FL-NC
Member
I prefer 4" for 357, 6" for 44.
Someone looking for the performance and build quality. I'm a shooter not a collector, so as long as the gun held up and performed as well I could care less. I don't care that the cylinder rotates opposite of a Korth Combat, nor do I care if the cylinder latch is relocated on the "lesser" model. I also like the DLC finish over bluing for a gun I'd plan on shooting the snot out of.
The Korth Combat is beautiful, but not currently being imported officially. Neither is the Manhurin to my knowledge. No US manufacturer cares to make a revolver to those standards anymore.
I chose the Ruger over the S&W because it's reputed to be stronger, because I like the looks (I may be in the minority here), because there's no lock, and because it was less expensive. I have since read that Ruger barrels tend to be faster than S&W barrels. Smith triggers are said to be better.
I have 1,200fps 9mm ammo--sure not heavy at 124gr.
A Gun Broker search turned up only 2 Korth Combats in .357 for sale, both 6" guns, both just short of $6K "buy now" price. Neither one of which you can get serviced in the US should you need service.There are plenty of used Korth Combats and Manurhin MR73's for sale if you want a world class revolver.
Nighthawk should stick to 1911's. That half-breed is an abomination.
A Gun Broker search turned up only 2 Korth Combats in .357 for sale, both 6" guns, both just short of $6K "buy now" price. Neither one of which you can get serviced in the US should you need service.
A search for Manurhin MR73's turned up 1 sport model for $7K. And again it is totally orphaned for any kind of service if you need it.
I like to shoot, I buy my firearms to use. So if I can't get a gun fixed should it go down from use, it is of limited value to me. The Nighthawk branded Korth isn't to your liking, but the price tags on the used guns you like are absurd to me considering they can't be serviced if they need it. A person buying one of those revolvers could end up with a very very expensive paper weight, or a very expensive very lengthy wait time for the gun to be sent to France or Germany as the case may be for service.
What you call an "abomination" I see as a functional tool meant to be used, that may justify its price if the performance and durability are commensurate with that price. I suspect that the Nighthawk Korth will shoot just as well as the Korth Combat, and be just as durable for the end user. As good looking? No, not even close. As good an investment if you are a collector? Nope. A better actual tool to shoot and use that you can get fixed if needs be? Yep. Plus that utilitarian finish will hold up to holster wear and field use, something I doubt most Korth owners of the classic lines would ever dream of given the value of their investments and the beauty of the guns.