Stiff competition Kimber K6S

[mag318]

Being a S&W fan for over 50 years my favorite Smiths were from the 60/70s. The first time I saw Kimbers entry into revolver was at the NRA convention a couple years ago. I bought a K6S as soon as I could find one and it reminded me of the S&Ws of old with the recessed chambers and silky smooth action. One thing S&Ws had over Colts IMO was a superior double action where you could easily stage the trigger. The Kimber K6S, I was glad to note has that same ability to stage the trigger, whereas the cylinder indexes well before the hammer drops. When you examine the K6S for the first time you're impressed by the build quality with it's excellent fit and finish. The only thing I didn't care for were the blacked out sights which were hard to pick up. Kimber a year later addressed that issue by coming out eith some excellent 3 dot sights. Another amazing feature is a 6 shot cylinder not much bigger than a Smith 5 shot cylinder. After my first two Kimber revolvers I'd hope to see a 3" version and now that too has become a reality, making the K6S even better.
Competition is a good thing and I'm glad to see Kimber bringing a really good revolver to market. I think revolvers are making a comeback, even Colt brought back a new and improved Cobra.

 

[CDR_Glock]

I like the 3" barrel.

I tried my Kimber at 7 yards, and it's very consistent with the sights. It groups at 10 yards about the same. I ran out of ammo for 15 yards, since I was shooting steel at 25 yards.

Great trigger, and the combat sights work.

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[Ashlander]

My K6s has become my EDC. My J-frames just don't compare.

 

[Lonestar57]

Yes, also very impressed with the K6s line. I'm also hoping that Kimber will offer the Fiber Optic front sight as an accessory item soon since the DCR model comes with it. Then I'll change out the stock sight on my K6s.

 

[gnystrom]

Having owned and run a lot of ammo through a K6S for a few months, I have to concur, it has replaced every snubbie in my collection as my EDC gun. If I have to go pocket carry revolver lite, the 340PD gets the nod. Otherwise, it is always the Kimber.
That said, although I hoped for a 3" K6S, after shooting my 686+ and 586L comp I really don't think I can really expect any more from a 3" revolver. Those two are irreplaceable in my opinion.

 

[iPac]

I thought these new K6S had a slightly more polished finish but I guess not.

They look like quality revolvers and I would love to check one out in-depth. Very interested in how smooth a shooter it is, and what it looks like under the hood, as in what action design they incorporated.

I think the price is a little high for what it is. Although, if price wasn't a factor and I wanted to buy a new production snubby, the K6S would be leading the list. The new Colt Cobra would be a second option, but since Colts are my forte, I would probably just buy a vintage Detective over a new Cobra.

 

[1sailor]

I was able to examine a K6s a few weeks back. It was nice and does carry one extra round. However, it weighs a LOT more than my M&P340, it was larger, I did not like the grips and I could not find anyone who makes aftermarket grips. There also was not a lot of choices for leather. I like the 3 dot sights and the extra round couldn't hurt. It sort of reminded my of the Ruger SP-101 snubbies. Just bigger and heavier than it needs to be to do it's job. If more grips become available as well as a bigger selection of holsters, and TFX type sights I would probably take another look just because. They look like a nice pistol and if I didn't already have my J frame I might have given it more consideration. I just wouldn't hang up my J frame to replace it with the Kimber. Just my own feelings on the subject. Yours may vary of course.

 

[gman51]

I also am surprised seeing the dull finish. That is the first K6S I have seen that wasn't a polished finish. I don't care for the dull finish. To each his own likes is all that matters. Other than that I really like the looks of the gun.

 

[mag318]

The first version of the K6S had a polished finsh but they now offer a brushed stainless finish also, due to demand.

 

[mike campbell]

Let's see ... suppose I wanted more rounds than my 5-shot M&P340 holds.

I can double the weight and carry a 6-shot KS6.

Or I can double the weight and have 10 shots with 2 M&P 340's....2 independent fire systems, 2 different locations on the body, accessible to different hands.

I gotta run out and buy another M&P 340.

 

[Ashlander]

I was able to examine a K6s a few weeks back. It was nice and does carry one extra round. However, it weighs a LOT more than my M&P340, it was larger, I did not like the grips and I could not find anyone who makes aftermarket grips. There also was not a lot of choices for leather. I like the 3 dot sights and the extra round couldn't hurt. It sort of reminded my of the Ruger SP-101 snubbies. Just bigger and heavier than it needs to be to do it's job. If more grips become available as well as a bigger selection of holsters, and TFX type sights I would probably take another look just because. They look like a nice pistol and if I didn't already have my J frame I might have given it more consideration. I just wouldn't hang up my J frame to replace it with the Kimber. Just my own feelings on the subject. Yours may vary of course.

Altamont makes nice after-market grips in several styles. As for a holster, my K6s fits in a Galco holster designed for a J-frame.

 

[gnystrom]

Aftermarket grips for the K6S are at this point not available from a number of the usual suppliers.
The K6S is all steel and weighs 23oz. vs. 22.1oz. for the all steel S&W 640 Pro. Comparing the K6S to a scandium frame S&W 340 is silly.
Retail price 640 Pro $839
Retail Price K6S $899
Used prices should equalize in a few months as demand wanes.
Size of the K6S and a 640 Pro are literally identical. What differs is the shape of the trigger guard which will determine if it will fit in your current j-frame holster. The Ruger is a much larger gun.

Kimber does offer the K6S in a high polished finish which would make it a potential scratch magnet. I personally wish they offered one in black.

K6S is probably not for everybody. Just those who seek something different from the usual offerings.

 

[VictorLouis]

I've dry-fired over a half-dozen examples of these now, and they are uniformly excellent, IMHO. As another poster wrote, they are quite easily staged, also, just as with a nice Smith. I've handled plain, F/O front, night, and 3-dot versions, and the latter is clearly the best option for my eyes. Gun points spot-ON for me, also. I LOVE the stocks on the OP/s 3" above. Are those OEM?

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

Let's see ... suppose I wanted more rounds than my 5-shot M&P340 holds.

I can double the weight and carry a 6-shot KS6.

Or I can double the weight and have 10 shots with 2 M&P 340's....2 independent fire systems, 2 different locations on the body, accessible to different hands.

I gotta run out and buy another M&P 340.

Good point. I've actually always found it very easy to CCW three lite-weight J-Frames, IWB+Pocket+Ankle.

 

[CDR_Glock]

15 yards, today.

I am getting more and more comfortable with it.


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[gnystrom]

I LOVE the stocks on the OP/s 3" above. Are those OEM?

Yes those are stock Crimson Trace grips that are offered as a model option in the K6S lineup.

 

[mike campbell]

If I were comparison shopping for a concealed-carry revolver, would it be "silly" to compare a 37 ounce, 7-shot to a 23 ounce, 6-shot?

Would it be silly to give up one shot and trim 12 ounces of weight?

If those are differences worth considering, then would it be "silly" to consider giving up one more shot and trimming another 10 ounces of weight?

Now if somebody would only offer a 4 ounce, 4-shot .357 magnum, I'd have one in every pocket.

 

[michpatriot]

Id consider a alloy version...I only carry in a pocket so the weight is key, so far the best I've found is a 340PD.

 

[mag318]

The only thing I changes on this new 3" version were the grips. The slightly longer wood grips looked and felt nice but I prefer the Crimson Trace rubber boot grips so I ordered a set from Kimber and put them on. Now what I'd really like to see from Kimber would be a 3" version in 327 Magnum.

 

[Mdclinks]

If I were comparison shopping for a concealed-carry revolver, would it be "silly" to compare a 37 ounce, 7-shot to a 23 ounce, 6-shot?

Would it be silly to give up one shot and trim 12 ounces of weight?

If those are differences worth considering, then would it be "silly" to consider giving up one more shot and trimming another 10 ounces of weight?

Now if somebody would only offer a 4 ounce, 4-shot .357 magnum, I'd have one in every pocket.

It might be a little bit over 4 oz but it is a 4-shot .357 mag.