Python vs. Korth

[UncleEd]

I'm a Smith & Wesson man and sometimes a
Ruger.

At one time or another I've owned Pythons in
4 to 6 inches.

But I got to wondering, if I got a real hankering
for a Python again, would I be willing to pay the
price for a fairly pristine one or would I consider
the Korth.

I know, I know I could have some really nice Smiths
for the price of just one of them.

Myself, I'd go Korth for several reasons including
durability and overall shootability in its DA trigger.

But just for kicks and giggles, which would would
any of you choose?

 

[Rpg]

Python!!

Not a better gun than the Korth but better recognized, more salable, more likely to appreciate.

 

[oysterer]

I saw and played w the new production Korth at Kittery and again at Shot in January this year and ever since want one badly. They had show pricing at cost and I did not go for it as this is outside of the toy price range. I would like the 5 1/4'' plain Mongoose. Awesome piece of gun. Maybe also the 4'' would be great as well. The tac rail versions are over the top and kind of 'Nighthawkish' and very very front heavy.

Python: The blue job is the only nice thing I find on the 1960s guns. Single action is sweet but the DA is unusable. When in time, they are very accurate due to the long taper forcing cone but as a whole package is not even close to my competition 586-4. That Mongoose though I think can do the job.

 

[gman51]

I saw that a used Korth sold a year ago for over $4200 and a new one sold a year ago for around $5150.
I would think many vg condition Pythons could be bought for around half of those prices.
I haven't even seen a Korth let alone hold or shoot one. So I couldn't compare to my 1968 Python. Pythons are like old Harley's as they both have a lot of nostalgia to them which keeps the prices up there. Are they worth the money......that depends on the owner's perception.
I don't think I will sell my Python and I am pretty sure I will not ever own a Korth at those prices. Five grand for a gun is hard for me to justify buying one. So far my Python is the most I have paid for any gun and it was less than half of those sold Korths.

 

[6string]

Oh boy, here we go again!

There is still a lot of confusion surrounding Korth revolvers. There have been many posts and threads addressing the pertinent issues. Fortunately, we have some very knowledgeable (and infinitely patient!) members that have tried to pass along their wisdom. Sadly, the threads often turn into bash sessions.

Assuming that the OP simply has not done a topic search, and is not trying to push people's buttons, here's a couple recent threads:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/firear...hin-korth-whats-big-deal.html?highlight=Korth

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firear...21-korth-revolvers-worth.html?highlight=Korth

Dig in...there's some good info there. (While you're at it, try related searches for Manurhin MR73 and SIG P210.)

But, to the OP's point: What do you mean by a "Korth" revolver? A handmade, original Willi Korth, or one of the later iterations, including the new picatinny-laden models?

Besides the obvious factors of high price and beautiful finish, there's much difference below what's skin-deep.
The "perfected" late Willi Korths, such as from the mid-80s, were not just handsome luxury items. They were precision shooting instruments built to stand up to a lifetime of extended, serious use. In that respect alone, they distinguish themselves from any Colt Python.

I'm sure others will be along. I'll go pop some popcorn.....

Jim

 

[challer61]

I would buy the Korten successor, Janz. One frame, interchangeable calibers. Built near perfect.

 

[diyj98]

The "perfected" late Willi Korths, such as from the mid-80s, were not just handsome luxury items. They were precision shooting instruments built to stand up to a lifetime of extended, serious use. In that respect alone, they distinguish themselves from any Colt Python.

I'd have to second that one.

 

[UncleEd]

6string,

Yes, I'm talking about current Korth production however
you find them vs. the prices being asked for many pristine
Pythons.

And I'm just asking the simple question for a lot of revolver
shooters which they would opt for.

Please forgive me for not being a sophisticate such as you.
Sorry if I committed a Smith & Wesson Forum federal offense.

 

[dr. mordo]

I have never held a Korth, but I have held a few Pythons and IMO they are good guns that are wildly overpriced in today's market.

I like Colt revolvers quite a bit, but at today's prices, I'd take a 686 all day long over a Python, which is 95% as good of a a gun for a fraction of the cost. And if I was buying a gun because of how beautifully crafted it is, I'd get a Pre-29 or Pre-27.

They also made a huge number of Pythons and the market is artificially inflated, while very few Korths have ever been made.

 

[BigBill]

I would go for the python for sure.


My '75 python 357/6" blue always shot high at 25 yds. Using my 140gr Jhp reloads. I aimed at a small rock at 100yd berm and hit it all six shots.
I was very impressed so was the Leo shooting with me. I hit bad times and sold it to start a business. Figuring I could replace it.

I wonder if my s&w m27/28 6" barrel and my Redhawk 5.5 barrel will be as accurate. I still have some 140 gr ammo still.

 

[Andyd]

For people that are seriously into guns it is not Python vs. Korth but Pythons and Korths. Plural, of course.



There is nothing wrong with adding a few S&Ws, either


My latest Colt

 

[Donn]

Korth. No slam on he Python, I kick myself for not buying one when they were in production. But the fact is, because they were hand fitted, and the gunsmiths who built them are long gone. If it breaks, who's going to fix it? So it becomes a safe queen. I like to shoot my guns, not just show them off. Something goes sideways with a Korth, I would have somewhere competent to send it for repair. Unfortunately, all this is academic, I can afford neither.

 

[sodacan]

I bought a Python brand new in 1972. Still have it. Still shoot it. It's blue with a 6" barrel. To this day I think that in that configuration it is the most beautiful revolver on the planet. That being said, I would still like to own an early Korth, without question. BTW, I paid $198.00 for the Python.

 

[Andyd]

Korth. No slam on he Python, I kick myself for not buying one when they were in production. But the fact is, because they were hand fitted, and the gunsmiths who built them are long gone. If it breaks, who's going to fix it? So it becomes a safe queen. I like to shoot my guns, not just show them off. Something goes sideways with a Korth, I would have somewhere competent to send it for repair. Unfortunately, all this is academic, I can afford neither.

Not so! First, I have shot my favorite Korth Sport for thousands of rounds with hefty .357 Magnum reloads that I would not feel comfortable of putting into my Python, S&W 686, or GP100.

Second, Korth Lollar is fully supporting the Ratzeburg models, as Mr. Andreas Weber, Korth's CEO, has assured me personally.

Third, I have a good stash of spare parts for all my classic firearms, which mostly are out of production - also for my Korths.

 

[Jebus35745]

I watch Manurhin & Korth on GB. The Manurhin mr73's can go for mid 2000.00 and the .357 Korth barely comes up on auction starting at .01. Consider the mr73, it had to shoot under 1" at 25 meters. Both the Manurhin and Korth are very strong guns. Parts for Colt revolvers are getting hard to find as a good gunsmith to fix them correctly.

Jim, pass some popcorn down here. Larry

 

[Rammer Jammer]

Pythons are great wheelguns but I'm not paying that high a premium because a zombie show made them more popular.

I'd choose
Manurhin
Korth
no interest in a Python

 

[bc1023]

Ah, yes Korths, MR73s, Pythons, Registered Magnums...

Its all good.

 

[6string]

6string,

Yes, I'm talking about current Korth production however
you find them vs. the prices being asked for many pristine
Pythons.

And I'm just asking the simple question for a lot of revolver
shooters which they would opt for.

Please forgive me for not being a sophisticate such as you.
Sorry if I committed a Smith & Wesson Forum federal offense.

No offense taken.
One of the great things designed into the S&W Forum Site is an excellent search tool. There's such a wealth of information that's been passed along over the years, all just a few keywords away!

Another factor to add to the mix is that the Korth is now being made in 44 Magnum. Here's a thread I recently started....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firear...3-korth-nxr-44-magnum.html?highlight=Korth+44

 

[bc1023]

I would go for the python for sure.


My '75 python 357/6" blue always shot high at 25 yds. Using my 140gr Jhp reloads. I aimed at a small rock at 100yd berm and hit it all six shots.
I was very impressed so was the Leo shooting with me. I hit bad times and sold it to start a business. Figuring I could replace it.

I wonder if my s&w m27/28 6" barrel and my Redhawk 5.5 barrel will be as accurate. I still have some 140 gr ammo still.

Interesting suggestion

So how many Ratzeburg Korths have you compared it to?

 

[typetwelve]

I haven't shot a Python in over 20 years...but I'll never forget how stunning their royal-blue finish could be. I'll also never forget my father complaining about how finicky they could be (and yes, he owned many of them including pythons, king cobras, anacondas, troopers, etc).

...but...

From my 10,000 ft view, I don't know why anyone outside of a collector would get an old Colt revolver unless it was to look at the thing in a safe. By what I understand, you cannot get them repaired.

IF I had the $$ and IF I was going to get a really nice high end revolver, I'd want one I could shoot and I just couldn't let myself shoot a Python all that often. I'd feel guilty shooting it.