Aluminum Alloy Kimber K6s Announced

NY-1 · Apr 16, 2023

I'm thrilled to see more developments in the revolver market so soon. Kimber's K6s is a fantastic piece, and the logical next step was an alloy framed model. Apparently it'll be close to $400 cheaper than the steel model, about 15oz unloaded, and chambered in 38 Special +P. Not to mention a six round capacity. I'd say that the J-frames have some real competition these days.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn1_qy7kCCg[/ame]

Bullet Bob · Apr 16, 2023

"Apparently it'll be close to $400 cheaper than the steel model..."

That'll be a neat trick.

Nomadmax · Apr 16, 2023

That's an interesting snub that could (as mentioned above) give a J frame a run for it's money. If Kimber can do what two big revolver companies can't seem to do right now, they might sell every one they make. (IE sell products that don't need to go back to the factory for function and other QC issues)

.357magger · Apr 16, 2023

I love my Model 38 although I don't carry it much due to sentimental reasons. It was left to me by my Dad.

I've played with a couple of K6s and found the triggers to be quite nice.

I'd certainly be interested in the alloy frame variant, after I see if there are any reported bugs. An extra round for relatively same size is always welcome. And older Detective Specials in my experience can suffer from timing issues.

Alk8944 · Apr 16, 2023

Interesting, an Air-Weight K-Frame size .38 Special revolver. What a novel idea! I'll bet no one reports cracking of the frame lunette with these.

malph · Apr 16, 2023

Alk8944 said:
Interesting, an Air-Weight K-Frame size .38 Special revolver. What a novel idea! I'll bet no one reports cracking of the frame lunette with these.

It's smaller from a K-frame. It's about the size of a Detective Special.

I get your point though. It will be interesting so see how these hold up.

Tex1001 · Apr 16, 2023

Did the Colt Agent frames have a reputation for cracking?

NCBeagle · Apr 16, 2023

I have been excited about this for about two years. This leaked in 2021. I'll buy the first alloy K6 that I see and probably every variant. Kimber busted into the revolver market with something awesome and this was the next logical step. My K6s get less holster time than J frames, or even alloy Colt D frames, because of weight. Problem solved.

Nomadmax · Apr 17, 2023

.357magger said:
I love my Model 38 although I don't carry it much due to sentimental reasons. It was left to me by my Dad.

I've played with a couple of K6s and found the triggers to be quite nice.

I'd certainly be interested in the alloy frame variant, after I see if there are any reported bugs. An extra round for relatively same size is always welcome. And older Detective Specials in my experience can suffer from timing issues.

I think I'd probably carry that revolver more than anything else. For me, it would be a great feeling having something of his on my person, protecting me, as he did growing up.

chief38 · Apr 17, 2023

Can't speak for the Kimber as I have not shot one, but while lightweight J Frames are great for carrying they are harder to shoot and practice with. If one does choose an ultra lightweight gun and chooses heavy powerful loads, please be prepared by shooting what you plan to carry in it so you can get used to the recoil and understand how it will shoot and feel.

Not suggesting that lightweight guns aren't viable, just be prepared for the lack of weight recoil - one thing affects the other.

.357magger · Apr 17, 2023

Nomadmax said:
I think I'd probably carry that revolver more than anything else. For me, it would be a great feeling having something of his on my person, protecting me, as he did growing up.

Oh it does get carried, and practiced with.

It's great for late night dog walks and quick trips to the pharmacy and such.

It's just not a primary EDC. I have multiple options for that. And my Dad is forever in my heart, and I do carry his lucky Silver Dollar, daily. From the year of his birth.

BB57 · Apr 17, 2023

chief38 said:
Can't speak for the Kimber as I have not shot one, but while lightweight J Frames are great for carrying they are harder to shoot and practice with. If one does choose an ultra lightweight gun and chooses heavy powerful loads, please be prepared by shooting what you plan to carry in it so you can get used to the recoil and understand how it will shoot and feel.

Not suggesting that lightweight guns aren't viable, just be prepared for the lack of weight recoil - one thing affects the other.

I was going to post pretty much the same thing the other day, but didn’t want to take the time.

The alloy frame revolver fan boys just don’t want to hear it. They get fixated on light weight and forget or go into denial about the downsides of a light weight snub nose revolver, when a snub nose revolver is a bit of an experts gun in the first place.

Steel frame J frame and similar sized snub nose revolvers like the model 36, Model 60, SP101 and the K6S are capable of excellent accuracy, but it takes practice. When you reduce the weight you make them far less tolerable to shoot and the training and practice required to get good with one just doesn’t happen.

The alloy frame fans excuse that by claiming they are just belly guns anyway and just don’t bother with things like accuracy or proficiency.

——

As for the K6S, it already has a fair amount of bite to it in .357 Mag and Kimber is at least acknowledging that by chambering the alloy frame version in .38 +P.

Sgt. Buzzard · Apr 17, 2023

I'm quite happy with my 442 no lock. 14.6 Oz. And I shoot it just fine, thank you. Now I also have a Kimber K6s 3" DAO. First time at the range it didn't make it through those fabled six shots before it jammed up. Had to send it back. They replaced the cylinder with no further information. Yes, the customer service was outstanding. It damn well should be.

While I wanted one of the aluminum frame guns when first announced two years ago, I think I'll take a pass now.

In 50 years of J & K frame ownership, including 29 years of police service, whenever I pulled the trigger on a Smith it went bang. At my most recent LEOSA qualifications I was also shooting a well-maintained Glock 42 that I've had for many years. That jammed up for the first time ever.

That's it. I'm sticking to J frames. Revolver reliability has its place. Auto loaders are for the range. Five rounds that I know will go off gives me a warm happy feeling.

Marshal Tom · Apr 17, 2023

BB57 has it right. I have had an M&P 340 for years and carry it at times. It is not pleasant to shoot and it is down right brutal with any .357rds. I recently put it up for sale and acquired a 649-2 that I found in a local shop. It is out getting a tune up right now. I took it out and shot it right after I got it and what a difference the all steel gun makes.

malph · Apr 17, 2023

Marshal tom said:
BB57 has it right. I have had an M&P 340 for years and carry it at times. It is not pleasant to shoot and it is down right brutal with any .357rds. I recently put it up for sale and acquired a 649-2 that I found in a local shop. It is out getting a tune up right now. I took it out and shot it right after I got it and what a difference the all steel gun makes.

There is a spectrum of different weights and loadings available in the J-frame world.

Pick the spot in that spectrum that works for you.

Different people are going to come up with different answers.

swagmeister · Apr 17, 2023

I bet that it won't be much cheaper, if any, than the steel one. At least not for the first year when most of the dealers will charge scalper prices for them because they are the "newest and latest thing to hit the market and hard to get." If I had to have one, a steel one would be the one I'd pick but not at the asking price they want. A Smith 640 pre lock would be the one for me and I have had several at different times over the past several years. I've never been into the alloy frame angle, from any manufacturer. I'm old school, stuck in my ways, prefer steel and wood, and too late in life to change.

GeoJelly · Apr 17, 2023

I haven’t yet bought a Kimber revolver because they are just stupid expensive. This sounds very interesting though - hopefully they will follow Ruger’s engineering lead and put some steel reinforcement in their aluminum frames … on the recoil shield where the cylinder pin locks the cylinder into the frame. S&W also did this on my two 360J’s.

STORMINORMAN · Apr 17, 2023

Bullet Bob said:
"Apparently it'll be close to $400 cheaper than the steel model..."

That'll be a neat trick.

Or, in the words of Marion Morrison... "That'll be the day!"

Ethan Edwards: The Searchers 1956

Cheers!

10Mad · Apr 17, 2023

I love my K6 DASA. I think it’s a foregone conclusion that I will be buying one of these. 6 shots at that size and weight is a winner for revolver fans.

Aluminum Alloy Kimber K6s Announced

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