• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Guns Holsters And Gear

honest reviews and news on firearms

  • Home
  • 2020 SHOT Show
  • Reviews
    • Ammo
    • Books
    • Flashlights
    • Guns
    • Hearing Protection
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Survival Gear
  • Resources
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Review Policy
    • Site Index
  • NRA Lifetime Membership
You are here: Home / Revolvers / Kimber K6s Revolver

Kimber K6s Revolver

by: Richard Johnson 31 Comments

Kimber K6S

Page Navigation

  • Caliber & Capacity
  • Sights
  • Concealed Carry
  • Material & Weight
  • K6S vs. 640
  • Future Models
  • Update – Correcting Internet Experts
  • Update - Accessories
  • Update – Media Day

Kimber America did something that I had not expected: the company went retro and introduced a wheel gun at the 2016 SHOT Show. The new Kimber K6s is a compact 6-shot Magnum revolver that is likely to get a lot of attention in the coming months.

The biggest thing about the gun is the addition of an “extra” round compared to the five of other compact revolvers. Kimber managed to do this while keeping the cylinder relatively thin and the overall weight relatively light for an all steel gun.

Caliber & Capacity

The K6s revolver is chambered for the .357 Magnum. It need not be said, but I’m going to anyway, that this is a powerful cartridge. Even out of a short barrel gun like this one, the .357 Mag can generate a lot of power. Of course, it is like they said in the Spiderman comics: with great power comes great recoil…or something like that.

But don’t get all freaked out about the recoil. The lowly 9mm has the same SAAMI-spec maximum average pressure as the .357 Magnum: 35,000 psi. The 9mm +P goes a step farther with an average pressure maximum of 38,500 psi – more than the Magnum. My point here is don’t freak out about shooting a Magnum in a small gun. Yes, recoil is stout, but it is not going to break your hand.

Of course, the great thing about revolvers chambered in .357 is they will also shoot .38 Special. Many people may opt for a .38 +P to get decent performance with a lighter recoil.

As I mentioned above, the cylinder holds six rounds. For a small revolver, five is the typical number from the Smith & Wesson J-frames to the Ruger LCR and SP101 guns.

 

Kimber K6s revolver

However, Colt used to make a six shot revolver that some readers may remember: the Detective Special. That gun was a favorite of many cops who carried a full size Colt duty gun as the speed loaders for one would work with the other. Kind of a magazine compatibility argument of the day.

I don’t know that the Kimber K6S will have speed loaders that will work with any other gun, but it would be kind of cool to have them the same size as a K- or L-frame S&W.

Sights

I am happy to say that the Kimber revolver has decent sights, and that they can be easily replaced if desired. Many compact revolvers have sights that require a grinder or band saw to replace. Kimber, however, designed differently.

The front and rear sights are black with a serrated face to reduce glare. If these don’t work to your liking, no worries. The rear sight is dovetailed while the front is pinned. I expect to see companies like Trijicon and XS Sights offer aftermarket options.

Concealed Carry

Kimber appears to be targeting the concealed carry market with the K6S. It has a short barrel – only 2″ – that makes it short enough for concealment in a pocket or other location.

The gun also has a completely shrouded hammer. It cannot be cocked and is double-action only.

DAO guns can sometimes have a heavy trigger exceeding 12 pounds. Kimber makes this revolver with a match grade trigger that has a pull rated for 9.5 – 10.5 pounds. This is a very reasonable pull weight, and I’m very interesting in trying it out.

Edges of the gun have been rounded to help reduce the likelihood of the gun hanging on a concealment garment. Even the front of the crane appears to have a scallop to reduce drag.

Material & Weight

Kimber revolver

Kimber makes the K6S from stainless steel: the frame, cylinder and barrel are all stainless steel. While all steel construction tends to be heavier than aluminum or polymer, it is extremely tough. Even so, Kimber has managed to keep the weight on this gun to 23 ounces. This is a full two ounces lighter than a 5-shot Ruger SP101 with a bobbed hammer.

K6S vs. 640

Revolver fans may observe a resemblance between the K6S and the popular 640 revolver from Smith & Wesson. While there appear to be numerous design differences between the two guns, I thought it might be interesting to see how they stack up against each other.

Kimber K6S

S&W 640

.357 Magnum

caliber

.357 Magnum

6

capacity

5

completely shrouded

hammer

completely shrouded

23 oz

weight

23 oz

2.0"

barrel length

2.125"

6.62"

overall length

6.56"

1.39"

width

1.31" - 1.34" *

9.5 - 10.5 pounds

trigger pull

not given**

two-piece, gray rubber

grips

two-piece, black rubber

dovetailed rear - black serrated

rear sight

integral, not replaceable

pinned front - black serrated

front sight

pinned front - black serrated

smooth satin stainless

finish

satin stainless

$899

MSRP

$729

* The cylinder width is not provided by Smith & Wesson. The approximate sizes were provided by numerous sources.

** Smith & Wesson does not provide a factory trigger pull weight. In my own testing, I have found S&W J-frame revolvers tend to be around 12 - 12.5 pounds.

On paper, the two guns are remarkably similar. The Kimber is more expensive and slightly larger, but gives you an additional round of ammunition plus a lighter trigger pull. I’m a huge fan of Smith & Wesson revolvers, but I have to say that the Kimber looks good when lined up next to the Smith.

Future Models

I’m not sure where Kimber plans on taking the K6s. I would not be surprised to see the company offer the gun in a variety of finishes or models with different sights or a Crimson Trace laser. Public acceptance of the gun is likely to determine where to company decides to take the line.

In the meantime, I look forward to getting some time on the range with this gun.

Update – Correcting Internet Experts

Kimber revolver

There is a lot of speculation going around about this new gun. So, I went to Grant Cunningham for accurate information. Cunningham is a longtime revolver smith and was part of the Kimber design team. Cunningham worked with Kimber every step of the way from concept to completion during its three years of development.

Grant CunninghamCunningham was able to help me out with some specific information that address some of the speculation by internet experts:

licensed design – Kimber did not license this design from any other company, nor did they copy the design from some esoteric revolver maker. The design is all-Kimber. While I expect that there are certain design aspects that may appear similar across brands – the revolver is not a new kind of gun after all – Cunningham explained that Kimber started with a clean slate when this project began.

MIM parts – There are none in this gun. None. Zero. Zilch.

Update - Accessories

Kimber K6s revolver

As time goes on, there will be various manufacturers that introduce accessories for the K6s. At launch, here are some of the things that are available:

Holsters – Right now, three companies have molds and are building rigs: DeSantis, Galco and Mitch Rosen. Additional companies are being brought in to expand the carry offerings.

Crimson Trace – CT will be making an aftermarket lasergrip for the K6s. It is possible that Kimber will offer this as a factory option, though nothing has been decided.

Speedloaders – Included with the revolver will be a pair of actual SpeedStrips that have Kimber branding. Additionally, 5 Star Firearms will be making their speedloaders for the K6s.

Update – Media Day

Kimber K6S at the Range

At the annual Media Day at the Range (a pre-SHOT Show event) the GHG crew go a chance to put hands on the new K6s. The model we handled was, in the words of one of the shooters, sweeeet.

The trigger was amazingly smooth – more Smith & Wesson like than a Ruger LCR, but without the staging often felt in J-frame revolvers. The return was strong, so short stroking is not likely a concern when running it fast.

Recoil with Magnum rounds was very controlable and nothing to worry about. For the recoil sensitive, .38 Special might be your best bet, but for an experienced shooter the full Magnum loads should be fine.

Kimber K6S sights

The sights were a bit lower profile than expected, but worked very well. Better than the typical gutter found on a lot of compact wheelguns.

The cylinder rotates counter-clockwise like a Smith & Wesson. The fit and finish were very nice. On the model we shot (in the photo above,) the gun had very nice wood grips. If you look closely at the bottom of the grips, you can see the special “SHOT Show 2016” designation. Though rubber grips may be more practical in many instances, I would like to have a set of these for my own.

Kimber K6s review

More information to come!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. EmmyP says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:17 am

    Nice review! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Richard says

      January 18, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Thanks for the feedback. I hope the team will be able to shoot the new gun in just a few hours out at media day. I’ll post some photos and thoughts a little later.

      -Richard

      Reply
  2. Ray S says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Kimber really knows how to make guns with style. I hope these have a smooth trigger pull. I think it’s great to see them getting into the revolver offerings that have been mostly dominated by S&W and Ruger. Hopefully this will entice the competition and maybe S&W will bring back their snub nose K frame.

    Reply
    • Daniel E. Watters says

      January 18, 2016 at 11:01 am

      Better yet, perhaps S&W could be convinced to debug their ill-fated C-Frame Model 73. It was meant to be S&W’s answer to the Detective Special – a 6-shot revolver smaller than their existing snubnose Model 10.

      Reply
      • Richard says

        January 18, 2016 at 11:32 am

        There’s a revolver I’ve not heard mentioned in a long time. If I recall correctly, they used existing 6-shot cylinders and shoehorned them into the J-frames. Did they work on the width of the cylinder at all?

        Reply
        • Daniel E. Watters says

          January 18, 2016 at 11:56 am

          I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a measurement for the S&W Model 73’s cylinder. It did have offset notches for the cylinder stop, so it is likely that they were slightly narrower than the average Model 10 cylinders.

          FWIW: This patent is related to the Model 73. It is an alternative front locking system for the ejector rod that allows for a longer stroke than the standard S&W snubnose models. Again, this was another jab at the selling points for the Colt Detective Special.

          https://www.google.com/patents/US3874104

          Reply
      • DreamPen says

        January 18, 2016 at 3:02 pm

        I’d be happy just for S&W to make Model 10/15/64/67’s with 2″ or 3″ barrels. 🙁

        Reply
        • frankstclair says

          January 20, 2016 at 4:25 pm

          And no lock

          Reply
      • Juanito Ibañez, TopCop1988 says

        January 18, 2016 at 5:38 pm

        Interesting: 🙂

        Smith & Wesson Model 73
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_73

        Reply
      • richard kluesek says

        January 19, 2016 at 11:17 pm

        Daniel E. Watters, Richard, I have read about and seen photographs of the C frame S&W 73, and was astonished to learn at the conclusion of the article that a few thousand were made and nearly all destroyed, no explanation stated. Could there have been a deal or some understanding made with Colt ?

        Reply
    • Richard says

      January 18, 2016 at 11:29 am

      I’ve got a 2″ Mod 64 NY-1 that I love. It is, however, a touch bulky – especially when compared to my 642. I’d love to see some competition between Kimber, Ruger and Smith to produce 6-shot revolvers with greater thinness.

      Reply
  3. Beard! says

    January 18, 2016 at 11:47 am

    Knowing their recent history, I wonder if they’ll have an issue with FTF and FTE. 😉

    Reply
    • raytracer says

      January 18, 2016 at 7:19 pm

      Only if you don’t use 158 gr JHP….

      Reply
  4. whitelikeme says

    January 18, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    It will be interesting to see what they have arranged for nominal holsters.

    Reply
    • Richard says

      January 18, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      Completely failed to ask when there shooting the gun. Will circle around and try to get information later today or this week at the show.

      Reply
  5. J Dubya says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I like that they slimmed the cylinder down by engineering “flats”, a la Chiappa Rhino, although not quite as severely. It’s a very good looking revolver.

    Reply
    • whitelikeme says

      January 18, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      I note that only three of six chambers have flat sided cylinders. One would have to properly index the gun to holster it with minimum width.

      Reply
      • David C. says

        January 18, 2016 at 6:13 pm

        no. look again.

        Reply
        • whitelikeme says

          January 18, 2016 at 6:41 pm

          Thanks. I figured it out.

          Reply
      • Kevin Skinner says

        November 4, 2016 at 10:04 am

        I bought one yesterday. Didn’t even know I wanted one until I saw it. I’ve been interested in the Springfield EMP for awhile. The 6s really stood out, feels good, handles instinctively. I’ll let U know how it shoots.

        Reply
  6. ShannonS says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:40 pm

    Is the cylinder release a push in design like Ruger or a slide like S&W? Also, is there a “lock”?

    Reply
    • Richard says

      January 18, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      The cylinder release is a push button style, but easier to manipulate that a Ruger. No S&W-style locks.

      -Richard

      Reply
  7. David C. says

    January 18, 2016 at 6:17 pm

    Exposed backs-trap on a modern snub-nose revolver seem ridiculous to me. Especially a .357.
    It looks nice, not does not seem to be aimed at a market demographic other than Kimber fanboys.

    Reply
    • David C. says

      January 18, 2016 at 6:19 pm

      That being said… nothing wrong with more companies making revolvers!

      Reply
    • raytracer says

      January 18, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      I bet Hogue will take care of that.

      Reply
  8. Lou says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    Nice lookin gun but I’ll stick with my third issue Colt DS with Pachmayer decelerators. Also 6 shots. Too soon to go all in on a Kimber revolver. Especially at $899. Probably will have some bugs to iron out. Do ya really need to change the sights on a 2″ wheel gun? Fixed are fine. Kudos to Kimber though for thinkin outside their box.

    Reply
  9. Blackjack6 says

    January 18, 2016 at 11:51 pm

    Looks good, better than my S&W and Ruger .357’s?

    Doubtful

    Reply
  10. usafBob OHern says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:17 pm

    Nice gun but I like the open hammer.

    Reply
  11. Zdadthrice says

    April 7, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    That would make a sweet BUG. Just add a fiber optic front and I’d be good-to-go.

    Reply
  12. oldman says

    October 11, 2016 at 11:14 am

    Any chance they will chamber it for .327 Federal Magnum?

    Reply
  13. ERod says

    June 11, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Hi all, I went to 5 star and no luck With the speedloader. At least there wasn’t anything specifically for the K6S. I love mine and the strip it came with is what I carry but I want a couple of loaders also. Any other model that works for this one? Any other six shot wheel gun I could search for that uses the same size speedloader? Kimber won’t use the USPS to ship it here and wants 75 bucks to send via FedEx.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join or Die Flag NRA

NRA Life Membership – Best Deal [Limited Time]

Gun owners need to sign up immediately for a lifetime membership to the NRA. Why? Let me tell you. As of January 7, the anti-gun team of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have officially won the White House. The US Congress is also in anti-gun hands. The bottom line: more gun control legislation is coming […]

Most Read Articles

  • What is the best optic for my Glock 43x MOS
    What is the best optic for my Glock 43x MOS
  • Springfield Hellcat Apex Trigger Review: An Upgrade Worth Considering
    Springfield Hellcat Apex Trigger Review: An Upgrade Worth Considering
  • What Optics Will Fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat?
    What Optics Will Fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat?
  • Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry Review
    Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry Review
  • Girsan MC1911 CT Review
    Girsan MC1911 CT Review
  • Springfield Armory XD 9mm Subcompact Pistol Review
    Springfield Armory XD 9mm Subcompact Pistol Review
  • Cheap Riot Guns
    Cheap Riot Guns
  • Wowtac A1S Flashlight Review - The Budget Torch that Couldn't
    Wowtac A1S Flashlight Review - The Budget Torch that Couldn't
  • Fenix LD15R Review - Handy Flashlight for Utility Use
    Fenix LD15R Review - Handy Flashlight for Utility Use
  • Wowtac A4 V2 Review - Bright Light at a Price
    Wowtac A4 V2 Review - Bright Light at a Price
Installation of Apex Trigger

Springfield Hellcat Apex Trigger Review: An Upgrade Worth Considering

Got a Springfield Hellcat you want to squeeze every bit of performance possible out of? I recommend taking a look at the Action Enhancement Trigger from Apex Tactical Specialties. This user-installable kit promises to retain all of the safety of the stock trigger while improving the break, pull and reset. In this Apex trigger review, […]

Springfield Armory Red Dot Optics

What Optics Will Fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat?

So, you recently purchased a Springfield Armory Hellcat and now you want to add a red dot sight (RDS). The question is “what optics are compatible for a Springfield Hellcat OSP?” Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.

Best Price on the Wilson Combat WCP320

Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry Review

The Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry is one of the best 9mm pistols I’ve reviewed. From its announcement as the new standard sidearm for the United States military, the popularity of the SIG SAUER P320 pistol seemingly exploded. Original SIG pistols are in high demand and aftermarket accessories are plentiful. You can even build your own […]

profile shot of the Girsan 1911 pistol

Girsan MC1911 CT Review

In today’s review of the Girsan MC1911 CT, I take a look at a classically designed .45 ACP pistol with modern updates including a red dot sight. What might draw a lot of people in is the low price tag: only $661 at full retail. With the standard features, the gun seems like a great […]

Testing the SA XD SC

Springfield Armory XD 9mm Subcompact Pistol Review

While single-stack 9mm pistols seem to be all the rage in modern concealed carry, subcompact pistols that hold a bit more ammunition shouldn’t be dismissed by anyone interested in personal protection. In this Springfield Armory XD Subcompact pistol review, I take a look at the smallest gun in the company’s Defend Your Legacy Series of […]

Atlanta Police Red Dog Deployed to Protest

Cheap Riot Guns

Riots are raging across the United States – and have been for days. Consequently, I’ve had a number of emails come in from readers who are looking for the best self-defense pistol on a budget. Let’s not forget that the government lockdowns from the health crisis have left many people in a tough financial situation. […]

Copyright © 2021 GunsHolstersAndGear.com
GunsHolstersAndGear.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com