Tell me about Korth

[BoogieMan]

I have seen a few listed recently. They are priced at the very high end of the scale. Are they an aftermarket tuned or custom built revolver? Are they worth the money?

[Jim Watson]

German made, all their own thing, not based on any ordinary brand.
Very high quality, very expensive, very scarce.

Worth the money? Sure, if you want to spend it.

[RJay]

Yes, they are high end custom built, almost all by hand, parts are hand fitted. The guns are built on a limited basis. Are they worth it, don't know, I guess if you can afford them they are worth it. I have had the opportunity to handle one and work the action, the revolver was smooth as silk and seem to be part of my hand. Korth has been building his firearms since 1982, the best way to learn about them is to google Korth firearms. The only ones that seem to bad mouth the guns are those who can't afford them, me, I'm just envious as h e double tooth picks

[shouldazagged]

The only ones that seem to bad mouth the guns are those who can't afford them

I don't think I've ever seen or heard anyone bad-mouthing them, but one guy did say he preferred his Smith or Ruger or whatever it was and the Korth wasn't that special.

They're said to be masterpieces of their kind mechanically, like Purdey shotguns only less expensive. Sure, it would be nice to own one, but that will never be anything but a dream.

Fortunately I'm happy with my own Smith revolvers, and they shoot better than I can.

[BoogieMan]

Thanks for the info. I was doing a little research about them as I dream and aspire to delusions of grandeur. I guess Korth is kinda the H&H of handguns.

[EdInk]

I have handled one. Extremely smooth and well crafted. I don't think it would hold up to a lot of abuse like a Combat Masterpiece or even a Colt Python (which while super smooth not known for durability.)

[Dragline45]

From a collectors standpoint if you have the cash its worth it. From a functioning standpoint a S&W revolver worked on by a quality gunsmith will perform just as well for a fraction of a price. I would rather drop that kind of money on an entirely handmade Arrieta shotgun, at least with the Arrieta you get custom engraving and some of the nicest wood furniture you will see on any gun.

I know this is the revolver forum but if you are interested in Arrieta shotguns this video does them a great justice, an absolute work of art, literally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5HoKCDwmD8

.

[EdInk]

That is a very good way of explaining it.

[UncleEd]

Bill Jordan, famed Border Patrol agent and later gun writer who talked Smith into producing the Model 19, handled a Korth and liked it but not enough to
believe it was worth the money over the Smith.

I know one thing about them and that's the trigger return block, which in a Smith runs on the frame of the revolver, is mounted on tiny ball bearings which give it at least in part its silky smooth trigger in double or single action.

[PzGren]

I have a rimfire Korth revolver that was built in 1969, still under the original owner. He made sure that the quality was excellent or better. I have had the priviledge to visit their old shop in Ratzeburg before it closed in 2008 and got a tour of the shop by their master gunsmith.

I have a few friends in Germany that have shot their .357 Mag Korth revolvers - the newer models - with the barrel sleeve, extensively and they hold up very well, much better than the Python. The action of my 1974 Python is nowhere close to what the action of the Korth is. The trigger is on a roller bearing. I shoot my rimfire Korth a lot and it is unbelievable how reliable the ignition is with such a light mainspring. Is it more accurate than my 1954 S&W K22? Maybe not but the trigger pull will help it to shoot more consistently.

There are few revolvers of that quality, Freedom Arms and the Manurhin MR73 are the only ones that can hold a candle to a Korth.

[ClydeFrog]

I like Korths, never shot any but I could see a market for them with the same crowd that buys H&H shotguns, Rolls-Royces & those fancy cheeses in the supermarket.

They could also get a slick Swiss Mini Gun too.

ClydeFrog

[JohnKSa]

I don't think it would hold up to a lot of abuse like a Combat Masterpiece or even a Colt Python (which while super smooth not known for durability.)

They should be pretty durable. They are very nicely and finely finished, but they are also very durable and functional. I think people may assume that all the work goes into appearance, but functionality and durability appears to be just as important to the company.

[bac1023]

I have handled one. Extremely smooth and well crafted. I don't think it would hold up to a lot of abuse like a Combat Masterpiece or even a Colt Python (which while super smooth not known for durability.)

I'm not sure I agree with that. As far as I'm concerned, a Korth Combat may be more durable than the Colt or Smith.

Fine doesn't necessarily mean weak.

[bac1023]

I own two West German Korths, a 357 Combat and a 9mm Autopistol. Though known for their revolvers, Korth did build a very limited number of autos.

As Jim Watson mentioned, they are not heavuily based on any other design. Korth marches to their own drummer. I think they are exceptional firearms.

[bac1023]

There are few revolvers of that quality, Freedom Arms and the Manurhin MR73 are the only ones that can hold a candle to a Korth.

I agree.

I think I actually like the Manurhin MR73 better than the Korth Combat. They are quite a bit different and both exceptional in their own way.

[PzGren]

Brian,

a Manurhin MR73 with a six inch barrel is what I am saving for. Just got the funds depleted by getting yet another S/42 P.08.

[silvermane_1]

bac1023:
i asked this in another thread, but how accurate is the Korth P122 9mm?

[bac1023]

Brian,

a Manurhin MR73 with a six inch barrel is what I am saving for. Just got the funds depleted by getting yet another S/42 P.08.

Andy, I hope you get one soon, my friend.

[bac1023]

bac1023:
i asked this in another thread, but how accurate is the Korth P122 9mm?

They aren't necessarily target pistols, so I wouldn't put them up against a Sig P210.

Its more of a collector's piece and they are very well crafted.

[silvermane_1]

bac1023:
thanks for the info on Korth p 122 9mm, it's just i would think that a $12k handmade semi-auto would be a literal tack driver, albeit that has more to with the skill of the individual using it.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by silvermane_1

bac1023:
thanks for the info on Korth p 122 9mm, it's just i would think that a $12k handmade semi-auto would be a literal tack driver, albeit that has more to with the skill of the individual using it.

No problem.

P122 is the serial number, not the model number. It's simply called the Korth Autopistol.

It wasn't really designed as a target gun. They range from $10-$12k brand new, as Korth USA still has some in stock. I didn't pay that much. They haven't built any in Germany in over 10 years, so those have been there a while.

[Glock20/460long]

I was at a shot show in Vegas about 5 years ago, there was some hi-end company had a four double barrel over/under package one of .410g, 20g, 12g. and ???

$440,000

If you need your calc's, that's $110,000 each gun!

Hello Prince Charls'd

(by the way, the most awesome Glock on my part is coming soon.)

[PzGren]

Glock20/460long wrote:
I was at a shot show in Vegas about 5 years ago, there was some hi-end company had a four double barrel over/under package one of .410g, 20g, 12g. and ???

$440,000

If you need your calc's, that's $110,000 each gun!

Hello Prince Charls'd

(by the way, the most awesome Glock on my part is coming soon.)
Glock20/460long is offline Report Post

Wow! What did you smoke to come up with such an incomprehensible post???

[newfrontier45]

I am sure they are very finely made revolvers of the highest quality. I find them to be the equivalent to fine British game guns in price only. For aesthetically, they are severely lacking. All German engineering and sterility, lacking the graceful elegance of a fine old S&W N-frame or Colt. No comparison to a fine Purdey or H&H double. I have no doubt that they're better, I just don't think it would be worth it to me.

I don't have a problem paying $5000 for a single firearm, it just won't be that one. You don't need a Rolls-Royce and money laying around with nowhere to throw it, just a burning passion to have something truly fine in your life. I was making about $40,000/yr when I bought a $4000 Merkel double. It was important to me, so I made it happen and I have never regretted it. I make a lot more than that now but just as it took me a while to pay off that Merkel, I've done without a lot of things and waited several years before having a custom .500 Ruger Bisley built. Some things are worth saving your money and waiting for. Don't assume that everyone who spends that kind of coin on a firearm is stupid rich and bored, wondering where to get the next $10,000 toy.

[BigD_in_FL]

The 4 O/U field set is from Perazzi - 12, 20, 28 and 410 - in their SCO or higher grade - it is on display at every SHOT show. Great shotguns, built to go the distance, Perazzis win the majority of Olympics medals. That's enough side step here in the handgun section