Magnum Research
Magnum Research grips
Magnum Research, Inc. (MRI) was founded in 1979 in Minnesota (initially Minneapolis/Fridley area) by Jim Skildum and John Risdall, who envisioned a company focused on innovative, high-powered handguns
The breakthrough came with the Desert Eagle pistol—designed from 1979–1982 (patent filed 1983 by Bernard C. White and Arnolds Streinbergs)—a gas-operated, large-frame semi-auto capable of magnum calibers like .357 Magnum (1985 debut), .44 Magnum, and later .50 Action Express (1991). MRI developed the concept; Israel Military Industries (IMI) refined and manufactured it initially
Production shifted multiple times: IMI (1985–1995), Saco Defense (Maine, 1995–2000), back to IMI/IWI (1998–2009), then fully to MRI's Pillager, MN factory in 2009 for U.S. production
In 1999, MRI launched the BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver, originally Brainerd's First Revolver) single-action line, designed by gunsmith Jim Tertin for extreme accuracy in big-bore calibers
Facing financial challenges, Magnum Research was acquired by Kahr Arms (Kahr Firearms Group) in June 2010, stabilizing operations and expanding finishes, models, and pop-culture fame (movies, games)
Today, under Kahr, MRI remains renowned for the iconic Desert Eagle series and powerful revolvers, blending bold innovation with proven reliability
