Manurhin MR88's

[JRB]

https://www.centerfiresystems.com/p-70599-manurhin-mr88-stainless-38-special-double-action-revolver-3.aspx

This is really tempting, even though I wouldn't see it for some time.

Anyone have any experience on the MR88 vs the MR73?

[Bucky]

https://www.centerfiresystems.com/p-70599-manurhin-mr88-stainless-38-special-double-action-revolver-3.aspx

This is really tempting, even though I wouldn't see it for some time.

Anyone have any experience on the MR88 vs the MR73?

bac1023

[Stephanie B]

https://www.centerfiresystems.com/p-70599-manurhin-mr88-stainless-38-special-double-action-revolver-3.aspx

This is really tempting, even though I wouldn't see it for some time.

Anyone have any experience on the MR88 vs the MR73?

A French GP.100?

[HCM]

A French GP.100?

I think they are more a French Speed Six.

[MK11]

Ooh la la!

Would this be compatible with k frame/Speed Six leather and speed loaders?

[Colt191145lover]

Tempting...

[bac1023]

https://www.centerfiresystems.com/p-70599-manurhin-mr88-stainless-38-special-double-action-revolver-3.aspx

This is really tempting, even though I wouldn't see it for some time.

Anyone have any experience on the MR88 vs the MR73?

Solid revolvers, but not even in the same universe as the MR73. They are very Ruger-like.

[Jim Watson]

Note that it has a sideplate, not a bottom assembly action.
It would be fun to row one up with Speed Six and MR73 to track the mutations.

[Poconnor]

I need to get one to add to Ruger speed/ security 6 collection.

[paherne]

I love mine and I paid like $650 for it. This is a great price and great value. F! grips and an MR 73 grip screw from Hastings works if you hate the Trausch grips that come with it.

[JonInWA]

Essentially a Frenchified Speed Six. While some consider them to be a bit of a plebian offering compared to the MR73, that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Ruger lineage woud appear to give them a rock-solid background. These are a nice counterpoint to the surplus French Railway Police SP101s with the lanyard loop offered earlier this year. While those were BNIB, I suspect that these in .38 Special are pretty bulletproof, and you're getting a 6th shot for only a nominal increase in size and weight.

Caveat emptor, of course, but these are probably a pretty safe bet in a used revolver. And as you guys know, I'm a major Trausch grip fan-I just hope that age/storage hasn't unduly deteriorated the rubber.

Best, Jon

[Dave J]

Damn you people and all your enabling!

[Stephanie B]

https://www.centerfiresystems.com/p-70599-manurhin-mr88-stainless-38-special-double-action-revolver-3.aspx

This is really tempting, even though I wouldn't see it for some time.

They're all sold, now.

Temptation averted.

[Wayne Dobbs]

They're all sold, now.

Temptation averted.

And one is mine.

[Dagga Boy]

And one is mine.

You’re welcome.....I saw 3 left and figured we needed to strike.

[Wayne Dobbs]

You’re welcome.....I saw 3 left and figured we needed to strike.

I think Pat will smile and then bust on me for having anything French. What do you think, DB?

[jtcarm]

And one is mine.

We’ll expect a range report.

[Buroak]

Jon, just picked one up from my dealer and the Trausch grips are in great shape. In fact, this revolver looked hardly fired and seldom carried. Even came with a Manurhin case. The serial number on the case did not match the box. The case was coded SIMR88DX. There was a sticker on the case with hand written serial number and "Cannes", so possibly these came from the Cannes police force. Centerfire really came through!

[Buroak]

As much as I love Trausch grips, those new old stock F1 grips from Numrich look darned classy on these MR88s. Old style with the exposed backstrap, something that you can't do with many new revolvers.43611
43612

[JonInWA]

As much as I love Trausch grips, those new old stock F1 grips from Numrich look darned classy on these MR88s. Old style with the exposed backstrap, something that you can't do with many new revolvers.43611
43612

No disagreement aesthetically, Buroak. The F1 grips look great on the gun; I just really like the ergos of the Trausch TJ84 grips.

Best, Jon

[Buroak]

Jon, No question that the Trausch grips work well. I use them on all my SP101s and they index perfectly so you don't even need the sights for close work. These Trausch grips point higher for me than the ones on the SPs by about a foot at 20 feet. I think it is because of the high beavertail which makes a greater downward angle of the trigger finger than on the SP101 Trausch.
Also, the Trausch on the MR88 allow for a three finger grip (or maybe 2 1/2) while the wood grips are pinky finger underneath.

Jacques was a good guy to work with. I even ordered a set of ivory colored SP101 grips from him so I could have some plain white Trausch. :)

Here is a comparison picture of the MR88 in the center with GP100 on top, SP101 below, and MR73 to the side.

43642

[zeleny]

Solid revolvers, but not even in the same universe as the MR73. They are very Ruger-like.Barrels and cylinders make the difference.

[JonInWA]

Barrels and cylinders make the difference.

Michael, from a analysis of absolute quality, I totally agree. From the aspect of most real-world users actual use, I'm not sure it it really makes a significant difference. The design changes Mahurin implemented to the license-built -Six revolvers seemed to meet the needs of GIGN's extremely heavy projected use and desired longevity; empirically, they clearly succeeded.

However, the amount of actual operator firing of the GIGN protocols is probably rivaled only by Tier-One units and USPSA Grandmasters-most of us simply aren't going to submit our firearms to that heavy and continuous use, both in terms of operational periods and weapon lifetime.

In that case, I prefer the Ruger removable trigger group fieldstripping, finding it a bit more practical for field field-stripping.

I'm quite satisfied with the accuracy of my Security Six as provided by Ruger (But the Manhurn/Chapuis-Manhurin improvements are certainly nice and well executed). And I totally agree that the MR73 is in a niche of its own.

Best, Jon

[JonInWA]

Solid revolvers, but not even in the same universe as the MR73. They are very Ruger-like.

Totally agree. Essentially they're very Ruger-like because they're essentially derived from Manhurin's license-built Security/Service/Speed-Six.

Best, Jon

[Dave J]

This showed up today. I won’t get a chance to shake it out until after Tom Givens’ Shotgun Course this weekend, but my initial impression is that it’s both very smooth and solid.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191016/8a243629492c37415013e4c0b4c81d9a.jpg

[jtcarm]

OK MR88 buyers.

There’s been more than ample time since this last bunch sold out for y’all to get to the range and evaluate your purchase.

So let’s see some reviews!

You all are like the canary in the mineshaft. We miners want to know if it’s safe to buy from the next batch that hits the market.

[JRB]

OK MR88 buyers.

There’s been more than ample time since this last bunch sold out for y’all to get to the range and evaluate your purchase.

So let’s see some reviews!

You all are like the canary in the mineshaft. We miners want to know if it’s safe to buy from the next batch that hits the market.

Yes - This!

Instead of starting this thread, I should have just friggin' bought one. Live and learn.

I'm glad that at least one ended up in the PF collective!

[Hi-Point Aficionado]

Potential topic drift but too cool not to post. Anyone wanna learn about the GIGN's 8" sniper variant of the MR73?

https://youtu.be/P1zEUGck8NE

[Dave J]

OK MR88 buyers.

There’s been more than ample time since this last bunch sold out for y’all to get to the range and evaluate your purchase.

So let’s see some reviews!


Actually, I had buyer’s regret for awhile.

I regretted not buying two of them. :)

I’ve had mine out a couple of times now, and am favorably impressed. The trigger isn’t quite as good as my classic smiths, but it’s pretty darn close. Popping the side plate off revealed that virtually everything inside was highly polished, and everything on my sample appears to be in great shape.

I didn’t care for the Trausch grips, but they’re probably a great choice for folks with smaller hands. Mine is currently wearing a set of Pachmayr Grippers, and I’ve got some eBay Thai hardwood on the way.

Sights on mine seem pretty close with the 158-grain Geco and Fiocchi loads I tried. Unfortunately, 135-gr Gold Dots printed way low, so I’ll have to check out a few other potential defensive loads, or change the front sight blade, if I decide to carry it.

K frame speedloaders fit perfectly. I assume the French specified S&W chamber spacing so as to use the same loaders as the MR-73.

I haven’t quite worked out the holster situation yet. It’s useable in an old Bianchi K/L frame thumb break for range use, but won’t quite work with my more precisely fitted Milt Sparks K-frame leather. Not sure if it would work in an L-frame or Ruger model.

Anyway, I think it’s a great gun, and I’m having fun tinkering with it.

Interior lock work, for anyone who is interested:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200212/359f24425e284855db4094f705424290.jpg

[Dave J]

Oh, they’re back in stock at Centerfire Systems, and still $449.

https://www.centerfiresystems.com/p-70599-manurhin-mr88-stainless-38-special-double-action-revolver-3-with-holster.aspx

I cured my buyer’s regret by ordering another one. :)
JRB

[Totem Polar]

I cured my buyer’s regret by ordering another one. :)


I think you might be my new hero.

You’re an enabler, though.

[OlongJohnson]

Oh, they’re back in stock at Centerfire Systems, and still $449.

https://www.centerfiresystems.com/p-70599-manurhin-mr88-stainless-38-special-double-action-revolver-3-with-holster.aspx

I cured my buyer’s regret by ordering another one. :)
JRB

What's with the "(using wheels instead of just lubrication where metal rubs on metal)?" I don't see that in your pic.

[Scal]

What's with the "(using wheels instead of just lubrication where metal rubs on metal)?" I don't see that in your pic.

I would bet that they confused that with the MR-73. I think that they originally had these guns incorrectly listed as MR-73s.

[HoustonGP100]

Greetings Gentlemen and Ladies,

I have a thing for 2-3 inch revolvers. I lean heavily towards Rugers or older S&W. So I didn't buy one of the MR88's when they first came up but I did this round. Ordered and waiting for arrival.

I believe the Speed Six grips will fit if I don't like the Trauch. But the site also stated grips would vary so I don't know what I will get yet.

Looking at the pictures of these I believe I noted the charging holes are chamfered. Did I see this correctly? The internals in the previously posted picture look to be nicely done. I am not at all worried about it having a side plate.

Does anyone know if these are Plus P rated? I can't find that questioned anywhere.

Looking forward to adding this to my collection.

H

[Dave J]

Looking at the pictures of these I believe I noted the charging holes are chamfered. Did I see this correctly? The internals in the previously posted picture look to be nicely done. I am not at all worried about it having a side plate.

Does anyone know if these are Plus P rated? I can't find that questioned anywhere.

H

I haven’t examined them with a magnifier, but it looks to me that the charge holes do have a small chamfer cut, which at least breaks the sharp corner. I’ll probably cut it a little deeper at some point.

I can’t find “+P” stamped anywhere on the gun. The users manual (which can be found online) doesn’t say one way or the other, so I’m not sure that’s even a consideration for the European market. It’d be nice to have “official” confirmation, but I have no reservations whatsoever about using +P ammo, since the gun was also offered in .357 Magnum.

[Totem Polar]

You will wear out before that gun does shooting .38+P. JMO.

[HoustonGP100]

You will wear out before that gun does shooting .38+P. JMO.

Was what I was thinking. Thanks

[HoustonGP100]

I haven’t examined them with a magnifier, but it looks to me that the charge holes do have a small chamfer cut, which at least breaks the sharp corner. I’ll probably cut it a little deeper at some point.

I can’t find “+P” stamped anywhere on the gun. The users manual (which can be found online) doesn’t say one way or the other, so I’m not sure that’s even a consideration for the European market. It’d be nice to have “official” confirmation, but I have no reservations whatsoever about using +P ammo, since the gun was also offered in .357 Magnum.

How does your copy shoot? I believe you said heavier loads, 158gr to POA but lighter loads lower? Accuracy?

[Kyle Reese]

I don’t need one...... I have a Colt Night Cobra, and that’s sufficient, right? *has item in cart, with VISA in hand*


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dave J]

How does your copy shoot? I believe you said heavier loads, 158gr to POA but lighter loads lower? Accuracy?

I’ve been struggling with vision issues for the last several months, so I can’t really comment on accuracy. I am shooting patterns more than groups. I hesitated to post the picture below since it’s so awful, but I think it at least shows a general POI difference.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200217/de366c446eb4df9d81bf89f1285c4e55.jpg

[Dave J]

New stocks arrived yesterday. I think I’m going to like them.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200217/1f94abf19939b57e9a8f71e18fe7a720.jpg

[HoustonGP100]

I’ve been struggling with vision issues for the last several months, so I can’t really comment on accuracy. I am shooting patterns more than groups. I hesitated to post the picture below since it’s so awful, but I think it at least shows a general POI difference.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200217/de366c446eb4df9d81bf89f1285c4e55.jpg

I am right there with you. Cataract surgery several years ago and progressive glassess to deal with astygmatism. I too shoot minute of man. Everything I have is capable of being shot better than I can shoot.

[LtDave]

Look what I found, the MR88 user manual in French and English:

https://imthi.actioncom.fr/dbIMAGE/chapuisarmes/image/I_5HLT7_1542791808135.PDF

They also have Manurhin catalog and MR73 user manual.

[JonInWA]

Look what I found, the MR88 user manual in French and English:

https://imthi.actioncom.fr/dbIMAGE/chapuisarmes/image/I_5HLT7_1542791808135.PDF

They also have Manurhin catalog and MR73 user manual.

Nice, Dave. You get the Google-foo search award for the day! Good find-thanks for sharing.

Best, Jon

[LtDave]

Nice, Dave. You get the Google-foo search award for the day! Good find-thanks for sharing.

Best, Jon

I wasn’t even looking for it, just found by happenstance.

[JonInWA]

I may have said it earlier (or in another p-f thread), but I'd take one of these used over an of the new Colt Cobra offerings.

They're very comparable to the relatively rare 3" Service Six/Speed Six variants. arguably with superior metallurgy in the barrels and cylinders (not that I've encountered, empirically or anecdotally, complaints about the -Six metallurgy). And as these are really Ruger variants, they're probably pretty durable, even if heavily used (which I suspect relatively few were, as French organizational LEO guns, but that's speculation on my part).

Price-wise, these to me represent a screaming deal over comparable similar -Six guns. Too bad I probably can't get one by my Wifely Review Board...

Best, Jon

[JonInWA]

I wasn’t even looking for it, just found by happenstance.

You still get credit-sometimes it's better to be lucky than good....

Best, Jon

[JonInWA]

New stocks arrived yesterday. I think I’m going to like them.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200217/1f94abf19939b57e9a8f71e18fe7a720.jpg

That looks great, from both an aesthetic and control standpoint; for greater concealability, though, if that's of concern I'd be inclined to either stick with the Trausch/OEM wood, or, if it fits, an OEM Ruger "splinter" wood -Six grip in conjunction with Tyler T grip adapter https://www.t-grips.com/

Best, Jon

[HoustonGP100]

Got my copy of this gun from Centerfire yesterday. First impressions. Came with the Trauch grip and a service holster. Appears to be a Barney Fife version. Carried a lot, shot very little. Very dirty and dry. Immediately came apart and cleaned. A lot of brushing and scrubbing. Jury is out on the grip. Ordered a Pachmeyr compac off of ebay. One minor modification to test. I have some GP100 hammer springs. I traded stock spring out with a cut spring. Made a huge difference in pull weight. It is a smooth trigger otherwise. Will make sure all my ammo is set off with the new spring. Action locks up tightly as expected. Pulling double action SLOWLY there seems to be a slight catch/hesitation when the cylinder locking unlocks but not noticable with rapid DA pull. Going to have to paint front sight red as well. Overall nice revolver to add to collection.

[Radar Love]

Got mine in last week and it is now my favorite revolver:

49315

[HoustonGP100]

Here is mine after adding Pachmayr compacs. Much better than what came with it. Yet to be shot but anxious to do so.

[awp_101]

So many wants, such a flat wallet...

[Dave J]

MR-88 #2 showed up recently. This one had the aforementioned holster, along with a manual and proof certificate showing it was manufactured in 2000. I don’t really care for the holster, but it’s interesting to see what was likely used in French police service. Interestingly, it’s labeled as “K/L frame” on the holster body. The belt drop adapter is considerably less robust than a Safariland, but might come in handy to put together a gamer rig with a kydex holster body. One downside is that the gun came shipped in the holster, inside the case (with the case bulging out like crazy), and apparently someone ripped out the foam liner to make it all fit...although I don’t really have any need for the hard case, it seemed kind of unnecessary.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200305/4c72f88a86c7d7616ddf00efd6a71f56.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200305/09d40f13d4b20dcde1de3c81970e6492.jpg

[Dave J]

One other development, I took a chance and ordered a Security Six hammer, based on it appearing very similar in the Ruger parts diagram. If it turns out that they’re indeed interchangeable, then bobbed & DAO is totally happening on at least one of my two examples.

[Lex Luthier]

One other development, I took a chance and ordered a Security Six hammer, based on it appearing very similar in the Ruger parts diagram. If it turns out that they’re indeed interchangeable, then bobbed & DAO is totally happening on at least one of my two examples.

I am looking forward to hearing if this works.

[HoustonGP100]

this
Hammer, Blued (Spurless)
Product #: 1160830
Part Key: 35

cost 27.25

Numrich Arms

I bought one of these for a service six. Dropped right in without a problem.

maybe?

[David C.]

What load are these MR88s regulated to shoot to point of aim? Please share your experiences.

Sorry, just found info in post #29, would still appreciate other's experience.

[JonInWA]

Most Ruger fixed sight revolvers are regulated out of the box for 158 gr. I suspect these will be the same. Best, Jon

[Dave J]

I have a minor correction to something I posted earlier.



K frame speedloaders fit perfectly. I assume the French specified S&W chamber spacing so as to use the same loaders as the MR-73.


Visually, the cylinder spacing looked identical to me, but when I got the calipers out, the “chamber circle” on the MR-88 is .035” larger in diameter than a K frame.

My K-frame loaders (Safariland Comp-II and Comp III) work fine, but I recently tested a Ruger Security Six Comp-II, and it’s actually a smidge better.

[Dave J]

In other news, my Security Six hammer showed up. It’s not exactly identical, but it is interchangeable, and I’m happy to report that it dropped right in.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/e0f266022db10ed77849d06ec59c363c.jpg

(MR hammer on the left, freshly bobbed Ruger hammer installed in my “new” MR-88, which hasn’t been cleaned yet. :)

Here’s the main difference between the two. I still have to do some polishing to the Ruger part to bring the finish up to snuff. (Hammer spur style was different as well, but that got chopped off before I got around to taking pictures)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/2f330ada40527f438649c89109c59dc3.jpg

Single action notch will be removed soon. I left it on temporarily, as I was curious to see how well it matched up. It fit just fine.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/ac81c5c6cb90d40f0ba6b9e527582f5a.jpg
All buttoned up and ready for the range.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/0949ae8d10294ed88d2143a2dd00de34.jpg

[Dave J]

What's with the "(using wheels instead of just lubrication where metal rubs on metal)?" I don't see that in your pic.

There is something resembling a roller bearing on the trigger, although I haven’t had that part out of the gun yet. Not sure if that’s common to Rugers as well, or if it really matches that ad copy.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/6662d70c8d885b4a5d3889d3842043f3.jpg

[Scal]

There is something resembling a roller bearing on the trigger, although I haven’t had that part out of the gun yet. Not sure if that’s common to Rugers as well, or if it really matches that ad copy.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/6662d70c8d885b4a5d3889d3842043f3.jpg

That part is a torsion spring for the trigger. The wire it’s made out of is square, not the typical round wire stock that I would expect - seems like an odd choice to me, but I am not French. I just detail stripped my MR-88 on Friday.

[Dave J]

That part is a torsion spring for the trigger. The wire it’s made out of is square, not the typical round wire stock that I would expect - seems like an odd choice to me, but I am not French. I just detail stripped my MR-88 on Friday.

Thanks. Any surprise challenges on the detail strip?

[Scal]

Thanks. Any surprise challenges on the detail strip?

I would say that the only surprise is that there doesn’t appear to be an easy way to remove the firing pin. I drove out the roll pin that I assumed retained the FP, and it didn’t appear to want to leave. I think that it might require pressing out the breechface block with an arbor press or something like that, or it’s possible that I missed something. I just saw that the FP moved freely and it retracted when it was not under pressure, and I left it alone.

[beenalongtime]

In other news, my Security Six hammer showed up. It’s not exactly identical, but it is interchangeable, and I’m happy to report that it dropped right in.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/e0f266022db10ed77849d06ec59c363c.jpg

(MR hammer on the left, freshly bobbed Ruger hammer installed in my “new” MR-88, which hasn’t been cleaned yet. :)

Here’s the main difference between the two. I still have to do some polishing to the Ruger part to bring the finish up to snuff. (Hammer spur style was different as well, but that got chopped off before I got around to taking pictures)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/2f330ada40527f438649c89109c59dc3.jpg

Single action notch will be removed soon. I left it on temporarily, as I was curious to see how well it matched up. It fit just fine.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/ac81c5c6cb90d40f0ba6b9e527582f5a.jpg
All buttoned up and ready for the range.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200309/0949ae8d10294ed88d2143a2dd00de34.jpg

Is it just me, or does that look more like a GP100 hammer to anyone else?

[HoustonGP100]

I ordered a spurless blue finish hammer from Numrich to try. I have one of these on a Service Six and it dropped right in and works well.

Dave J,
Did you do any bevel/ polishing of the Ruger hammer other than cutting off the spur and finishing?

[Dave J]

I ordered a spurless blue finish hammer from Numrich to try. I have one of these on a Service Six and it dropped right in and works well.

Dave J,
Did you do any bevel/ polishing of the Ruger hammer other than cutting off the spur and finishing?

At this point, I’ve only removed the spur, and beveled the side edges where it used to be, just out of personal preference. Other than that, I haven’t done anything else yet, although I plan to polish it similar to the original part, and remove the SA cocking surface.

If Numrich had the factory spurless model available in stainless, I’d probably have ordered that instead.

[HoustonGP100]

At this point, I’ve only removed the spur, and beveled the side edges where it used to be, just out of personal preference. Other than that, I haven’t done anything else yet, although I plan to polish it similar to the original part, and remove the SA cocking surface.

If Numrich had the factory spurless model available in stainless, I’d probably have ordered that instead.

I don't mind the blued model. I could polish off that part if needed. It is only blued on the backside of the hammer. The sides are in the white. I put one on a service six and removed the single action notch.

[HoustonGP100]

Got my Spurless hammer in from Numrich. Cleaned up the sides a little. Dropped right in and seems to function as smoothly as the hammer that came with the gun.
4983749838

[Kyle Reese]

Ordered one for my birthday. Can’t wait to get it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JonInWA]

I kinda think of these as a classic sort of SP101 on steroids. Eminently usable, very nicely executed. Personally, as you guys know, I'm a huge fan of the the OEM Trausch grips if the rubber is still in decent shape but that's just me; there are certainly other aesthetically and ergonomically excellent choices available (as well as some other classic, but not quite as ergonomic alternatives if desired).

Best, Jon

https://oi986.photobucket.com/albums/ae343/JonInWA/Ruger%20Security%20Six/th_DSCN1636.jpg (https://s986.photobucket.com/user/JonInWA/media/Ruger%20Security%20Six/DSCN1636.jpg.html)

[Dave J]

Picked up another set of Thai hardwood stocks recently.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200325/7d151fb51500edfedba7c6e9f0187a1f.jpg

I really like these, but as JonInWA pointed out, they are a little large for concealment purposes. Fortunately, that’s not too difficult to change. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200325/e0e63ea070b496e008064b1ace5e1291.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200325/2e72709c499d935567dd2dcc1f2052ee.jpg

A little tung oil later, things are looking good.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200325/9f95b2dcd74110ad7af41b3b246d07d5.jpg

[JonInWA]

Nicely done!

Best, Jon

[Dave J]

For anyone who might be looking for a carry holster for your MR-88, I have some good news.

Up until now, I was using generic K/L-frame leather (a Bianchi #111)...it was OK as a range holster, but otherwise not great. My tightly fitted K-frame specific holsters were too small, but it seemed like a L-frame was pretty close. So, I got the calipers out, and found the MR-88 was slightly smaller than my L-frame 686-3 in every dimension except for the top strap, which was considerably wider on the MR-88. But it was close enough that I figured I could make some L-frame Kydex work.

With that in mind, I ordered a 3” L-frame “George” AIWB from Tony Mayer, fully expecting that I’d have to apply some heat gun action to make the top strap fit.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the MR-88 works extremely well in the JMCK L-frame holster with no modification. The holster has a very generous sight channel, which allows the Kydex to flex out enough to accommodate the top strap on its own, so only a tension screw adjustment is needed to achieve an excellent fit.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200527/b195e206285beb5858a3ffb8ba3c54bb.jpg

Interestingly, I’d bought another K-frame “George” on the same order, with the intent of using if for a Smith model 12-2 that I recently rescued. It also incorporates a much larger sight channel compared to my “old” K-frame George that I bought couple years ago. Out of curiosity, I also tested the MR-88 in the new K-frame holster, and while it wasn’t nearly as good a fit as the L-frame model, it could be made to work acceptably in a pinch, especially with a little heat gun work — in comparison, my “old” K-frame George wouldn’t accept the MR-88 at all.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200527/91978bd74a50ff9553aa203d59792dc1.jpg

Black = “old” K-frame George
Grey = “new” K-frame George, with MR-88
Tan = L-frame George, with other MR-88

Since this worked out so well, I’ll likely be ordering an L-frame OWB from JMCK very soon, and hopefully have a chance to try the MR-88 in SSR whenever our local matches resume.

[Tony Mayer]

Very cool and good to know!

Thanks

[LtDave]

Finally took my MR88 out to the range. Only 10 yards, but I'm happy:

55608

[Totem Polar]

Has anyone tried a front sight swap on one of these yet?

[Dave J]

Has anyone tried a front sight swap on one of these yet?

I’ve looked, but haven’t found any direct swaps that would provide an acceptable POI...at least as far as current production sights.

Gemini Customs indicated they could send me a Ruger sight blank which I could file to fit, and then they could finish machine for a fiber optic rod. I may take them up on that at some point, but don’t really have time right now.

[Dave J]

Some photo trivia for anyone interested in MR-88 front sights. I pulled one awhile back for examination.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/62e01f5c9076c0a909684e31d4cd3018.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/54a55ddf5385a5c90e6b25872fdbe398.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/fd87fbdb0f0115e9cf747c56e956bb12.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/6bbe0014dd99ce5231a089a7a6975e24.jpg

[Whirlwind06]

That looks pretty much the Ruger speed six, security six, and gp100 fixed sight model sight.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Very close but not exact. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/9f293d19281a266ab50cac9453af3594.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/29c9953448dd0e1a0a1390792d22a92f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/3768cfbfa1912ef307259ba9dff2f831.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200609/a69572f3db7b3cfe5a02fa480bfe8ea1.jpg

[Dave J]

Picked up a Ruger Security Six front sight for a 2.75" barrel the other day, courtesy of Numrich Arms. (https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1486290)

It's close enough to fit, and appears to be approximately .025" shorter than the OEM Manhurin front.

My math says it should bring the POI up about 4.7" (at 25yds) compared to stock. On at least one of my two MR-88's, this would make a much more acceptable POI with 135-gr +P Gold Dots with very little hassle. I haven't decided if I'll go that route, as I want to test some other defensive loads first.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200620/aaa4c5562fc2d9b21d76ebd3a7d801e7.jpg

[R89074]

I had problems seeing front sight at in door range. I ordered a Smith and Wesson Patridge front sight blade and a friend installed it for me. There was minimal difference in width and I am not sure on the height. I have not gotten to range to check point of aim.
https://i.imgur.com/BZnJpNv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OaT0rGA.jpg

[jtcarm]

Can we please start a different MR88 thread?

I get all excited when I see this one at the top.