bronco45
Member
Troy, Alabama is where the Kimber revolvers are manufactured.
Kimber K6xs - Alloy Frame - It is Finally Here
- Thread starter NCBeagle
- Start date
Bill Lear
Member
A face only a mother could love. I like Kimber's 1911s, but their revolvers are just too industrial for me. There's more to revolvers than simply how strong they might be - just ask Ruger, and now Kimber. Meanwhile S&W got the "look" right a long time ago and has been smart enough not to deviate.
The two things that strike me about this new offering are
1) it doesn't have that unique flat-sided hexagonal cylinder of the original K6. It has a more traditional fluted cylinder, and
2) the cylinder appears quite a bit wider (larger diameter) than the J-frames it is photographed with in the side-by-side comparison shots.
Neither of those are deal breakers, but they both detract from the unique concept behind the original K6 IMO.
To me this seems more like a modern rendition of the Colt Detective than anything else.
My $0.02 for what that's worth.
1) it doesn't have that unique flat-sided hexagonal cylinder of the original K6. It has a more traditional fluted cylinder, and
2) the cylinder appears quite a bit wider (larger diameter) than the J-frames it is photographed with in the side-by-side comparison shots.
Neither of those are deal breakers, but they both detract from the unique concept behind the original K6 IMO.
To me this seems more like a modern rendition of the Colt Detective than anything else.
My $0.02 for what that's worth.
...at least not until the addition of the IL required that they change the graceful curve between the rear sight and the top of the grip backstrap...
For my money that change really messed up the overall profile and shape of S&W revolvers.
That's the main thing I don't really like about S&W's with the IL.
Just my opinion.
...at least not until the addition of the IL required that they change the graceful curve between the rear sight and the top of the grip backstrap...
For my money that change really messed up the overall profile and shape of S&W revolvers.
That's the main thing I don't really like about S&W's with the IL.
Just my opinion.
And that paint drip on the left side of the frame.
OP
The cylinder is fluted to reduce weight, as less material is required for a .38+P cylinder. That said, I also like the hexagonal cylinder. Looked sharp on the K6s
I tried to measure the J Frame and K6xs cylinders myself but could not do so reliably with a tape measure. American Rifleman Magazine and Kimber measured the Kimber K6xs CYLINDER at 1.4" wide. Smith J Frame CYLINDERS are 1.3" according to Smith website. I think that is rounded down for Smith. A set of calipers would be helpful.
In my opinion, the difference is difficult to appreciate side-by-side and so small as to be immaterial for any practical purpose other than, maybe, holster compatibility (in rigid material like Kydex).
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Yeah the difference in frame width is minimal. The difference in cylinder diameter is more significant to me.
And that paint drip on the left side of the frame.
The integrated frame lug doesn't bug me so much. Other than it being non-replaceable if it gets worn.
The profile difference is what wrecks them for me. The proportions just look wrong to me.
Like what my wife always said about the rear view of a Porsche 928...
"Reminds me of a woman whose hips and butt are too wide" - her words not mine!
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OP
I mistyped. I meant to say "cylinder." Those are frame measurements. I am going to edit my post above to clearly state "cylinder."
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STORMINORMAN
Member
BC38: re: the "...rear view of a Porsche 928"...
That's probably the aspect MOST have ever seen UNLESS they just happened to be looking in their rear-view mirror as they were rapidly overtaken...?
Cheers!
P.S. And I am certainly no Porsche fan-boy: more an SC400 type...
P.P.S. The lighter Kinmber is nice... But, is it worth twice the price (or, is it really twice as nice?) of my Model 642 "sans lock"...?
That's probably the aspect MOST have ever seen UNLESS they just happened to be looking in their rear-view mirror as they were rapidly overtaken...?
Cheers!
P.S. And I am certainly no Porsche fan-boy: more an SC400 type...
P.P.S. The lighter Kinmber is nice... But, is it worth twice the price (or, is it really twice as nice?) of my Model 642 "sans lock"...?
So they are saying the cylinder is only 0.10" wider?
Because it sure looks like more than that to me in the pictures you posted.
The frame looks like it is about 0.10" wider, but the difference in cylinder diameter sure looks like it would be more than that to me.
Either my eye is more precise than I ever realized or the pictures are somehow giving a bad perspective or there is some incorect info published - or something. Because that cylinder sure looks like it is more than 0.10" larger diameter in the photos.
Of course I could be totally wrong - it wouldn't be the first time (not by a LONG shot!)
I hear you. Porsche built some seriously fast cars back in the day. I owned one once. It would blow the doors off the hottest offerings out of Japan - even ones that were 10 years newer!
OP
The Smith 642 MSRP is $539.00, according to Smith website. (Selling locally for $500-519)
The Kimber K6xs MSRP is $679.00. (Selling locally for $620.00, less on GB)
Real world price difference will probably shake out to $100.00-$125.00. It is not twice the price.
I think that the Smith J and Kimber K6xs cylinder measurements of 1.3" and 1.4", respectively, are probably accurate based on my observation and half-hearted effort to measure with a tape measure.
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Thanks for taking and posting the photos sir - it looks pretty nice. It’s extra nice to see some quality competition for the 442/642. Not a big deal, but I couldn’t tell from your photo, did Kimber use a steel bolster for the cylinder pin to lock into in the recoil shield? Bolster may not be the correct term, I am a geezer, and cannot remember the correct technical term 
. Both of my 360’s have that steel reinforcement and I think it’s a nice touch although probably really not needed given the low mileage on both of mine.
. Both of my 360’s have that steel reinforcement and I think it’s a nice touch although probably really not needed given the low mileage on both of mine.
I am glad you posted this up. I have been looking at these since I found out about them a couple weeks ago. I had 2 K6s's in the past and really really liked them but sold them for other things. I am now in the market for another j frame or now this (since I found out about them).
I am looking forward to your shooting experience details when you have time to take it to the range. My only question was if the XS would take the same after market grips that the S does and I think it does as stated above. I really don't like the rubbers grips, not my cup of tea.
Looking forward to hearing more about this neat new Kimber. Keep us posted please....
I am looking forward to your shooting experience details when you have time to take it to the range. My only question was if the XS would take the same after market grips that the S does and I think it does as stated above. I really don't like the rubbers grips, not my cup of tea.
Looking forward to hearing more about this neat new Kimber. Keep us posted please....
Out and about today, I hope to run into one.
I’ve never been a big fan of enclosed hammer revolvers. It’s partly a matter of looks. It’s also partly a matter of never having any issues with a hammer snagging as I don’t pocket carry. Also it’s partly my affection for shooting snubby revolvers at longer ranges (25-50 yards) just to demonstrate you can do so accurately. But with the much more critical sight alignment required a single action trigger helps.
I’ve also never been a fan of lightweight alloy frame revolvers, especially in .357 Mag, although .38 +P is tolerable.
Consequently I don’t see my self adding this new version to my stainless DA/SA K6S.
With the hammer it looks a bit less industrial but it definitely doesn’t have the classic lines of a S&W, or S&W based Rossi, and it even makes the Ruger SP101 look traditional.
The Kimber grips are too short and too thin for my tastes particularly with full power .357 Magnum loads, even in the heavier stainless steel frame. A rubber grip that adds a bit more volume, absorbs recoil and has something over the back strap to add some padding and trigger reach helps a lot. These Hogues are also long enough to let you get another half a finger width on the grip, which makes a huge difference in controllability.
I’ve also never been a fan of lightweight alloy frame revolvers, especially in .357 Mag, although .38 +P is tolerable.
Consequently I don’t see my self adding this new version to my stainless DA/SA K6S.
With the hammer it looks a bit less industrial but it definitely doesn’t have the classic lines of a S&W, or S&W based Rossi, and it even makes the Ruger SP101 look traditional.
The Kimber grips are too short and too thin for my tastes particularly with full power .357 Magnum loads, even in the heavier stainless steel frame. A rubber grip that adds a bit more volume, absorbs recoil and has something over the back strap to add some padding and trigger reach helps a lot. These Hogues are also long enough to let you get another half a finger width on the grip, which makes a huge difference in controllability.
I saw one yesterday at the Dixie show in Raleigh.
Couldn’t believe how light it was. It looked and felt, to me, to be a bit larger than a J frame? Fit and finish was excellent. I like the look of the shorter barrel.
They had $649 on it. I didn’t buy it, for now, as I have many small carry guns.
Couldn’t believe how light it was. It looked and felt, to me, to be a bit larger than a J frame? Fit and finish was excellent. I like the look of the shorter barrel.
They had $649 on it. I didn’t buy it, for now, as I have many small carry guns.
Mainsail
Member
I chuckle a little when people mention the "looks" of the Kimbers - intimating it's a deal breaker for owning one. Why would that matter? Will the bad guys laugh at you when you pull it to defend yourself?
I admit to being just as guilty though - would never give that Rhino revolver a second glance - just too ugly.
I admit to being just as guilty though - would never give that Rhino revolver a second glance - just too ugly.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Love the Kimbers but every time I pick one up, I am reminded tat I have a perfectly good Ruger SP101, a S&W 337 and a S&W 638-2 and I really can't justify the purchase.
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