What the heck is a "Manurhin"? (pistol)

August 14, 2010

[Still Thinking]

What the heck is a "Manurhin"? Is this like a Walther knockoff or something, similar to the way there's CZ and Browning copies?

[Joe 6-pack]

It’s a French made Walther, built under license after WWII.

[Lurker]

That looks like a Manuhrin P-38 to me. How much do they want for it?

[Still Thinking]

Ah, OK. Thanks. Is the quality on a par with the Walther-made Walthers?

[Still Thinking]

That looks like a Manuhrin P-38 to me. How much do they want for it?

$400. They're saying it's a P1.

[paddles]

How would anyone know? If it’s French it’s never been used.

[Joe 6-pack]

Never handled one personally, but everything I’ve read suggests they had a pretty good reputation. They still make some pretty excellent revolvers.

[Still Thinking]

LOL. The French army is currently out of commission cause of a fire in the white flag factory.

[Shanda]

After WWII Walther was not allowed to manufacture guns for several years. They contracted with the French firm of Manurhin to make them for Walther.

My understanding is the complete guns were shipped to Walther where they were stamped with the German writing and sold as Walthers.

Several times, Manurhin made some and put their own name on them. The last time they did this, I think Walther ended their contract and either made them at Walther or had some other company do the same thing Manurhin had been doing.

The Manurhin made guns are the equal in every respect to the German made ones. They might even be better.

[Still Thinking]

Thanks for the background.

[blackbart.223]

"Never handled one personally, but everything I’ve read suggests they had a pretty good reputation. They still make some pretty excellent revolvers."

If it isn't a 1911 A1 or a model 19 it is a waste of time and money.

[Joe 6-pack]

LOL...ok.

[Lurker]

The P-1 was manufactured by the French. It's basically a German P-38 which is the pistol which replaced the famous Luger.

For $400 bucks, if it's in decent condition, isn't a bad price. They're kind of interesting. It's the first pistol design which was DA/SA, meaning it could be fired in either double action of single action mode.

It was also the first widely manufactured semi-auto design to have a decocking mechanism which meant you could carry it safely with a round in the chamber and the hammer down.

To fire the user simply had to draw and pull the trigger just like a double action revolver. They're chambered for the 9MM cartridge.

Why are you considering the purchase of this particular weapon?

[blackbart.223]

"LOL...ok."

If I was forced to have only one handgun for self defence it would be the Smith & Wesson model 19.

[Tainan]

+1 on Shandas excellent background info on the Manuhrins.
Back in the late '70s thru mid 80s there were quite a few Manurhins coming on the market in the same form as Walther PPk & PPKS models. I think various police departments in Europe were switching over and were selling these to a few select distributors. If I remember correctly, INTERARMS marketed these at the time. Excellent quality at a very good price. These were bought up by "knowledgeable" aficionados as soon as they surfaced.

I seem to somehow vaguely remember a 'Turkish' connection in there somewhere but the details escape me just now. Maybe I'm thinking of some other branding.
But the models I've seen were well made and of good steel. Check for magazine compatibility and availability. Always good to have some spare magazines for those times of need.

[Brucifer]

I own a couple 1911s, a beautiful Model 19, and a P-1. I think the major difference between the Walther P-38 and the Walther P-1 is the P-1 has an aluminum frame. I don't claim to be an expert.

My P-1 is really a wonderful pistol to shoot. It points well, is accurate, and makes a terrific plinker.

[Joe 6-pack]

And if that works for you, great! That’s why I love the firearms recommendation articles here on FR (and in other places). The bottom line is that the best weapon for any person is one that fills the needs of their particular situation, and that they are most comfortable and confident with. If the M19 suits you, then it does. My personal preference is the CZ75B...for a lot of reasons, but I’d never tell anybody their choice wasn’t best for them, or that my choice is the only choice.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

They’ve been known to go full auto when you use the hammer drop lever on a loaded chamber.

[blackbart.223]

Walthers are good quality pistols. I’m just not a fan of the 9mm.

[Lurker]

If I was forced to have only one handgun for self defence it would be the Smith & Wesson model 19.

Concur. I still kick myself once a month or so for selling one about 10 years ago.