Manurhin Special Police
Manurhin (Manufacture de Machines du Haut-Rhin) · Revolver · Discontinued · 1979
Also known as: Manurhin Special Police F1, Manurhin-Ruger Special Police
Overview
The Manurhin Special Police is a French all-steel double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, introduced around 1979 as a less expensive alternative to the costly Manurhin MR73 for French law enforcement. It was a joint project between Manurhin of France and Sturm, Ruger & Co. of the United States, built on Ruger Service Six frames and lockwork supplied from the US and assembled in France with French-made barrels and cylinders. The six-shot fixed-sight revolver served various French police organisations before evolving into the fully Manurhin-designed MR88.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 930 g (32.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 235 mm (9.25") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 784 J (578 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Rebounding Hammer
- Features: Swing Out Cylinder, Ruger Service Six Frame, Fixed Sights, French Made Barrel And Cylinder
Service history
Operators
- French National Police
- French Gendarmerie
Production
Production years: 1979-1988
Produced until superseded by the MR88.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Manurhin / Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Discontinued: 1988
Notes
Also offered in .38 Special and 9mm Luger. The Ruger Service Six basis kept costs down relative to the flagship MR73; the design was later succeeded by the Manurhin MR88.
Background
The Special Police was born of a rare transatlantic collaboration: Ruger shipped Service Six frames and lockwork to France, where Manurhin finished them with its own precision barrels and cylinders, giving French police a rugged .357 revolver at a fraction of the price of the exquisite MR73.