2.25 in (57.2 mm) 2.75 in (69.9 mm) 3 in (76.2 mm) 4 in (101.6 mm) 4.25 in (108.0 mm) 5.25 in (133.4 mm) 6 in (152.4 mm) 8 in (203.2 mm) 10 in (254.0 mm)
Introduced in 1972, the MR 73 is known for having formerly been the standard issue sidearm of the French National Gendarmerie, as well as for its use by French police tactical units such as GIGN and the National Police's RAID. It has also seen service with military, police, and armed groups elsewhere in the world, most predominantly in the former French colonial empire.
Specifications
Every MR 73 is match grade accurate, shipped with its own factory test target fired at 25 m (27.3 yd). Averaging 15 rounds, no group over 20 mm (0.79 in) diameter with selected ammunition is allowed.
The MR 73 has an adjustable trigger weight in both double-action and single-action modes, a feature found in other high-end revolvers such as those built by Korth and Janz. These adjustments do not alter the strength of the main spring, ensuring reliable primer ignition. This is achieved by use of roller bearings in the trigger mechanism, with extensive hand fitting and polishing of components during assembly. The MR 73 requires more than 12 hours of hand-fitting at the factory, making it about 50% more expensive than competing U.S.-manufactured brands.[4]
The MR 73 can be converted to 9×19mm Parabellum with a replacement cylinder. However, as these rounds are classified under French law as ammunition of war, from the early 1980s onward, it was not officially produced.
Cylinder chambers are finished with an impact process that makes them glass-smooth and extremely hard. The factory proof-fires each cylinder chamber with .357 Magnum ammunition which generates 30% more pressure than the C.I.P. maximum allowable pressure for the Magnum cartridge. The factory guarantees that the cylinder will not burst or show any bulging or deformation with .357 Magnum ammunition developing double the C.I.P. 300.00 MPa (43,511 psi) Pmax piezo pressure, meaning the cylinder can withstand 600.00 MPa (87,023 psi), or 43.5 tons per square inch).
The frame, cylinder and barrel of the MR 73 are made from ordnance-certified steel. Barrels are manufactured by cold-hammering. The rifling is formed during the forging process, eliminating the need to cut rifling as a separate manufacturing step. This creates an extremely hard and microscopically smooth internal barrel surface.[6]
HKS manufactures a speedloader (Model 10A) to use with the .38, .357, and 9mm caliber cylinders.
Variants
A sporting variant called the MR 32 Match is produced in .32 S&W Long. It was first produced in 1985.[7] Other sporting variants are the MR 38 Match chambered in .38 Special and the MR 22 Match chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The Match versions feature only a single-action trigger and have an extended rearward rise. This allows the aiming length to be increased without increasing the total length of the weapon, which would have made it exceed the maximum dimensions authorized in certain competitions.
A variant called the Gendarmerie features adjustable rear sights and larger front sights.
Other variants include the MR 73 Sport, Special Police F1, MR 88, MR 93, and MR 96.
In 2021, Beretta began to import the MR 73 Gendarmerie and the MR 73 Sport into the United States.[8]
^The MR 73 was produced at the original Manurhin factory in Mulhouse until 1998, when Chapuis Armes purchased the company and moved production to its own facilities in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château.[1]
^McNab, Chris (2004). The Great Book of Guns: An Illustrated History of Military, Sporting, and Antique Firearms. Thunder Bay Press. p. 191. ISBN1-59223-304-X.
