KIMBER REVOLVERS

Good looking revolver but I'll just stick with my .357 LCR



American Rifleman | Kimber K6s Revolver

Ian McCollum over at Forgotten Weapons and InRange TV brings up an interesting point. Kimber tooled up a new revolver with the intent of selling to California, a huge market for concealed carry despite the fact that CC is for all intents and purposes prohibited in many counties. Revolvers are exempt from the microstamping requirement because revolvers don't automatically eject the spent brass. However, it may mean that in order to appease the selection process, they may choose to include an internal lock (that crane screw looks a little suspicious, though no reviewer has yet made mention of an IL). Looking over the roster, however, I can't make much sense of it. The model 642-1 and -2 models are OK, but they don't seem to specify an SKU#, so it would seem to include models both with and without the IL. Maybe someone who is more familiar with the CA roster can shed some light on this.

CORRECTION: Sorry. After looking over the CA list of "Safe Guns," it appears that only the 642-2 SKU# 163810 (IL) is approved. I don't find the 642-2 SKU# 103810 (no lock) on the list. I apologize for any confusion. I should have sorted that out before posting. However, it is my decidedly uniformed opinion that for a revolver to be sold in CA, it looks like the revolver must have an IL.

I was all set on a 640 Pro until I read about the Kimber
If the street is around $700 it will be a wash with the Kimber holding 6.

Nice looking revolver for someone wanting a handgun for OWB or IWB carry. Looks too big and heavy for pocket carry. I think it will be a good seller for Kimber. Not having an IL is a big plus

I handled one of them at SHOT Show. I wasn't overly impressed. For DAO, the trigger pull wasn't atrocious. It wasn't great either, but it wasn't unbearable. I don't like the cylinder release mechanism either, which reminds me more of the Ruger style as opposed to S&W or even Colt.

Oh, and the $899 MSRP doesn't help it any either.

I would take a ILS Smith over one of those, any day.

Bottom line is that people who are into revolvers are into them for three possible reasons, versus say a semi auto pistol.

1. Simpler than semi to operate
2. Lower cost than semi
3. Aesthetics/Design more pleasing than semi

If you get two of the three you're gonna have a seller. This Kruger has only got one of the three. Personally I think it's just a GP100 from Kimber. Ohhh, Ahhh.

The Califorina safe list is simply a way to regulate and make more difficult handgun importation into the state, simple as that.

No pistol has been able to satisfy the microstamping process requirement. This means that no NEW pistols may be registered on this list. This means that if a CURRENT pistol is for whatever reason, lost from the list, that it CANNOT be sold new by an FFL in California. And even if it had been marked as "safe" on this list at one time, if it falls off for whatever reason, it cannot be brought back onto it.

An example is that Colt recently (I suspect due to their bankruptcy) has not renewed their handgun registration on the list. That means ALL Colts including the venerable 1911, are no longer available for sale NEW in California.

Now you tell me if that is making us safer.

The bottom line is that us gunowners in CA are getting squeezed out. The majority of Californians live in areas which are highly urban and do not have the family tradition of firearms, so are afraid of them. They are also less responsible with them because of this. The government being a democracy, is responsive to popular opinion and this is what is happening.

So although CA is a large market for gun manufacturers when compared to smaller less economically impactful states, many are deciding to leave it off their agenda. You may be sure that CA does not make it easy for manufacturers to continue selling here.

This is why you should support those Californians who wish to follow the law but still own firearms in CA.

Kifaru said:

Ian McCollum over at Forgotten Weapons and InRange TV brings up an interesting point. Kimber tooled up a new revolver with the intent of selling to California, a huge market for concealed carry despite the fact that CC is for all intents and purposes prohibited in many counties. Revolvers are exempt from the microstamping requirement because revolvers don't automatically eject the spent brass. However, it may mean that in order to appease the selection process, they may choose to include an internal lock (that crane screw looks a little suspicious, though no reviewer has yet made mention of an IL). Looking over the roster, however, I can't make much sense of it. The model 642-1 and -2 models are OK, but they don't seem to specify an SKU#, so it would seem to include models both with and without the IL. Maybe someone who is more familiar with the CA roster can shed some light on this.

CORRECTION: Sorry. After looking over the CA list of "Safe Guns," it appears that only the 642-2 SKU# 163810 (IL) is approved. I don't find the 642-2 SKU# 103810 (no lock) on the list. I apologize for any confusion. I should have sorted that out before posting. However, it is my decidedly uniformed opinion that for a revolver to be sold in CA, it looks like the revolver must have an IL.

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Stephanie B said:

As far as we know, that is.

I've met people who have Kimbers and love them. I've also met people who regard Kimber's quality as being somewhere between Taurus and Hi-Point.

But I'm not an early adopter. Only within the last few years have I gotten one of those newfangled 3rd. gen. Smiths.

(And I have a tube TV.)

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A buddy of mine who is very knowledgeable about firearms, when told of this revolver, said, "I've had issues with 4 Kimber semi-autos, so I'll pass on their new revolver." I personally haven't owned a Kimber, but like you suggested, people either love them or hate them.

reddog81 said:

That's good news. Kimber's are typically good looking quality guns. Hopefully their revolvers are reasonably priced, accurate and quality firearms.
I was hoping to pick up a new Dan Wesson later this year but I will be watching to see what these guys come up with.

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The new Kimber Revolver is suppose to sell for around $899.
according to the info on their site

foytfoyt said:

The more quality brands of revolver on the market the better!

Competition is good. Better prices, and hopefully, better quality control across the business. It's needed.

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My feelings exactly. Maybe it will give S&W some new ideas!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/members/mikepriwer-albums-mlp15-picture13753-c-frame-left-side.html

refer to post #67