Surplus MANURHIN MR73 .357 revolvers

[peacebutready]

I was going to write they're available until I looked and noticed they're sold out. I never heard of those revolvers. See link.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...ail&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-f697c2aaff-19269201

 

[Red Cent]

I would guess a 95% 4" would go for north of $1500.00.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Someone who collects these was talking about the surplus ones a while back. He said most of them were worn out of time and would require gunsmithing talents not easily found in the US.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

My understanding is that these designs are largely based on the N-frame from Smith and Wesson. Would it be that hard to work on them? If so, why is that?

 

[19-3Ben]

Admittedly, I don't follow the Manurhin market, but those wheel guns look to be in rough condition for those prices. Either there is something unusually special about these guns, or something's off here.
Considering that at $500 I could be looking at very nice condition vintage S&W's, the Manurhin would be tough to justify for me.

 

[MrBorland]

Either there is something unusually special about these guns, or something's off here.

The MR73 is a premium revolver, tough to find in the US, and renowned for it's fit & finish, accuracy, and toughness. As Red Cent indicated, one in good condition, if you located one, would sell for a very pretty penny.

My understanding is that these designs are largely based on the N-frame from Smith and Wesson. Would it be that hard to work on them? If so, why is that?

From what I've gathered on-line, while they seem similar to a S&W in design, they're not S&W clones, and parts are undoubtedly not interchangeable, so just finding replacement parts would likely be tough. A good revolver 'smith probably has enough smarts to figure out how to work on it, but I wouldn't give the job to just anyone.

 

[19-3Ben]

Thanks for the info. I know they're good, but didn't realize they were THAT sought after.

 

[urbaneruralite]

I tried to order one as soon as I got the email advertising them. They were already sold out.

 

[AustinTX]

I would guess a 95% 4" would go for north of $1500.00.

Yes, and possibly a good deal north of that.

 

[Blueduck]

When I hear Manurhin first thing that comes into my mind is the GIGN and Air France 8969 assualt.

First guy through the door had a 5" Manurhin 357 magnum revolver, and killed two or three of the 4 terrorist who were armed with AK's,UZi's, and grenades. He did so even thought the terrorist had changed clothes with the planes staff to confuse a rescue attempt. He finally went down after sustaining numerous bullets wounds and damage from a hand grenade. He would alter recover from his wounds and none of the hostages were killed in the raid despite the huge firefight to my recollection.

I would love to have a 5" version if nothing else to commemorate that event.

BTW: Good video review with comparisons to the Korth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMhThUAl88w&index=27&list=WL

 

[Gaucho Gringo]

The email I received from them stated that each revolver has over 12hrs of hand fitting. At gunsmithing rates today that would cost over $800-1,000.00 in labor alone to just get one to work. I said to myself I will pass because if it breaks I am left with a very expensive to repair small club.

 

[Blueduck]

Saw a nice one on Gun Broker (6" adjustable sights) go for over $3,000 a few weeks back. Amazing how rarely they come up.

Agreed, if you get a worn out specimen (and I've heard some of the police models coming in have been used heavy for many, many many, years), not like you can just fed ex back to S/W for a rebuild.

 

[barnbwt]

The pricey ones are really nice; likey at least on par with nice Colts but tougher than a Ruger as far as timing. Even the beater trade ins have areas under the crane where you can see how ridiculously nice the polish/bluing were. Couple that with a crane joint that practically disappears when closed (extractor too) and you can see the Korth comparison. Lastly, a trigger that is beautifully short and smooth/even in DA and unecessarily light/crisp in SA.

TCB

 

[bc1023]

I actually think its the best 357 magnum in the world. Finer than a Colt Python and probably stronger than a Ruger GP100.

The Korth Combat is hard to beat for sheer precision and build quality, but there's something I just like better about the Manurhin. There's something I love about service handguns that were built so well that they can be considered among the finest and most accurate handguns ever produced. In this context, the MR73 is only rivaled by the Sig P210, in my opinion. That's how good it is.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Oooh mercy, this thread is giving me the vapors!!

I can't wait to get a Manhurhin when they come back in stock. I'll be watching my inbox!!

 

[barnbwt]

Stop reviving this thread, people, the guns still aren't there... I just keep expecting "they're back!" every time the thread bumps (only to then make myself feel sad )

TCB

 

[Paul7]

Get one if you can. The police trade in I got was very stiff at first like it hadn't been shot for 20 years, I oiled the internals and adjusted the DA/SA trigger and now it is the best DA pull I've ever seen, and I own a Python. It is beat up looking, that doesn't mean it was shot a lot. Some of these went to African police forces. I haven't heard of any of these arriving out of time.

I saw a pristine 6" go for $3,800 on GB a while back.

 

[swede4198]

I was able to get one from AIM. It has 4" barrel with wood grips. I was able to choose the best of three. Two of them had about 80% finish left and had rubber grips but the lock up was a bit wobbly. The one I chose had about 60% of the finish left but it locked up nicely. The grips are very worn on the outside like it was carried under a jacket most of the time. These were definitely not collectors guns but were well used.

It shoots very nicely with tight groups. The trigger is very smooth and is easy to shoot in double action. I'm having it re-blued and will have the grips replaced. The gun will be back from the gunsmith about when my birthday is here so it will be my present to myself.