Make: Manurhin, imported by Navy Arms

Model: MR88

Serial Number: FD02345

Year of Manufacture: 1988-2003 / Modern

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Revolver with a Swing-Out 6-Shot Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "MR88 Cal. .357 Magnum". The left side of the top strap is marked "Made in France". The bottom of the trigger guard is marked "NAVY ARMS MARTINSBURG, WV". The rear face of the cylinder is marked "X" and a crown. The inside of the ejector star is marked "1 2 Z". The bottom of the grip frame is marked with the serial number, "FD02345". The side plate is marked "MANURHIN".

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade pinned to the solid barrel rib. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight milled in the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece Trausch checkered black rubber. There are just minor handling marks, but otherwise the grips are free of any notable wear or damage. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its stainless finish. The balance of the stainless shows scattered scratches and light operational wear. There are some tool marks and small nicks around the cylinder release button pin. There are a few scuffs on the cylinder. Screws are tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: Transfer Bar Safety. The action functions correctly. The single action is light and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The MR73 is, if not legendary, an exceedingly well-regarded and respected revolver released in 1973. The development of the revolver took place contemporarily with the founding of the French Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group). GIGN is notable for their use of revolvers in their operations. GIGN Founder Christian Prouteau has said, "We’re not here to carry out the higher orders, we’re here to bring the people we have to arrest in front of a court, and not deliver immediate justice." The philosophy was that use of a revolver demonstrated true technical proficiency and capability. The Manurhin Special Police revolver appeared in around 1979 as a less expensive alternative to the excellent, but very costly MR-73 revolver for use by various French law enforcement organizations. The Manurhin Special Police was a joint project between French company Manurhin and US company Sturm, Ruger and Co. It was built using Ruger Service Six revolver frames and lockwork, and assembled in France using French-made cylinders and barrels. Around 1988 Manurhin introduced a commercialized version of the Special Police F1 as the MR-88 revolver. It was produced by Manurhin into the early 2000's. As of now the MR88 is no longer in production, as only a new version of the MR73 is currently being imported by Beretta, so original production versions such as this are certainly becoming more rare. Do not hesitate to add this handsome revolver to your collection.