Why is one of the most legendary handguns of the 1970s a revolver that was built specifically for one of the most elite police forces? The answer lies within the unique story of the Manurhin MR73.
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The decade of the 1970s was a time when many iconic handguns were introduced. Kicking it off was the Heckler & Koch VP70, the world’s first polymer-frame pistol. This was followed by a slew of modern designs, many of which are still in production, including the Beretta 92, CZ75 and SIG Sauer P220. The rise of the “Wonder Nines” marked a period when military and law enforcement organizations around the world were transitioning to semi-automatic handguns with double-column magazines and double-action trigger mechanisms. So why is one of the most legendary handguns of the 1970s a revolver that was built specifically for one of the most elite police forces? The answer lies within the unique story of the Manurhin MR73.
The Manurhin MR73 revolver has developed a legendary reputation as the sidearm of the French Groupe d’Intervention Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN). Photo credit: Groupe d’Intervention Gendarmerie Nationale
