MANURHIN MR 73 VS. MANURHIN MR 88

[Toyman]

I am seeing prices of Manurhin MR 73 around $3900. This is higher than I paid for 2 I bought a couple of years ago.
I am seeing prices for new Manurhin MR 88 near the same price of the Manurhin MR 73.
The MR 88 is based on a Ruger revolver and is a robust sturdy revolver but does not require the hand fitting of the MR 73.
I purchased a used MR 88 through Gun Broker 2 years ago for $500. This was a used gun imported from France.
What am I missing, is Beretta's influence in the pricing?
This is a MR 88

 

[Jebus35745]

Interesting thread, will be watching. Not sure if the action is as smooth as the MR73 can be made to feel. I own two MR73’s in .357 and .32 long and love shooting them in double action. Never held a MR88 to play with. Don’t know if the original Ruger parts are used or replaced with their parts. Looks like the barrel is Manurhin. Larry

 

[Mark8]

The MR88 is "based" on the GP100 and has been produced in France since 1988. It uses a cast iron frame like the Ruger, but the frame is cast in France by another company (not Ruger, not Manurhin). All other parts are supposedly made by Manurhin. It was always a reasonably priced revolver on this side of the pond, it costs about the same as a 686. To make sure, I checked today's prices and things haven't changed. Also, the MR88 is widely available here, so not a rare gun at all. Offers of MR88 revolvers at MR73 prices should probably be considered with caution.

As for the quality, I can't really say much, it's been a couple of years since I last held an MR88. I've never heard of any problems with it. As far as I can remember it felt like a GP100. But one thing I do distinctly remember: Manurhin did a much better job at chamfering the sharp edges in the ejector rod housing/crane/frame area than Ruger. Leaving sharp edges after machining is unacceptable in my opinion, and at least the MR88 I last checked out didn't have that problem.

 

[lamarw]

I am far from an expert on these matters, but I do own a beautiful MR73 (pictures attached). I thought the MR88 was a .38 caliber whereas the MR73 is a 357 Magnum. In my opinion, I would prefer the more robust firearm for defensive purposes. After looking at many pictures of the MR88, I would still choose the MR73 simply for aesthetic reasons. Just as some will prefer the Korth over the MR73. There are a lot of comparisons on the internet for a deeper analysis for those looking for it.

 

[Mark8]

I thought the MR88 was a .38 caliber whereas the MR73 is a 357 Magnum.

No, they are completely different guns, caliber has nothing to do with it. The .38 Special match variant of the MR73 is called MR38, the .32 S&W Long match variant MR32, and the .22 LR match variant MR22. To my knowledge, only the MR73, MR38 and MR32 are still in production. The variants are very similar which is probably why the weaker caliber versions are often referred to as "MR73 in caliber xxx".

The MR88 was only ever available in .38 Special and .357 Magnum as far as I know.

 

[Ameshawki]

I've had an MR88 for a few years now. Basically a Ruger Speed Six with a side plate instead of a solid frame. Internals look identical tho I don't know if they are a direct swap. The grips do swap out. I put factory wood grips on my 88 and put the Trausch grips on my Speed Six.

I've been tracking the MR73 for a number of years but haven't found the right price/condition ratio. New ones are totally out of my league. Most used ones are well used. Like really well used. Haven't found the happy medium yet.

 

[RetCapt]

"...a cast iron frame like the Ruger..."

I am surprised to read this, having always been under the impression that Ruger frames are (investment) cast steel.

I would guess that Ruger might also be surprised to find this out, after decades of extolling the strength of their steel alloys.

 

[lamarw]

No, they are completely different guns, caliber has nothing to do with it. The .38 Special match variant of the MR73 is called MR38, the .32 S&W Long match variant MR32, and the .22 LR match variant MR22. To my knowledge, only the MR73, MR38 and MR32 are still in production. The variants are very similar which is probably why the weaker caliber versions are often referred to as "MR73 in caliber xxx".

The MR88 was only ever available in .38 Special and .357 Magnum as far as I know.

Yes, I understand they are totally different guns which is obvious just seeing the pictures. I guess what I did not know is that the M88 came in a .357 Magnum version.

 

[Andyd]

The MR88 came in .38 Special and .357 Magnum, the .38s were often used for contracts like the Portuguese prison guards. I had one MR88 and it was no improvement over an SP101, besides having one more round. The action was definitely not better than a Ruger Six series! I got rid of it in a hurry but held on to a Mulhouse MR73 in 5 1/4'" that in many ways is as nice as my beloved Ratzeburg Korths.
Good old fashioned top quality.

 

[VictorLouis]

I had one MR88 and it was no improvement over an SP101, besides having one more round. The action was definitely not better than a Ruger Six series!.

I've handled one in stainless .38, and one in blue .357. I definitely agree. I really see no need to pay more for one other than it being unique. Better to see out a good Six-series Ruger.

 

[Mark8]

"...a cast iron frame like the Ruger..."

I am surprised to read this, having always been under the impression that Ruger frames are (investment) cast steel.

I would guess that Ruger might also be surprised to find this out, after decades of extolling the strength of their steel alloys.

That's just me not paying enough attention when writing. I don't know the carbon content of the alloys Ruger is using, I'd assume all of them are significantly lower than 2% and therefore cast steel. It's important to be precise, so thanks for pointing it out!

 

[Mark8]

Yes, I understand they are totally different guns which is obvious just seeing the pictures. I guess what I did not know is that the M88 came in a .357 Magnum version.

In the same boat here, I didn't know the MR88 came in .38 Special before checking for this thread.