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Korth
Korth
Korth
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Korth is a high-end firearms manufacturer based in Lollar, Hesse, Germany. Their high-end revolvers cost over €3,300 and their semi-automatic pistols cost over €4,500.[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The company was founded in 1954 by Willi Korth, a railway engineer, who began his business in a basement workshop making gas revolvers able to fire blanks or tear gas cartridges.[3]

Later on, production of firearms began. In 1982, Willi Korth retired from the management of the company and sold it. However, he remained loyal to the company for a short time as production manager.[4]

In 1999, the company, which was owned by Bernstorff at the time, had to file for bankruptcy. The company, which had around 30 employees at the time, was broken up as a result of this bankruptcy. Since April 2000, Korth has been owned by Armurerie Freylinger & Cie., Luxembourg, and in 2001 expanded into the American market by establishing a branch in the United States. According to an announcement by Korth GmbH in November 2008, Korth was closing its factory. This information was announced, among other things, through an advertisement in the specialist journal DWJ. On April 22, 2009, the company moved its headquarters to Lollar near Gießen and, according to its own statements, would resume production there with Martin Rothmann as its CEO.

Firearms

[edit]

Revolvers

[edit]
Korth Sport .357 Magnum with 6 inches (152.4 mm) barrel and fully adjustable rear sight

Each revolver is custom-made involving about 70 percent manual labor and four months time. A rare feature of .357 Magnum/.38 Special Korth revolvers is a user toolless changeable cylinder,[5] sold as an accessory, enabling firing 9×19mm Parabellum ammunition after being correctly timed to the gun.[6]

Semi-automatic pistol

[edit]

See also

[edit]
  • Janz, a German premium revolver manufacturer
  • Arminius, another German revolver manufacturer
  • Röhm/RG, a defunct German revolver and handgun manufacturer

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Korth

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Korth is a prestigious German firearms manufacturer specializing in luxury, handcrafted and semi-automatic pistols, known for their exceptional precision engineering and artisanal quality. Based in Lollar, , the company produces high-end weapons that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, often requiring over 70 man-hours and 600 individual operations per revolver, resulting in prices exceeding €3,000 for standard models and up to €84,000 for custom variants. Founded in 1955 by Willi Korth, a German engineer with experience at Mauser-Werke, the company began in a modest basement workshop producing alarm revolvers before expanding to full firearms in the 1960s. Early models, such as the police revolver in introduced in 1964, established Korth's reputation for superior design features like a cylinder release and surface-hardened rated at 60 Rockwell hardness. After facing bankruptcy in 1999, the brand was revived in 2009 under new ownership, including a collaboration with U.S.-based since 2016 for enhanced distribution and bespoke designs. Korth's product lineup includes iconic revolvers like the NXS 8-shot model in and the NSC series with barrel lengths from 3 to 6 inches, chambered in calibers such as , .44 Remington Magnum, 9mm, and .22 LR. Their semi-automatic pistols, notably the PRS series, feature modular designs with roller-delayed blowback systems, fixed barrels, and options in or 9mm Luger with 7-round capacity, emphasizing reliability and customizability for collectors and enthusiasts. Operating today as PTW KORTH Technologies , the company maintains a focus on limited-production, collector-grade firearms made from premium steels and hand-selected woods, positioning Korth as a symbol of German engineering excellence in the luxury arms market.

History

Founding

Willi Korth, born in 1913, was a railway engineer and machinist known for his expertise in precision work. During the summer of , he briefly served as a small arms designer at Mauser-Werke under contract. Following , Korth returned to railway service amid the Allied occupation of , which imposed strict prohibitions on the manufacture of lethal firearms. In 1954, at the age of 41, he founded his company in a modest basement workshop in , , initially focusing on alarm revolvers—blank-firing guns designed to discharge gas cartridges. This emphasis on non-lethal products stemmed directly from postwar legal restrictions that barred bullet-firing arms production until the ban's expiration in 1955. The company's early operations faced significant challenges, including limited resources in the small-scale workshop and ongoing regulatory hurdles in divided , where West 's remained heavily constrained by occupation authorities. Korth sourced initial steel from scrapped machine guns, prioritizing quality to establish high standards for future designs despite the economic and material shortages of the era. These alarm s, priced at around 90 Deutsche Marks, allowed the fledgling enterprise to build expertise in revolver mechanics while navigating the restrictive environment.

Growth and innovations

Following the successful production of over 20,000 alarm revolvers between 1954 and , Korth transitioned to lethal firearms with the launch of its first series-production in , a model designed for police use and featuring serial numbers starting at 20xxx. This marked the company's entry into the competitive market for conventional handguns, initially offering the with 3-inch or 4-inch barrels to meet demand from and sporting shooters. The Korth Classic revolver originated from prototypes developed by Willi Korth in the 1950s and early 1960s, showcasing early innovations in lockwork and finish that distinguished it from contemporaries like Colt and Smith & Wesson models. By the 1970s, it had evolved into the company's flagship, with expansions including .38 Special chambering and .22 LR conversion kits, enhancing its versatility for target shooting and collecting. Key technical advancements during this period included the adoption of a telescopic mainspring design for smoother hand-cocking in single-action mode and an axial double-locking mechanism for the , which improved alignment and reduced play for more reliable double-action operation. These features, combined with a fast-operating parallel to the , contributed to the revolvers' for precision and minimal trigger creep. Korth expanded into international markets during the and , exporting revolvers to and the , where they gained acclaim among enthusiasts for their superior craftsmanship over mass-produced alternatives. The company built a growing reputation for custom and high-end builds, including engraved and caliber-convertible options tailored for competitive shooters. Production scaled significantly from its origins in a Ratzeburg basement workshop, relocating to a dedicated in the town by the , where approximately 70% of work remained manual to maintain quality through skilled gunsmiths. This facility, employing precision techniques on high-tensile steels, enabled limited but elite output that solidified Korth's niche in premium firearms.

Ownership changes and challenges

Following the death of founder Willi Korth in 1992, the company continued operations but faced mounting difficulties in the late 1990s. Korth GmbH filed for bankruptcy in 1999 amid a prolonged production slump, exacerbated by economic pressures, intense competition from mass-produced polymer-framed firearms, and elevated manufacturing costs—each revolver required approximately 70 man-hours and 600 individual operations to produce. In April 2000, the company's assets were acquired by Armurerie Freylinger & Cie. of , which sought to maintain production and introduced innovations like the plasma-DLC finish on select models to revitalize appeal. Despite these efforts, ongoing market challenges, including persistent sales struggles and the niche positioning of high-end custom firearms, proved insurmountable under this ownership. The original factory in closed in November 2008, temporarily halting all production and significantly reducing the workforce from its earlier levels of around five specialized gunsmiths producing about 120 revolvers annually to minimal operations. This closure marked the end of the Freylinger era, paving the way for revival efforts beginning in 2009.

Revival and modern operations

In April 2009, Korth was revived by Martin Rothmann, who acquired the trademark and reopened operations in Lollar, , with a renewed commitment to the brand's tradition of exceptional craftsmanship and quality in high-end firearms production. This resurrection followed the closure of the original facility, shifting focus to limited-production runs that honor Willi Korth's legacy while adapting to contemporary standards. Under the leadership of Managing Director Martin Rothmann since 2008, the company operates as PTW KORTH Technologies , employing a dedicated team of 25 skilled workers with expertise from , automotive, and defense sectors to maintain its reputation for . Operations emphasize custom configurations and small-batch production, integrating modern CNC machining for consistency with traditional hand-finishing techniques to ensure each meets rigorous German firearms regulations and EU export compliance. Recent developments include a 2016 partnership with to expand into the U.S. market, introducing models like the Sky Hawk and revolvers tailored for American enthusiasts while preserving Korth's engineering excellence. By the , Korth enhanced accessibility through an official online sales platform, facilitating global distribution of its premium revolvers and pistols under strict regulatory adherence.

Firearms

Revolvers

Korth revolvers represent the cornerstone of the company's firearms production, renowned for their and handcrafted quality since the firm's in 1955. The lineup evolved from utilitarian police models introduced in 1964, initially chambered in with 3-inch and 4-inch barrels, to luxury firearms emphasizing and high-round-count reliability. These early designs laid the foundation for Korth's reputation in double-action mechanisms, transitioning over decades to premium customs that prioritize accuracy and robustness in calibers suited for both sporting and defensive applications. The flagship Korth Classic is a double-action primarily chambered in , featuring a standard 6-inch barrel and 6-round cylinder capacity. Available in barrel lengths of 3, 4, 5.25, and 6 inches, it weighs approximately 43 ounces and measures approximately 11 inches in overall length, with options for interchangeable cylinders to accommodate 9mm Parabellum. This model embodies Korth's heritage, offering customizable finishes like DLC coating and high-polished accents for enhanced ergonomics and aesthetics. Modern variants build on this legacy with the Korth NXR, a contemporary double-action chambered in , available in 6-shot configurations and barrel lengths of 4 or 6 inches. Weighing 55.3 ounces empty with a 6-inch barrel, it incorporates improved ergonomics such as adjustable sights and sections for optics mounting, positioning it as a high-performance option for and target shooting. The Korth NXS offers an 8-shot configuration in with a 6-inch barrel option, weighing 50.7 ounces empty and measuring 11.65 inches overall; it features an interchangeable 9mm cylinder, integrated , and a moonclip-compatible cylinder for enhanced capacity and versatility. The compact Korth , designed for , is chambered in with a 6-round cylinder and barrel options including 2.75, 3, 4, 5.25, and 6 inches; its overall length is 7.9 inches with the 3-inch barrel, emphasizing balance and versatility through an optional 9mm cylinder. The Korth Combat Revolver NSC series caters to tactical and competitive users, chambered in with 6-shot cylinders and barrel lengths of 3, 4, 5.25, or 6 inches. Priced starting at around €3,474 for the 6-inch model, it supports multi-caliber use via interchangeable cylinders and is built for enduring high-volume fire. Across the lineup, primary calibers include and , with 9mm options, and select models offer 8-shot configurations for increased capacity. Production remains limited, with custom builds underscoring Korth's focus on artisanal craftsmanship over mass output. Base prices exceed $5,000.

Semi-automatic pistols

Korth entered the market in the mid-2010s with the launch of the PRS series, marking a diversification from their renowned revolvers during a period of post-revival growth under owner Martin Rothmann, who acquired the company in following earlier challenges. This introduction, first showcased at the 2014 , represented full-scale production of semi-automatic handguns after initial prototyping, emphasizing the brand's commitment to precision engineering for tactical and civilian applications. The PRS line comprises the PRS-4, PRS-5, and PRS-6 models, differentiated primarily by barrel lengths of 4, 5, and 6 inches, respectively, all chambered in 9mm Luger or . These pistols adopt a 1911-inspired aesthetic with a roller-delayed blowback mechanism and fixed barrel for enhanced accuracy, paired with single-action triggers that deliver crisp pulls typical of high-end designs. Construction features hardened frames and slides, often finished in blued steel, PVD coating, or Cerakote, with customizable grips in materials like wood or anodized aluminum. Magazines hold 7 rounds, prioritizing reliability and precision over higher capacity, while adjustable rear sights and quick-change front sights support fine-tuning for competitive or collector use. Positioned as premium collectibles, PRS production remains extremely limited—far more so than Korth's revolvers—with output focused on quality over quantity to appeal to affluent enthusiasts, professionals, and precision shooters. Retail prices begin at approximately €4,500, reflecting the handcrafted nature and use of components like cold-forged Lothar Walther barrels. In the , Korth expanded this line through announcements of variant finishes and modular customization options, such as accessory rails and ergonomic enhancements, to broaden appeal without compromising their luxury ethos. Unlike Korth's core revolver offerings, the PRS series employs all-metal builds without polymer elements, resulting in weights around 52 ounces that prioritize stability and management over reduced carry weight, while inheriting the brand's heritage of meticulous fit and finish.

Design and engineering

Revolver innovations

Korth revolvers are renowned for their proprietary locking mechanism, which employs a sliding block in conjunction with traditional bolts to achieve an exceptionally tight lockup and minimize play during firing. This , introduced in the late , secures the cylinder at three points: two primary bolts and the head of the fixed ejector rod latched into a lug beneath the barrel, ensuring precise alignment and reduced timing issues compared to conventional single-bolt systems. A key innovation lies in the hand-cocking mainspring system, utilizing a coil paired with a roller-bearing trigger mechanism that delivers a smooth double-action pull of approximately 8-10 pounds while maintaining single-action precision at 3-4 pounds. This setup, patented by Willi Korth in the (e.g., DE 1904675 A1 for the trigger action), allows for tunable stacking and a crisp break without compromising reliability, setting Korth apart from heavier traditional leaf-spring designs. The frame construction exemplifies meticulous engineering, with all major components— including the frame, , and internals—fully machined from blocks of high-grade billet , followed by hand-fitting by a single . Barrels are replaceable for conversions or customization, and grips offer extensive options such as Turkish , laminate woods, or engraved panels, enhancing and . Durability is a hallmark, with Korth revolvers undergoing over rounds of dry cycling testing, thanks to surface-hardened components reaching 60 HRC and rigorous factory testing protocols. Standard features include adjustable rear sights for and , along with tuned actions that ensure consistent performance across models like the . These developments, primarily patented by Willi Korth between the and , underscore the brand's focus on precision and longevity.

Pistol mechanisms

Korth's semi-automatic pistols, exemplified by the PRS series, employ a roller-delayed blowback operating system with a fixed barrel, which enhances reliability and precision by minimizing barrel tilt during cycling. This mechanism, inspired by designs like the HK P9, uses two rollers in the bolt head to delay the slide's rearward movement until chamber pressure drops sufficiently, resulting in smoother operation and reduced perceived recoil compared to traditional tilting-barrel systems. The firing system in PRS models features a single-action (SA) trigger mechanism in a 1911-style configuration, complete with a high-speed hammer and compatible 1911 function parts for familiarity and tunability. The trigger pull averages 4-5 pounds with a crisp break, incorporating a short reset to facilitate rapid follow-up shots while maintaining the precision standards derived from Korth's revolver engineering. Earlier Korth semi-automatic designs, such as those chambered in 9mm Parabellum, utilized a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) setup with SA pulls around 3.3 pounds and DA pulls near 11 pounds, though PRS variants prioritize the SA-only approach for competitive and precision shooting. The slide and frame are constructed from hardened , with the barrel cold-hammer-forged for exceptional durability and accuracy. This all-steel construction, weighing approximately 3.13 pounds for the 6-inch PRS model, contributes to a low center of gravity that mitigates muzzle flip, while the fixed barrel design further aids in consistent sight alignment and management. Safety features include a manual thumb safety and grip safety, rendering the pistols drop-safe without compromising trigger responsiveness. Caliber adaptations in the PRS lineup focus on .45 ACP and 9mm Luger, with interchangeable barrels available to maintain reliability across these rounds; prior models supported and through optimized recoil springs and modular components to achieve revolver-like consistency in feeding and ejection. Manufacturing emphasizes hand-fitted components throughout, from the slide-to-frame fit to the barrel bushing, ensuring groups just over 1 inch at 25 yards under rested conditions and upholding the brand's reputation for match-grade precision.

Reception and legacy

Notable uses

Korth revolvers, particularly the police model introduced in , were adopted by German agencies for their precision and reliability. By the early 1970s, the Korth Combat model in further expanded their use in professional security contexts across due to enhanced double-action trigger smoothness. These firearms have been featured in custom commissions for high-profile collectors, with engravings and finishes tailored to individual preferences, underscoring their status as luxury pieces. In media, Korth revolvers appear as hero guns in such as (1966), where wields a blank-firing model as , and The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment (1999). They also feature in video games like (2013) as the "Kahn .357" variant. In competitive , Korth models like the Super Sport are favored in IPSC revolver divisions for their accuracy and rapid reloading via interchangeable cylinders, enabling seamless switches between and 9mm for match strategies. Gunsmiths at endorse Korth designs, highlighting their hand-fitted components and consistent performance in precision events. Exports to the U.S. began gaining traction in the 1980s through specialized importers, with models like the late-1990s Korth Roy demonstrating early market appeal among enthusiasts. Modern collaborations, such as the ongoing partnership with Nighthawk Custom since 2016, have expanded custom offerings for the American market, including limited-edition revolvers like the Bitcoin model released in 2025.

Critical acclaim and market position

Korth firearms have garnered widespread critical acclaim for their exceptional engineering and craftsmanship, often earning comparisons to luxury automobiles in the firearms world. Publications such as Guns Magazine have highlighted the meticulous fit, finish, and innovative design of models like the revolver, describing them as exemplifying superior performance and reliability under demanding conditions. Similarly, American Rifleman praised the Carry Special for its precise action and ergonomic design, positioning it as a benchmark for premium suitable for . This reputation is reinforced by Field & Stream, which in 2022 named a Korth revolver the top performer among tested handguns, crediting its accuracy and build quality despite the premium cost. In the luxury firearms market, Korth occupies an ultra-premium segment, with s typically priced between $4,500 and $10,000, and select editions exceeding $80,000, such as the limited . Semi-automatic pistols range from $4,000 to $8,000, reflecting hand-fitted components and high-end materials that set them apart from competitors like or . This pricing strategy underscores Korth's focus on exclusivity, appealing to discerning collectors and enthusiasts who prioritize quality over mass-produced alternatives, much like how historical innovations in mechanisms contribute to their enduring appeal. Korth maintains a niche in the global luxury firearms market through limited annual production, estimated at under 200 units to ensure individualized craftsmanship, primarily targeting high-end collectors rather than broad consumer bases. The brand holds a strong position in as a German heritage manufacturer, while its U.S. presence has expanded via an exclusive distribution partnership with since 2016, facilitating imports and custom configurations. Despite the praise, Korth faces criticisms centered on its high cost, which restricts accessibility to a narrow affluent demographic, and occasional delays in custom orders due to import tariffs and meticulous production processes. In the 2020s, however, the brand has experienced a resurgence in visibility through online sales channels and popular YouTube reviews, such as those from 2024 analyzing the Ranger and Mongoose models, which have introduced Korth to younger enthusiasts and boosted demand.

References

  1. https://americanhandgunner.com/handguns/revolvers/engineering-excellence-embraces-artistic-style/
  2. https://kortharms.com/en/
  3. https://kortharms.com/en/revolver.html
  4. https://kortharms.com/en/pistolen.html
  5. https://kortharms.com/en/about/
  6. https://www.korthusa.com/docs/caranta.pdf
  7. https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/the-korth-revolvers.1720481/
  8. https://luxuscap.com/news/the-history-of-the-korth-classic/
  9. https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/handguns/korth-mongoose-357/
  10. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Korth
  11. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE%2BKORTH%2BSKY%2BHAWK%2BSNUBBIE%2BREVOLVER%253A%2B%2522WE%2BBUILD%2BTHEM%2BGOOD%2BIN%2BGERMANY%252C...-a0513514800
  12. https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/nighthawk-custom-and-korth-a-new-level-of-revolvers/
  13. https://www.gunfinder.com/brands/147
  14. https://kindsniper.com/media/korth-revolvers
  15. https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/korth-classic
  16. https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/nxr-44-mag-6
  17. https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/nxs-8-shot-357-6
  18. https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/korth-mongoose-357-revolver/489513
  19. https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/revolvers
  20. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/01/14/korth-prs-impressions/
  21. https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/gearscout/2014/01/14/shot-2014-hands-on-with-the-korth-prs/
  22. https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/korth-prs-1911-style-semi-auto-pistol-45-acp/
  23. https://kortharms.com/en/pistol-prs-6.html
  24. https://luxuscap.com/news/overview-of-the-korth-prs/
  25. https://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/stories/shot-2015-new-pistols-from-korth-ruger-and-glock
  26. https://calibremag.ca/korth-prs-americas-gun-germanified/
  27. https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/picked-up-an-ultra-rare-korth-prs.1879895/
  28. https://larvatus.livejournal.com/401890.html
  29. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/review-korth-carry-special/
  30. https://www.deguns.com/korth-60-001-revolver
  31. https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/korth
  32. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyhEzKdrt-G/
  33. https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/the-phenomenal-durability-of-korth-weapons.722122/
  34. https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/super-sport-gts
  35. https://www.genitron.com/Handgun/Korth/Pistol/PRS/45-Auto/Variant-3
  36. https://korriphila.org/understanding-the-roller-delayed-blowback-mechanism-spotlight-on-hk-p9-korth-prs-hk-mp5-and-hk-g3/
  37. https://www.tiropratico.com/manuali-pdf/2015-K/Korth%20Semi-Auto.pdf
  38. https://luxuscap.com/news/the-korth-semi-automatic-pistol-a-masterpiece-of-german-engineering/
  39. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/06/26/tactical-revolver-in-germany/
  40. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Korth_Revolvers
  41. https://www.ssusa.org/content/top-5-revolvers-for-competitive-shooting/
  42. https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/korth-nxs-eightshot-357-magnum-revolver-full-review/455103
  43. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/korth-s-84-000-supervillain-bitcoin-revolver-44820751
  44. https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/handguns/best-handguns
  45. https://truegunvalue.com/pistol/korth/price-historical-value
  46. https://luxuscap.com/resources-on-guns/korth/understanding-korth-firearm-numbering-and-production-methods/
  47. https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/
  48. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/aug/07/states-nighthawk-deal-distribute-pricey-german-gun/
  49. https://www.nighthawkcustom.com/tariffs
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jjarYHTAAM
  51. https://luxuscap.com/news/are-korth-revolvers-worth-the-money/
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