Deputy25
Member
Model 19 Smith
Greatest revolver made?
- Thread starter WestKentucky
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Mowgli Terry
Member
I remember when the 19-5 Smith came out. There was much gnashing of the teeth with wailing and moaning. Now that revolver has become in its own way a classic. One of the best holster handguns ever made.
With proper reading comprehension it is clear to anyone who read the text that the Korth offered was a special model and a limited run that is supposed to appeal to Korth collectors. I have seen the listing, as well as the sale of the gun to the current owner and know what he paid. I find the price greatly exaggerated and the seller overly enthusiastic to find some Korth collector in the U.S. who is looking for exactly this model to pay an exorbitant price. I own over a dozen Korths and also a Colt Python and many pre-lock S&W revolvers. I started out as a competitor in ISSF matches, shot action matches and over the years have accumulated a small collection of diverse firearms, all of which I shoot and also work on and have a good base for comparison of revolvers.
The comment that the Python is the original gun after which the Korth was patterned isn't only uninformed or simply ignorant, it is ludicrous! It is rather foolish to comment on something that one does not understand and has no experience with. I also wonder about Coal dragger's blanket statement that all Korth collectors have one negative opinion on the new Korth National Standard line. Michael Zeleny and I are probably the American collectors with the best research and knowledge about Korths and none of us ever downed the new revolvers. I have been to Korth in Lollar and found the C.E.O of Korth a very nice and well educated fellow gun enthusiast that has a much more profitable core business in luxury automobile parts manufacturing, having the firearms branch more out of personal interest. They do not need to compromise quality for profit because of shareholder's profit expectations.
This is what a Korth looks like inside.It is nowhere near to a S&W or Colt action.
I have explained the evolution of the Korth Sport revolver on the Smith & Wesson Forum and if someone wants to have an informed opinion, this is giving them at least an idea of the development of this fine firearm. I have let a few friends that are into guns shoot my Korths and they were all impressed especially with the double action.
The comment that the Python is the original gun after which the Korth was patterned isn't only uninformed or simply ignorant, it is ludicrous! It is rather foolish to comment on something that one does not understand and has no experience with. I also wonder about Coal dragger's blanket statement that all Korth collectors have one negative opinion on the new Korth National Standard line. Michael Zeleny and I are probably the American collectors with the best research and knowledge about Korths and none of us ever downed the new revolvers. I have been to Korth in Lollar and found the C.E.O of Korth a very nice and well educated fellow gun enthusiast that has a much more profitable core business in luxury automobile parts manufacturing, having the firearms branch more out of personal interest. They do not need to compromise quality for profit because of shareholder's profit expectations.
This is what a Korth looks like inside.It is nowhere near to a S&W or Colt action.
I have explained the evolution of the Korth Sport revolver on the Smith & Wesson Forum and if someone wants to have an informed opinion, this is giving them at least an idea of the development of this fine firearm. I have let a few friends that are into guns shoot my Korths and they were all impressed especially with the double action.
It is called Janz and do you have experience with both? I do and I disagree.
I know. I own 17 Korth revolvers and have shot all of them and let my sons and good friends shoot them, too. I have also handled dozens of other Korths and regular production guns that are not special models, or so rare that they are mostly collectibles, can be found in the same price range as a stainless Colt Python.
As a reloader and casting my own, I use "dirty" powders and my guns get dirty.
I shot Freedom Arms premier grade Casulls, MR32s, MR73s, Korths, Pythons, registered Magnums and what-not. I am shying away from calling any revovler the greatest one ever made. There are revolvers of great quality and some are better than others but in the end a choice for a gun is always personal and based on perception and personal taste.
sabbfan
Member
After looking at the Mongoose after reading this thread, and Korth’s in general, I’ve gotta say I might have a new someday goal to strive for. Always wanted an heirloom, “fancy” for lack of a better term, pistol, and have always figured it would be a Baer or likewise 1911. Something out of the ordinary. I enjoy revolvers more than semi’s so I think I may have found it! Now just gotta get the funding for it
Not to mention most Janz are ugly...
Mowgli Terry
Member
This is a trip. Us ordinary folks are talking about revolvers in our world. You know, the ones you buy at the ordinary stores and go shoot at the ordinary ranges. The handguns fire ordinary cartridges. These guns are not safe queens. If I had a short barrelled K frame it would be my carry gun. My 4" 28-2 is too big to conceal. We have two threads in one. One thread is on super expensive custom revolvers. The other thread is about ordinary handguns. Those guns bought with money from the back of the wallet where the wife can't find it. Others are bought with income tax refunds. I'm happy to be ordinary.
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Easy question: Manurhin MR73.
Probably the Korth Combat is better finished and produced with more expensive processes but I don't think it can stand the abuse for which the MR73 was designed. And I also don't bet the Korth is more accurate than the Manurhin.
I'd love to have both in my collection and compare them side by side but they are out of my price range at the moment.
Probably the Korth Combat is better finished and produced with more expensive processes but I don't think it can stand the abuse for which the MR73 was designed. And I also don't bet the Korth is more accurate than the Manurhin.
I'd love to have both in my collection and compare them side by side but they are out of my price range at the moment.
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If you want the full Korth experience, get an older Ratzeburg model. The Mongoose is a nice gun, but nothing like the old company.
You’ll pay a good deal more, but st least you’ll have the real thing.
Not sure what “ordinary” folks means, but I own plenty of S&W’s, including several K Frames.
A Korth Combat is very durable in comparison. They are not safe queens in my book. They are some of the strongest revolvers in the world.
Yeah it’s close.
I’ve got multiples of each. I love the MR. The Korth is extremely durable though.
Mowgli Terry
Member
Ordinary people: Two different worlds. Enjoy your firearms. No offense intended.
As I said I'd love to have both. I'd take the Manurhin first just for the incredible specs it was designed and built to stand for. The Korth would be the second even if I'm sure the Korth is machined and finished at an higher grade and it looks even better than the Manurhin.
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I just love it when people insinuate that Korth owners will not use their guns or know how to use them, not shoot them but keep them as safe queens. I am shooting all my guns, yet, the cartridges aren't ordinary. I am taking my hobby serious enough to reload and not just for cost benefit reasons. I am sure that I have shot my first and long-time favourite Korth revovler more than most people that hang out on gun forums have fired altogether in their life time.
I have S&W M19s in 2 1/2, 3, 4, and 6 inches, Swiss SIG P210s, and some fine guns but every day I carry a Glock. I have fired over 60,000 rounds through Glocks and they fill a niche that, together with the familiarity that comes with the practice with one platform, makes Glocks not easily replaceable as self defense handguns for me.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I'm just glad Korth doesn't have a big bore that's as aesthetically pleasing as a Triple-Lock, else I'd have to have one. As it stands, I don't find much utility in the .357 and would be loathe to spend too much on one.
If anything, I shoot and carry my engraved Open Top more after it was engraved and stocked in ivory.
Some folks believe some guns are too nice or too "pretty" to use. Not me! I say I'll be damned if I'd spend that much on a gun and NOT use it. I made a holster for my engraved .500 before it even came back from the gunsmith. Has nothing to do with income or anything related to being "ordinary". It's all about what we place value and importance on. Mine is in using them, not just having them. I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to impart a little wear on these fine guns.
If anything, I shoot and carry my engraved Open Top more after it was engraved and stocked in ivory.
Mowgli Terry
Member
I stand by what I say. Sure enough the Korth has been known for extreme high quality for many years. To contend this is an ordinary handgun is a stretch. It all find in well that you guys share about the Korth's and the like. In the same thread people are sharing about :"ordinary" handguns. Those handguns are seen in most places that sell such That would be Colt, Ruger, S&W. Good stout "ordinary"handguns. That thing about "value" don't fly. I does have to do with affordability. Gee, I saw a nice used Vaquero in the LGS but decided to by a Kort instead. Give me a break!
Mowgli Terry
Member
Thanks, I'll be mindful of this. This was a hit on me as I did not fully read the OP. I'll do better next time. Take care. Good shooting.
Coal Dragger
member
Reading M. Zeleny’s posts regarding the new Korth didn’t give me the impression that he approved of them much.
At any rate I have a poor understanding of any gun collectors of any sort of firearms. I’m not a collector and that mindset is not one that I currently identify with.
Back to the topic of the revolver(s) in question, can you tell me if the barrel liner on the Korth National Standard (aka Mongoose) is hard chromed or just stainless? It’s also my understanding that the rifling is polygonal, making lead bullets potentially problematic.
RealGun
Member
Why the -5, the first to drop the recessed cylinder?
dbmjr1
Member
The greatest revolver ever made isn't a revolver at all.
Colt Camp Perry
Colt Camp Perry
Mowgli Terry
Member
Model 19-5: Yes, I should have been more specific. The counter bored cylinder was dropped. Also dropped was the pinned barrel. My 19-5 does very well. I got it when there were no K38's about. This revolver is exceptional in a Ransom Rest. It's shot mostly as a 38 Special. Stock as a doorknob. This 19-5 was made in 1987.
Cowhide Cliff
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Single Action Army is/was the best revolver design ever made. So simple, dependable, and plenty powerful, and just classic and elegant to look at. For 145 years it has defined what a revolver looks like.
It has stood the test of time and will continue even though through some sort of ignorance of Colt they won't make the greatest revolver of all time even though it's their design. That alone shows Colt has poor management and deserves to go out of business. Sad
It has stood the test of time and will continue even though through some sort of ignorance of Colt they won't make the greatest revolver of all time even though it's their design. That alone shows Colt has poor management and deserves to go out of business. Sad
JONWILL
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If I understand the Korth is hand fitted. It is a custom gun like a Purdy shotgun.
Expensive and more for the person who wants something unique. I probably will never own one but do understand the interest in them.
I am a practical person and buy production guns but do like the uncommon ones. I had a Smith and Wesson 29 with the 10 5/8" barrel. Adjustable 4 position front sight.
Expensive and more for the person who wants something unique. I probably will never own one but do understand the interest in them.
I am a practical person and buy production guns but do like the uncommon ones. I had a Smith and Wesson 29 with the 10 5/8" barrel. Adjustable 4 position front sight.
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