Magnum Research MR9

[TMan]

Gunblast wrote a review of the MR40 www.gunblast.com/MagnumResearch-Eagle.htm



Being that I am suffering from an acute gun shortage these days, and there isn't much new out there, it was interesting to read about what Magnum Research did with this gun.

I didn't want it in 40S&W, but since it was available in 9mm, I figured why not.

When I went to pick it up there was another customer there. I showed her the MR9, let her dry fire it, and she immediately said: "I have to have one of those".

It seems like they thought of everything with this pistol. It is a striker fired pistol and is pre-cocked like a Glock, but much more cocked. The trigger is much different than a Glock. Basically it is a two-stage trigger after it has been cocked. There is a reaaaaaly long pre-travel before it feels like it is almost at the end of the travel then it stops. A light amount of pressure and a crisp break. Very much different than a Glock.

If it is cocked and you want to decock it, you press down on the black bar on the top of the slide.

When it is not cocked, unlike a Glock, it is a double-action pistol. Although it is a long hard pull it isn't all that objectionable because the trigger is wide.

The other thing that really impressed me is how sleek the gun is. The slide release lever sits in an area that has been raised so there is nothing to snag when drawing the pistol.

Unfortunately, it is going to be a couple of weeks before I get a chance to shoot it - more pressing problems.

[MLB]

Hey there TMan, if you like the DE, you should get your hands on the Walther P99. The DE is a copy. Sort of like the SW99.

[TMan]

MLB, first let me state that a clone doesn't mean it is inferior to the original, in fact it may be vastly superior. For example the EAA Witness Elite series of pistols are clones of the CZ-75, but way, way, better.

There were various variants in the P99, and I think the MR9 was patterned after the P99QA.

The Walther that I want is the one that is on the front cover of this month's Guns and Ammo magazine. It is the new PPQ.

[MLB]

I shouldn't imply that. I agree.

Your description of the trigger sounds similar to the anti-stress (AS) version, but after the first shot, the long trigger pull is gone. I haven't tried the QA.

Walther has come out with soooo many versions of that pistol, even an afficinado like myself will have a hard time enumerating all of them. (and that's just the Walther branded ones) If I recall correctly, aside from the Magnum Research version, and a Polish version called a P99 RAD.

[TMan]

MLB, where did you get the grips for the P6? They are gorgeous.

Yes, you know you have a successful design when there are clones of your pistol. I was wondering who the King of Clones was, and was thinking the CZ-75. Then I came to my senses and realized it is, and I'm sure will be so for my remaining years, the Colt 1911.

I wonder for rifles are there more clones of the AK-47 or the AR-15? Wonder why there weren't clones of the M1 Garand? Wait, I bet the Mauser has more clones than either the AK-47 or AR-15.

Modified to add: just thought of something. I know you made the grips for your PPK, if you made those for the P6, would they fit my full size P6. If so, could you make me a pair? Just name your price.

[MLB]

TMan, I'd love to say that I'm talented enough to make those, and I'd gladly put a set together just for fun. Alas, I don't have lightning insurance. Through some divine intervention and a great deal of time, I might be able to create the beautiful grip face, but the "bark texture" and detail required on the back cut is beyond my tooling. I should fix that...

I would however, highly recommend "Pete" at www.grips4u.net. Corny website name, quality grips. Can't have it all I guess. They were about $80. I don't know him personally, but he came recommended from the folks I know at the Walther forum. There's a bit more info and pics at this post

handgunforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=talking&action=display&thread=2676

The "gold standard" for grips seems to be Nills (http://www.nill-grips.com/). They look just beautiful, but were beyond my powers of justification. (around $175-200)

I've learned a lot since I made the ppk/s grips. Mine are a tad loose too (as you can see from the picture). May have to make a new set. It'll be a fun fall/winter project.

I think you're spot on with the 1911 as the king of (handgun) clones. Rifles are a bit more difficult. I'm leaning towards the Mauser too.

p.s. I don't think the P5C grips and P5 grips are interchangeable. Make sure you get the right ones.

[TMan]

Thanks for posting that other thread. I'd forgotten why I didn't jump for the grips before. My P5 has a lot of wear. There was a guy in Fort Worth that did re-blueing. I've got to see if I can find him. I think it would be worth it to get it done and get the grips.

How come you don't have a P1 or P38 my Walther friend? The P1 was my first Walther. I was very impressed with how it was made. Nothing like German engineering... well maybe Swiss... well maybe American (JMB)... guess I shouldn't leave out the Italians either. ;D

[MLB]

My P5C has an alloy frame. Not sure about the P5. Check before sending out for bluing.

It's funny how I've obtained such a disproportionate number of Walthers for my small collection. Really, I'm no Walther fanboy (especially with their current offerings). I just happened to like a bunch that they've made. The P1/P38 just doesn't do it for me I guess. It is very much like the P5 internally though.

I took the P99 out for a ride last Sunday, and was surprised that I shot it as well as I did. The snappy recoil of the .40 in the polymer frame usually makes my groups, well, adequate for defensive purposes as they say. I was scoring 5 of 10 in the 10 ring though, the rest in the 8. 25 yard slow fire pistol target. Not sure what I did, but I'll have to find out!

[TMan]

Thanks, never thought of that about the frame. The slide is where most of the wear is showing.

Actually, I'm a bit of a Walther fan myself with the exception of the P22.