Korth Dilemma

[Shoot66]

I got an offer to buy a 4´´ Korth .357 Mag from an estate. The previous owner was a collector, so it is probably needless to say that the revolver is in an excellent shape. The price is not unfavourable, less than 2K.
Here is my dilemma. I like quality firearms as anyone. Though I own only a few guns, there is a 6´´ Colt Python, a SIG P210 Heavy Frame Target or a DW Valor among them (full high-end M1911 are not available on the marker where I live). I bought most of them “like new” through an importer and as I am not a collector but a shooter, I shoot them... The resale value of my guns is almost nil, as there is no market for them here (The Glock rules, right?).
So here I am, torn... I can afford buying the revolver and a part of me pushes me that way. On the other hand my reason suggests to pass as I do not „need“ the gun. It is because in spite of the fact, that I can admire the level of quality and craftsmanship that goes into making high-end products, I would not spend the money to buy a Rolex or a super-car either.
Arguing by rather buying a nice used customized S&W is useless. While I could find a used one, customised handguns (disregarding bubba smithing) are virtually not available in my nick of woods.
I can try to justify the buying by a “heritage” clause, but my two older kids are off on their own and none of them is inclined to embrace my shooting hobby and my too youngsters are too young and the EU bureaucracy is more likely to ban the heck out of our safes before my boys are old enough to understand the value of a Korth.
And just for the record, beyond my wife hardly anyone is ever going to see the Korth. I shoot at a private range exclusively.
So what´s your thinking?

 

[Coal Dragger]

If it is a 4" Korth Combat for under $2K I would buy it right now if I had the opportunity. That's less than a Python hoes for and the Korth is a much better revolver.

 

[AlfonsDeWolf]

I'd have to know more about its warranty vs a Ruger or Smith and where to ship to for service. Many expensive German goods/ cars cost gobs to maintain/service, this might be similar. Search that out. Know this before you can determine if you can "afford" it.

 

[Coal Dragger]

There would likely be no warranty. The need for servicing is questionable. Korth revolvers are made of materials far higher in grade than your Smiths or Rugers, even the frames are made of tool steel. Service might be possible through Nighthawk now that they are the official Korth distributor.

German cars cost a lot of money to maintain, German made firearms on the other hand...usually very reasonable. Look at HK for example, firearms that virtually never break and are super easy to maintain.

 

[carsten1911]

Korth...just ask them!

Hi Shoot66,

you already received some advice (which I find quite reasonable.)

If you have questions regarding Korth Service and things the like it might be a good idea to ask them directly.

Though Korth has changed, died an been reborn several times, they take pains to give the impression they stand behind "old" Korths, too, and will do what they can to get them running again in the rare case one goes down.
(Note: I have NO personal experience with Korth Revolvers or their Service!!)

If you want con contact them directlythis is you link:
http://www.korth-waffen.de/de/kontakt.html

Best wishes
Carsten

 

[ZEN.45]

Hello,

From your post I get the feeling we have a lot in common.

I recently had the same opportunity to buy a Korth 4” Combat Magnum for a very reasonable price.

Like you I don’t buy to ‘collect’ but to ‘shoot’ (I used to collect, but not anymore).

Because of the reasonable price I paid, I don’t worry about loss of value and shoot it a lot. Willy Korth didn’t design this revolver to be the best-looking-in-the-safe, giving-maximum-bragging-rights or being-family-heritage-piece. I can enjoy it for what Willy Korth wanted it to be .… the best shooter.

Like you I also have a Colt 6” Python, but it’s not even in the same league as the Korth.

Get it now ……………… why are you still sitting there ? ……………… RUN

 

[AlfonsDeWolf]

When I mentioned warranty I meant "service after purchase". Ruger's history and stories of service I would place at the zenith use as the ultimate model.

 

[Tallball]

I thought they were made with extreme care out of extremely durable steel.

I personally have yet to wear out a revolver, even a Taurus. I shoot my two 100-year-old S&W revolvers every now and then with no ill effect, and they both look to have high round counts on them.

IMHO, the chances of breaking it by shooting some mild target ammo through it every once in a while would seem to be miniscule.

The real question is... if you paid $2,000 for it, would you get $2,000 worth of fun out of it?

 

[fausto]

Buy it and enjoy it! If I would have a chance to find one at such a price I would go for it. forget about the EU useless oplophobic bureaucrats whose only purpose in life is making our lives miserable........

 

[ZEN.45]

I hate companies that believe ‘customer service’ is a good alternative for ‘quality control’. “If we sell you crap, we will fix it” doesn’t make a good company. Willy Korth used to personally check every single revolver before it was send out. Of course the volumes are not remotely the same, but it demonstrates a different company philosophy.

I’m confident any major part in the Korth revolver is going to outlive me.

If this was a maker or model that no longer existed there would be reason to worry. I would rather have a broken spring in my Korth than in my Python.

The real question is... if you paid $2,000 for it, would you get $2,000 worth of fun out of it?

I could have had a Smith & Wesson Performance Center for the money, but I’m pretty sure I’m getting more fun out my Korth.

 

[bannockburn]

Shoot66

If I were in your place and had the good fortune to buy a Korth revolver at that price I would do so immediately. Sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should go for it. Let us know what you decide to do and if you do get it, photos are a must!

 

[Plastikosmd]

Buy it, don't look back
Ruger should have good customer service, the korth will be just fine

 

[il.bill]

... I can afford buying the revolver and a part of me pushes me that way. ...

Listen to that part of you. Buy the Korth and shoot it and enjoy it. When it is in your hand at the range, no one else is involved - it is just you and the gun. That sounds like a good match to me.

 

[UncleEd]

Shoot66,

Where is this gun and who has it?

While you diddle about, a couple hundred other buyers will be ready to
go for it.

P.S.: For those worried about service, Nighthawk now is the official importer
of Korths. I'm sure their fine artisans will be up to the task of taking care
of any Korth problems.

 

[stoky]

So here I am, torn... I can afford buying the revolver and a part of me pushes me that way. On the other hand my reason suggests to pass as I do not „need“ the gun.

so, what's need got to do with it

 

[Wishoot]

Life is short.

If you have the financial means to purchase one of (If not THE MOST) quality revolvers ever built, then buy it and enjoy.

 

[AlfonsDeWolf]

Another point...because Korth is a very expensive, specialized, small market share item they "can" go out of business (like all companies). If so where might you find replacement parts in the future? Just something to think about. Funny how so many tell the o.p to BUY IT! but with his own money

 

[rbmorse]

Nonsense, Alfons. Any competent custom gun builder will be able to fabricate any replacement part(s) that may be required in the future and from the same material spec and to the same level of craftsmanship as the original.

Won't be cheap, but such services are certainly available.

 

[AlfonsDeWolf]

Rbmorse, why say "nonsense" to me? I never said one can't get them just "where will you get them?" alluding to your premise, at what cost?

 

[Shoot66]

I thank you all for your time, effort and valuable advice.
I was not able to react sooner due to a minor emergency. The electricity in my house went down after we returned home last night. I quickly identified the utility water supply pump as the culprit. That also meant no running water. The pump´s pressure switch short cut. We had a similar failure ten days ago when the utility water gas heater went down. It looks like some systems or their parts have come to the end of their life expectancy after 10 years since their installation.
Warranty is generally a problem when one buys used firearms from a private seller. In my case it is exacerbated by getting them mostly from abroad. I live in Slovakia. The Grand Power and ZVS firearms are produced locally, some CZs and Glocks are finalized/assembled here too. Even when buying new products from a local distributors, if you don´t get one of the listed local products, you buy imports. If it is a product of one of the big names, especially European, there are local certified gunsmiths who take care of your problems, but waiting time for parts is more often counted in months than weeks. In case of firearms produced in the US it is usually still more complicated. That means you better don´t break anything in your 1960´s Python unless you want to use it as an expensive paper weight... So with the Korth it would be a situation I am, unfortunately, used too.
rbmorse is right, when it comes to servicing, especially dealing with guns made by gone companies, we have to rely on local gunsmiths.

 

[Plastikosmd]

I would buy it with MY money if there one as described near me for that price

The current one I have my eye on is more than twice that

 

[4v50 Gary]

I'd get the Korth.

 

[AlfonsDeWolf]

Me 2.

 

[IlikeSA]

Purchase it. Shoot it. Keep it, and never sell it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Considering Colt is no longer making parts for their Snake Revolvers and very few replacement parts are available here and probably close to none overseas I would but that Korth right now if you have the money. That is a very good price.