Korth Firearms?

[Genepix]

Well, I noticed a post here that referenced Korth as one of the most expensive lines of firearms. I have owned firearms for many years, and have never heard of Korth. Now, after looking around, I am a little intrigued by this new-to-me handgun manufacturer. I note that there are only a handful of U.S. dealers indicated, but I wonder what any of the members here can tell me about this brand- quality/value/reliability/parts availability, etc......Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

[lamarw]

You may of already picked the following up in your research but here goes. The Blue Book of Gun Values states "literally manufactured one-at-a-time, resulting in limited mfg. (less than 100 annually)".

The little bit of pricing revealed seems less than what I was expecting, but it does make you wonder about the availability. I suppose I best get my order in now if I expect to receive one in my lifetime.

[bac1023]

You won't find a nicer, more exquisitely built handgun anywhere. There are a couple equals, but nothing better, in my opinion.

I have their most well known Korth Combat 357 revolver and one of less than 300 ever built Korth autos.

Brand new, the auto sold for $10,000 or more. The revolvers start at $5000 and go way up, depending on finish and configuration.

[KMAX]

@bac1023: What is that thing near the hammeron the revolver? I looked at the Korth website and these do look like exquistely crafted firearms.

[Jeff #111]

It's the cylinder release latch. I've handled a Korth revolver in the past. High quality revolver and very expensive. Very much in the European tradition.

It's my understanding that the company went out of business a few years ago however.

[Jim Watson]

The "thing near the hammer" is the cylinder latch.
And the thing in front of the trigger is the cylinder lock, for quick disconnect and interchange. They will make you a 9mm cylinder. On the original order out of the same bar of steel as the .357.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by Jeff #111

It's the cylinder release latch. I've handled a Korth revolver in the past. High quality revolver and very expensive. Very much in the European tradition.

It's my understanding that the company went out of business a few years ago however.

They are not out of business. They don't produce a whole lot of firearms, but they never really have in the past either.

I don't believe they build the auto anymore, just revolvers.

[KMAX]

I have never seen a cylinder latch in that location. What motion does it require to release the cylinder, up, down back, forward? Interesting revolver. Not that I will ever afford one.

[UncleEd]

Very slick action with the trigger return bar on ball bearings as well, I'm told, is the trigger assembly.

The Python is the Yugo compared to the Korth which is a Bentley.

[BigD_in_FL]

According to their website, they are still in business and make the semi in 9X19 and 9X21 IMI

The Sport model revolver is available in 22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR,
.32 S&W Long, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 9 mm Luger

The Combat model is available in 22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum

The Schelbenrevolver is available in 22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR,
.32 S&W Long, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 9 mm Luger

Since their website is still up, I assume they are still in business. Whether their website is current or not is something else

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by BigDinFL

According to their website, they are still in business and make the semi in 9X19 and 9X21 IMI

The Sport model revolver is available in 22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR,
.32 S&W Long, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 9 mm Luger

The Combat model is available in 22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum

The Schelbenrevolver is available in 22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR,
.32 S&W Long, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 9 mm Luger

Since their website is still up, I assume they are still in business. Whether their website is current or not is something else

They haven't imported an auto into this country since the 1990's. I don't think they build them at all anymore. They have some available at Korth USA for $12,000 each.

There is a used model on Gunbroker for $9800.

[newfrontier45]

By all accounts they are as finely made as a revolver can be. That said, they look like the pinnacle of German sterility with all the appeal of a finely crafted surgical instrument. Lacking the British (or American) heart & soul one expects from Holland & Holland, Purdey or Aston-Martin. While mechanically inferior, a S&W Triple-Lock or Colt New Service is infinitely better looking.

[Pilot]

That said, they look like the pinnacle of German sterility with all the appeal of a finely crafted surgical instrument. Lacking the British (or American) heart & soul

The Germans tend to do that, as you say. However, some Teutonic steel has a menacing soul, that others can't touch. Look at an ME-109G (BF109-G) or ME-262 for a while and you will see what I mean. Like a flying Luger.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by newfrontier45

By all accounts they are as finely made as a revolver can be. That said, they look like the pinnacle of German sterility with all the appeal of a finely crafted surgical instrument. Lacking the British (or American) heart & soul one expects from Holland & Holland, Purdey or Aston-Martin. While mechanically inferior, a S&W Triple-Lock or Colt New Service is infinitely better looking.

Looks are a matter of opinion, of course.

I personally feel the Colt Python is the best looking revolver of all time.

[newfrontier45]

Well, the Luger is a fine example of how they sometimes get it right. The engineering is never in doubt, it's what they do.

BMW and Mercedes are also producing some beautiful cars as well. They still don't have quite the panache of a Jaguar or Aston-Martin.

I personally feel the Colt Python is the best looking revolver of all time.

Absolutely! I've always thought the Python was a handsome revolver but to me, the New Service is the best looking of all the Colt DA's. The most beautiful revolvers to me also bear the Colt name, that being the 1851, 1860 and SAA. I have no problem with investing $5000 or more into a revolver. It just won't be a Korth. Not because it's not well made or because it doesn't work. It's just too ugly for what it costs. To me, that is.

[BigD_in_FL]

BMW and Mercedes are also producing some beautiful cars as well. They still don't have quite the panache of a Jaguar or Aston-Martin

Or the breakdown records those British cars have either...

[newfrontier45]

Or the breakdown records those British cars have either...

Which is well deserved but also quite dated. Just like leaking Harleys.

[Genepix]

Bac- Do you shoot yours?

[bac1023]

It's just too ugly for what it costs. To me, that is.

Again, its all about opinions, but I'm not sure what's ugly about a Korth revolver.

I like the Python's looks better, but I still think Korths are beautiful.

[bac1023]

Bac- Do you shoot yours?

I've shot the auto, but never shot the revolver.

I bought it off a man who bought it brand new in 1976 and never fired it, so its still unfired outside the factory. I may shoot it at some point though.


Here's a few on GB, in case anyone feels like spending some money.

These three are the older design, which don't sell for as much. They also weren't as nice, in my opinion.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=344091484

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=344339035

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=344487995




Here are a couple of the newer design, but only rimfire. Again, they don't sell for as much as the Korth Combat centerfire models.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=344215172

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=344524780



Here is an auto, which very rarely even come up for auction.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=344537250





Here are a couple used Korth Combats on another site. You can see the price difference.

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/ko...agnum-pr23459/

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/ko...agnum-pr23458/

[newfrontier45]

Again, its all about opinions, but I'm not sure what's ugly about a Korth revolver.

Ugly is probably too strong of a word. To me, "very well engineered and very precisely built but with all the soul of a precision surgical instrument" is probably the best way for me to describe them. As the Germans do most things. Completely lacking the soul, elegance and grace of a Triple-Lock, New Service, 1860 Army, 1851 Navy or Model P. Its only saving grace is that they are blued. If they were stainless, they would leave me completely cold.

For the record, this is not me looking down my nose at something I can't afford, like a lot of people do. As some sort of reverse snobbery.

The Germans are capable of making some very lovely firearms and I love my Merkel 28ga.

[bac1023]

I understand what you're saying. I guess in a way they are too perfect to have the "personality" of some other revolvers.

[tipoc]

I've attached a link to an older discussion on Korths from this forum with pics, from a few years back.

It might be of interest.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...ighlight=korth

tipoc

[dayman]

Dean Koontz must have been given one at some point. I say that because a huge percentage of his characters seem to own one without regards to the price or avalibility.

I find the combat magnum very attractive. I doubt I'll ever have the money necessary to actually own one, but - because I'd want to shoot any gun I spend money on a lot - I'd probably even take one over a similarly priced python.

The auto, on the other hand, doesn't do anything for me.

[bac1023]

The auto, on the other hand, doesn't do anything for me.

I think that would change if you held one. Quality is amazing and fitting is second to none.

Its a unique design and its a big, heavy pistol machined from blocks of solid steel. The auto weighs 43oz unloaded.











You can see the slide to frame fit here.