Korth Nighthawk Mongoose or Manurhin MR 73

[Terry Two Shanks]

I know there are people here who have both so which one would You get. Interested in new current production revolvers only. Really like the vent rib 5.25 inch Mongoose. The MR73 is just beautiful with legendary durability.

 

[Andyd]

Since you exclude the old Ratzeburg Korths, I recommend the MR73. I find the traditional design and finish of the MR73 more desirable than the practical finish of the Lollar Korths. Chapuis Armes is manufacturing the MR73 currently and has obviously overcome the manufacturing problems that they initially had.

If you would not exclude the Ratzeburg Korths, I would recommend one of those but as a Korth collector I am prejudiced.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

I know what you are saying Andyd. The Ratzenberg Korths Ive seen have been run through the mill. If I could find a pristine full lug example at a decent price I would get one but that isn't going to happen. The Manurhin MR 73 will be here in July and has my name on it. the vent rib Mongoose sometime this month.
I may have to get both. Thanks for you answer.

 

[robertrwalsh]

For what my opinion may be worth if I were buying I would go with the MR73.

 

[Echo40]

Between the two of them, I would choose the MR73.

That being said, unless someone else was paying for it and those were my only options, then I would sooner opt for something from S&W Performance Center or Ruger.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

something from S&W Performance Center or Ruger.

Thanks but that is not a consideration not that there is anything wrong with either of those revolvers. I was thinking maybe a MR 73 and a Mr 38 match.

 

[Andyd]

Thanks but that is not a consideration not that there is anything wrong with either of those revolvers. I was thinking maybe a MR 73 and a Mr 38 match.

I would go for the MR 73, not the match model. All the Match does is add a little sight radius. The MR73 is more practical and plenty accurate. I shot a MR32 Sport with adjustable match grip 30-some years ago and was very impressed with it.

 

[bc1023]

Not sure why you're dead set on new, but in that case, go with the MR73.
The new MR is much closer to the original than is the Korth.

I've got a couple of each, but originals. I'd never spend the money on a new one when I can get a nice original for not a whole lot more.

 

[drgbike]

Buy em BOTH. You only live once, who cares about leaving money, I would like the guns more, just me.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

Buy em BOTH. You only live once, who cares about leaving money, I would like the guns more, just me.

It's not just you and is probably what is going to happen. I just wanted to get opinions from people who own both.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

I'd never spend the money on a new one when I can get a nice original for not a whole lot more.

Yeah the only nice full lug Ratzenberg I've seen was twice what the Mongoose is.

 

[bc1023]

Yeah the only nice full lug Ratzenberg I've seen was twice what the Mongoose is.

Yeah the full lug models bring big bucks, but for good reason.

If that’s what you want, the Mongoose isn’t going to satisfy.

 

[Andyd]

I have a few full lug Korths but my favourites are actually the short lug revolvers. They were made when the quality was at its peak and the action fully developed.

For looks the full lug Korth and the Python will make extra points, though.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

If that’s what you want, the Mongoose isn’t going to satisfy.

I don't really care for the no lug half lug models. Some guy goes over to Europe and buys them in bulk for two dimes in the dollar imports them and puts them on GB and try to make a killing. You don't know what they have been through or how many owners they have had.
Korth owners like to bash the Lollar Korths for no good reason. They are very wonderful hand fitted revolvers made out of the best of materials.
As far as not satisfied I already have a 4" Mongoose that I am very satisfied with. It is a wonderful revolver and would rather have it than a beat up Ratzenberg model. But that isn't what this thread is about. I was looking for opinions between Lollar Korth and Chapuis MR73 from people who own both as I am looking to get a 5.25 vent rib Mongoose or a MR73.

 

[Andyd]

I don't really care for the no lug half lug models. Some guy goes over to Europe and buys them in bulk for two dimes in the dollar imports them and puts them on GB and try to make a killing. You don't know what they have been through or how many owners they have had.
Korth owners like to bash the Lollar Korths for no good reason. They are very wonderful hand fitted revolvers made out of the best of materials.
As far as not satisfied I already have a 4" Mongoose that I am very satisfied with. It is a wonderful revolver and would rather have it than a beat up Ratzenberg model. But that isn't what this thread is about. I was looking for opinions between Lollar Korth and Chapuis MR73 from people who own both as I am looking to get a 5.25 vent rib Mongoose or a MR73.

And that is what you got - plus free advice based on personal opinions based on first hand experience. After all, this is a discussion forum and we all are free to discuss even adjacent options and bring them into the discussion.

By the way, the guy importing the Korths and offering them in large numbers on gunbroker is not buying them for two dimes to the Dollar; he pays top-Dollar. I know that for a fact because I follow his buying and he isn't even importing them under his own FFL08 but has to pay a German gun dealer and export freight forwarder a handsome amount, airfreight, customs broker fees, customs duty, FFL08 and marking fees.

I agree that his Korths are just "merchandise" for him and sincerely doubt that he can check them each and assure full function, as some others without doubt do.

FWIW, I have been to both Korth factories and am fairly well aware of the different subcontractors they have used. Based on first hand experience I, as well as BAC, recommend the Chapuis Armes MR73 over a Lollar Korth. Handfitting in Lollar is at a minimum, they started as an factory making precision parts for Italian luxury sports cars and do so on top-notch CNC equipment.

The detour in mentioning Korths built between 1969 and 1975 is based on my personal experience - and preference - of handling well over 50 Korth revolvers and having done some substantial research on them.

 

[CLASSIC12]

I have a 2007 Chappuis made Manurhin MR 73, beautiful gun, I can only recommend it, a real European classic.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

I have a 2007 Chappuis made Manurhin MR 73, beautiful gun, I can only recommend it, a real European classic.

Thanks classic 12. The MR73 will be here in July. Can't wait to shoot it. I'm thinking I will also get the Korth.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

The detour in mentioning Korths built between 1969 and 1975 is based on my personal experience - and preference - of handling well over 50 Korth revolvers and having done some substantial research on them.

That's great and you have a very nice collection.

 

[bc1023]

I don't really care for the no lug half lug models. Some guy goes over to Europe and buys them in bulk for two dimes in the dollar imports them and puts them on GB and try to make a killing. You don't know what they have been through or how many owners they have had.
Korth owners like to bash the Lollar Korths for no good reason. They are very wonderful hand fitted revolvers made out of the best of materials.
As far as not satisfied I already have a 4" Mongoose that I am very satisfied with. It is a wonderful revolver and would rather have it than a beat up Ratzenberg model. But that isn't what this thread is about. I was looking for opinions between Lollar Korth and Chapuis MR73 from people who own both as I am looking to get a 5.25 vent rib Mongoose or a MR73.

I think the Mongoose shoots well. I’ve shot a couple of them. Other than that, it was a disappointment compared to my Ratzeburg guns. To each their own.

Have you ever shot or handled a vintage Ratzeburg model? There’s a BIG difference. That’s why I recommended the MR73.

 

[Terry Two Shanks]

bc1023 the problem is I have never seen a pristine 38xxx or later Ratzenberg Korth for sale. If I did the price would be problematic. The Mongoose is available I can get it for 3500 and is right up there with the best revolvers ever made. Better than my Colt Python and I love Pythons.
Of course you guys with the older Korth collections are going to bash the new Korth I probably would too if I had a collection like that but I don't so for the rest of us if we want a new Korth the Lollar Korth is it.
I had not intended for this to be a Korth vs Korth thread but I appreciate your opinion and it has been a good spirited discussion.