

 

[JayFramer]

The Manurhins are a decent enough gun but to claim them superior to a Colt's Python is nothing short of laughable.

The French gun is really just a polished out Ruger clone. They are considered dependable guns with lots of street use but there is just no comparing them to the hand-forged and meticulously fitted legend that is the Colt's.

Comparing the Python to something like a Korth is a more realistic comparison, but even then the Python is the superior product. They wouldn't be demanding $30,000 in mint condition is they weren't the greatest production revolvers in history (which they are).

 

[22lrGunNut]

Actually JayFramer, the MR73 is superior to the Colt Python in pretty much every way. It has fully adjustable weight of the trigger without affecting the power of the hammer drop (to ensure you don't suffer light primer strikes, which is typical of what you experience with a Python against some ammo). It has a very short double action and the single action can also be tuned with simply a turn of the trigger weight adjustment spring screw. And the strength of the components is a lot tougher than the Python. And the accuracy guarantee seems to be better than the Python. Not sure where you are getting this Ruger Clone but I think you're probably mistaking the Mr73 with a later Mr88?

 

[bc1023]

The Manurhins are a decent enough gun but to claim them superior to a Colt's Python is nothing short of laughable.

The French gun is really just a polished out Ruger clone. They are considered dependable guns with lots of street use but there is just no comparing them to the hand-forged and meticulously fitted legend that is the Colt's.

Comparing the Python to something like a Korth is a more realistic comparison, but even then the Python is the superior product. They wouldn't be demanding $30,000 in mint condition is they weren't the greatest production revolvers in history (which they are).

Wow is all I can say, honestly. The MR73 has nothing to do with Ruger. That was the MR88, which was a much, MUCH cheaper design.

As the owner of multiple Colt Pythons and Manurhin MR73's, I will say that without a doubt the Manurhin is a far superior revolver in every way. I'm actually a big Python fan (or I wouldn't own so many). Having said that, it's no MR73. It's not nearly as strong and durable or as accurate. It's not even as refined.

Yes, some rare Pythons command a lot of collector value. In fact, I own one worth $15,000 myself. However, that's Colt collector's value and has very little to do with the quality of the Python itself.

Since you brought up Korth, I will tell you the Colt Python is no Korth either. Not even in the same ballpark from a quality or durability perspective.

Respectfully, I'd really encourage you to research the MR73 a bit.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

Not sure if you could get that any more wrong...

The Manurhins are a decent enough gun but to claim them superior to a Colt's Python is nothing short of laughable.

The French gun is really just a polished out Ruger clone. They are considered dependable guns with lots of street use but there is just no comparing them to the hand-forged and meticulously fitted legend that is the Colt's.

Comparing the Python to something like a Korth is a more realistic comparison, but even then the Python is the superior product. They wouldn't be demanding $30,000 in mint condition is they weren't the greatest production revolvers in history (which they are).

 

[22lrGunNut]

Bc1023 do you perhaps know the difference in quality and metallurgy between the Chapuis and Mulhouse MR73?

Also do you know if the 21 Series Korth Revolver still use the same quality steel as the later version?

 

[bc1023]

Bc1023 do you perhaps know the difference in quality and metallurgy between the Chapuis and Mulhouse MR73?

I've never owned a Chapius model. I have shot one and I was very impressed in every way from the fit and finish to the attention to detail and accuracy. I don't know the answer to your question, but they seem to take their work seriously. I'd lean towards it being at least very similar in terms or strength and durability. Even the original gun transformed a lot over the years.

My 4" model is a first year 1973 gun, while my MR73 Sport on the right is later 70's. They have some differences beyond the obvious of grips, sights, and barrel length.

 

[22lrGunNut]

Looks really good. For the Mulhouse MR73, do you perhaps have a preference between the 1973 model you have and the later version?

My Chapuis MR73

 

[mrchuck]

My Smith I now carry is a Model 60-9. Their newest model.
Stainless
357 Magnum
5 shots
2"bbl
Rubber grips with finger grooves
It is heavy, and this absorbs the substantial recoil.
It fits my medium size hand perfectly, and I can control the recoil.
This caliber is why I bought it.
I want the perp I have to shoot to stay on the floor, not move and bleed out.
I'm 81 now with breathing and heart problems.
My wife of 57 years always is at my side.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

What does any of that have to do with a discussion regarding the Manurhin MR73?

My Smith I now carry is a Model 60-9. Their newest model.
Stainless
357 Magnum
5 shots
2"bbl
Rubber grips with finger grooves
It is heavy, and this absorbs the substantial recoil.
It fits my medium size hand perfectly, and I can control the recoil.
This caliber is why I bought it.
I want the perp I have to shoot to stay on the floor, not move and bleed out.
I'm 81 now with breathing and heart problems.
My wife of 57 years always is at my side.

 

[6string]

Dream Gun

One of the great things about this excellent forum are the members who actually own and shoot amazing guns like Korth, MR73, Triplelock, etc.

Here's one I'd love to find....MR73 Long Range Target

Jim

PS: A few of these, with scopes added, were used by France's GIGN (elite anti-terrorist squad) as "counter-sniper" pistols!