Another Python? Of Korth!

V

vanfunk

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See what I did there? I’m just too funny. So, I had been eyeing a 5.25” Korth (pronounced “Kort” as I now know) Mongoose at my LGS for some time. I really began to like its businesslike appearance and of course the roller DA trigger pull is simply amazing. I had resolved this spring to get as good at double action shooting as I am shooting single action, so this fit right in to my performance philosophy. The price didn’t fit my budget, so I cleverly decided to ignore that fact and buy it anyway. While zi was buying the Mongoose, I just had to play with some of the Pythons in the display case. I really wanted to fall in love with the 3”, but the trigger was on the heavy side so I passed on that one. The 4.25” next to it, through, was another matter - literally smooth as butter in DA and the SA pull exhibited none of the hammer-camming action that many of the new Pythons are saddled with. I estimated the DA pull at 8lbs and the SA pull at 3.5 lbs. Sooo, I had to have that one too, to join my 6-incher. I proceeded to the range today with a few baggies full of my latest handloads, 125 grain JHPs and 158 grain Hi-Tek coated LSWCs under full charges of W296. Big boomers. The Mongoose went first and I found it to be perfectly sighted in from the factory. The rubber Hogue grips seem utterly incongruous on a $3500 revolver but they do help to get a firm, repeatable grip and they soak up recoil well. Not surprisingly, the thing is an absolute laser. The test target that came with it was a one-hole group at 12 yards. I wasn’t really shooting for groups but I could tell the thing puts them where they’re aimed. Next up was the Python. Also predictably, the Colt was a joy and is superbly accurate. I just LOVE these new Pythons. So there you have it!
 

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Vanfunk, I've also found some variance in triggers
between Python models. A PY3xxxxx model seemed to me
a bit smoother than earlier produced ones I've tested.

And the trigger serrations seemed a bit less sharp/harsh to
my old fingers. Overly sharp serrations were one of my
major objections to the new Pythons.

Also, Vanfunk, in your shooting you mentioned that the
Hogue grips, retail for around $19.95, are fine. But
what about Colt's effort in putting close-fitting wood
grips, retail aroued $100, on its Python? I haven't
heard many complaints about Colt's effort.
 
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Thanks Guys! The Korth isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and it’s a controversial piece to be sure. I think it’s fair to anticipate that some will feel it’s overpriced eurotrash, while others will claim it’s but a pale shadow of those made when Willi K himself was running the company. It’s no matter, it’s simply a very well made and accurate revolver that is fun to shoot. I also keep getting more and more impressed with the Python lineup, the more I shoot mine and the more I handle other revolvers in the store. I looked at a few S&W 686s of varying barrel lengths and all of them were nice and obviously very well made, but there was also a high degree of variability with the trigger pulls. All of them had double action pulls in the 12-14 range and were a bit “notchy.” The SA pulls were uniformly excellent. Exterior finish was the utilitarian 800 grit “scotchbrite” look; nothing wrong with that (and easiest to touch up with a gray scrubbing pad). The Python to my eye is a more handsome gun and the triggers are all better than comparable S&Ws. Still, as UncleEd asserts, there is variability between individual pistols. My 6” Python had a noticeable positive trigger/sear angle that increased the SA pull as it cammed the hammer back; judicious polishing took care of that. This new Python has about as perfect a factory trigger as can be found (this side of a Korth, lol). The sights on this new one are secure, as opposed to my 6”, so I will just replace the blade with a Harrison and not the whole sight with a Wilson. The Korth sights are perfect. Oh, and the DLC finish on the Korth is HARD. Bonehead confession - I was cleaning the Korth and had taken the cylinder out on my bench. I picked it up wet with oil and it slipped out of my hands, onto the tile floor in the basement. Cringe. I picked it up at least expecting a blemish, if not a scar. To my immense relief, nothing. Nothing. Nothing in the slightest. Thank God. Both of these .357s are excellent and will be frequent participants in my range antics from now on!
 
You kill me, guys. Dh1633, Woodford Reserve is my go-to for ordinary imbibation. It’s just so good. I have a distiller’s license and make my own, but when I’m not drinking that, WR gets the nod. Glad you like it too.

I’d like to find some of the above named revolvers (“Euro Crust”) but there are just none near me. I will never order a gun sight unseen - I NEED to examine it myself before making a purchasing decision.
 
vanfunk said:
You kill me, guys. Dh1633, Woodford Reserve is my go-to for ordinary imbibation. It’s just so good. I have a distiller’s license and make my own, but when I’m not drinking that, WR gets the nod. Glad you like it too.

I’d like to find some of the above named revolvers (“Euro Crust”) but there are just none near me. I will never order a gun sight unseen - I NEED to examine it myself before making a purchasing decision.
Click to expand...
JP Sauer and Sohn made some darn nice revolvers in the 50s-60s too. Not Korth grade, but on par with a contemporary S&W.
 
Lots at
www.thetruthaboutguns.com

Gun Review: Smith & Wesson 360J Japanese Service Revolver - The Truth About Guns

&#9664Previous Post Next Post▶ A reader who prefers to remain anonymous writes: The sun seems to have set on the era of the police service revolver. The revolver soldiers on across the world, but often as a matter of economy over choice. Yet, there are exceptions to this. The Smith & Wesson 360J...
www.thetruthaboutguns.com www.thetruthaboutguns.com
 
Very nice. VERY nice.

I'm afraid my upper crust revolvers ended at the Python level. I did think about a Korth once when I saw a used one in the case at a Gander Mountain store. It was fixed sight 38, sort of a Korth Model 10 I suppose, and was tagged at just under a grand. I'd never even heard of them at that point so I had to go home and look it up to even find out what it was. Turned out that was a pretty decent price for that gun in those days (about 20 years ago), but was still WAY out of my budget range.

As for that Ruger? I haven't liked any DA/SA revolver Ruger has made since the Speed/Security-Six series. That one is no different. Might be a great gun, but I'll never find out.
 
Thanks again everyone! I actually really like those Mirokus, in the same way I love a good parkerized WWII S&W Victory .38. That blued one’s got some mileage, Tallball. I always wonder what the story is…

Honestly I don’t know what the next one will be. I have never seen a Manurhin MR73 in the flesh but I suspect if I saw one, I’d be mighty tempted. I have enough plastic fantastic Glocks and SIGs so I’ve really enjoyed getting back into quality revolvers lately. I might stick with Colt and get a 4” Anaconda to pair with my 6”. Or if I can find a 3” Python with a good trigger, I may pick it up to have 6, 4(.25) and 3 inch snakes (funny, I have no interest in the 2.5”). Then again, I’ve wanted a Freedom Arms .454 since it first graced the pages on Guns ‘n’ Ammo back in the early 80’s. .454 Casull is probably more than I can tolerate but it’d be sweet to put some warmed-over .45 Colt handloads through it.

In other words, I really don’t know what’s next!
 
Van.....just sayin' and no offense intended....if you had used shorter paragraphs in your original post, it'd be more readable...Rod
 
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