Why on Earth do I want a K6S?

[Mainsail]

I'm not a revolver guy at all- I own exactly two right now; a Taurus 85 (bought from a start-up but now famous gun auction site back in 2003ish for $185) and the first handgun I ever bought (1985ish), a Ruger New Model Super Single Six.

I was in a local big-box store recently and saw the Kimber K6S, fondled it, and really liked it. This was the DAO model with the 3" barrel. Trigger was very good and the fit/finish were as well. The only thing that kept me from leaving with it was the price, just over $1K before tax (so pushing $1100 out the door) and the fact that I had never even read anything on them.

I carried a S&W Model 15 snub back when I was flying in the AF, and have been looking for the last few years for a 15, 19, or 66 snub for mainly nostalgia reasons. I could never bring myself to spend the going price for one though, as in my mind they're $500 guns, way below the going rate. So I had pretty much written them off, I wasn't going to spend that much for a handgun I had no intention of carrying.

I want the K6S though, and I want to carry one. I can order either the 2" or 3" DASA model, maybe, there's some issues with the ordering system on the site I'm trying to buy from.

Does anyone own or have fired one? I would love to hear your thoughts on this revolver. Just looking at the photos doesn't compare to holding one in your hand.

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

I've been lusting after the 3" DASA version for some time. I let a few pass at $799/$899 and now I can't find one for under $1000+!

I could kick myself!

If you do get one, I would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!

 

[Sistema1927]

I have a 3" DAO K6S that is my favorite revolver (sorry, S&W fans). The trigger is superb, the sights are excellent, the size is perfect, and the quality is beyond compare. Did I say that I like it?

P.S. - I think that the DA/SA Kimbers are butt ugly.

 

[alwslate]

Temporary insanity?? Take a step back and don't make any rash decisions and all will be well in time

 

[Mainsail]

Well ordering off the AAFES website is a bust- something about covid and blah blah blah, nobody really knows why, it will let you put the gun in the cart but won't let you buy it.

I called the gun counter at the BX directly and they're ordering the 3" DASA for me, said it should be in this week. They have to comply with WA's waiting period so it'll be a two-trip ordeal. He quoted a ballpark price right at $800, no tax of course.

 

[hyena]

I have shot my buddy's two inch K6 many times. Excellent revolver, and I'm not a Kimber fan. I consider his the equal of my 640 Pro, although I wouldn't trade.

 

[Steve Beacon]

I picked up the K6S D

I picked up the K6S 2" DASA a month ago. It is worth while. Steve.

 

[Triggernosis]

I'm really wanting a K6S Combat (4" DA/SA).

 

[buckshotshorty]

If you live near a bass pro shop or a Cabela's they are the same company I was in one in Tampa a week ago and they had three of them in stock. In fact, they were the only double action snubnose handguns they had I guess because of the price they don't sell very fast The price there was $997

 

[Eddietruett]

I've owned 3 of the 2" and kicked myself after I sold or traded all 3. They are great revolvers. Didn't like the factory grips and ordered the larger ones from Kimber for each. Great DA and each one you could stage and basically shoot SA if you wanted to. A few years ago they could be found for $650-700 -and now you never see one for less than $850-900.

 

[Jebus35745]

Had a 640 and wanted one more round. Along came a 3" K6 at a great price, makes a great carry gun. Sold the 640 for what I paid for the K6. Nice gun with an excellent trigger. Rubber control core or Hogue rubber tames the recoil. Wish it was a 2" bbl. Like the looks of the DASA target, Larry

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Every time I get to lusting over one I pick up my 20 year old SP101 in 357 and the feeling passes but the 4" da/sa does look interesting. Same size as the Ruger but with one more round.

 

[kaaskop49]

Every time I get to lusting over one I pick up my 20 year old SP101 in 357 and the feeling passes.

Me too. I don't want another SP101 clogging up my safe. The J-frames therein are of the same mind.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Mainsail]

Mine's in. Driving out to the BX tomorrow morning to start the paperwork.

 

[Mainsail]

Went and picked it up today. I'm still not fan of Kimber's 1911s, but their revolvers are super nice. The fit and finish is outstanding. Can't wait to get it out shooting.

So far I've amassed enough reloading supplies to make plenty of practice ammo, as well as some Buffalo Bore .357 snubby ammo for carry. Hogue grips are ordered.

 

[CheyenneBodie]

I have a 2 inch K6 DAO. The best six shot snub out there. Superb trigger, and sights you can see. I have a CT laser grip on mine and its my daily concealed carry gun.

 

[SammyJoe]

My Personal Opinion....

Hello,
This is just my opinion, take it as you will.
If you have the budget to spend upwards of $1k on a snub nosed revolver, there are FAR more options out there than just the Kimber K6S.

You can find New or gently used stainless Smith 357 Mag snubs for less than $1k even with today's inflated prices.
I have even seen some used Colt's for that price and Ruger has some very attractive stainless magnums as well.

If you aren't a revolver guy and truly want to step into that area, shop around first.
-Sam

 

[Triggernosis]

Hello,
This is just my opinion, take it as you will.
If you have the budget to spend upwards of $1k on a snub nosed revolver, there are FAR more options out there than just the Kimber K6S.

You can find New or gently used stainless Smith 357 Mag snubs for less than $1k even with today's inflated prices.
I have even seen some used Colt's for that price and Ruger has some very attractive stainless magnums as well.

If you aren't a revolver guy and truly want to step into that area, shop around first.
-Sam

But none of those you mentioned offer a 6-shot in a revolver that's just ever so slightly larger than a J-frame.

 

[JWintergreen]

The Kimber K6S has a lot going for it, as do other D frame (Small frame Colt) sized revolvers.

Revolvers in this class are easier to shoot than most five shot pocket revolvers, they are comfortable with .38 + P ammo, they are much easier to carry than medium frame guns, and they are true six shooters. They also work great for folks with small hands. As much as I love the slightly smaller J frame, the D frame sized guns are the perfect carry revolvers in my eyes.

D frame sized revolvers have made a real comeback in the last few years. Kimber is offering the K6S, Colt has the Cobra/King Cobra, Charter has the Police Undercover, and Taurus has the popular 856 lineup. As I stated in another thread, this is the best thing to happen to revolver fans in many years. Hopefully, this will also have a positive impact on S&W and Ruger as well.

One change I would like to see from Kimber is a slightly longer ejector rod on the three and four inch versions.

 

[JWintergreen]

Every time I get to lusting over one I pick up my 20 year old SP101 in 357 and the feeling passes but the 4" da/sa does look interesting. Same size as the Ruger but with one more round.

Therein lies the long standing problem with the Ruger SP101.

The SP101 has always been cursed by being a D frame sized revolver with J frame capacity. It was a big mistake on Ruger's part to stop short with an abbreviated frame height and a 1.35" diameter cylinder, instead of going with a true D frame sized 1.40" diameter six shot cylinder. A D frame sized revolver with only five chambers is depressing.

With Taurus, Charter, Kimber, and Colt offering D frame sized 6 shot .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers, this design mistake is more noticeable than ever. Its time for Ruger to raise the frame height and add that extra 0.05" of cylinder diameter. It would not add any noticeable weight, and it would still fit the D frame holsters that companies already market for the SP101.

With an LCR line and a seven shot GP100, there are no longer any excuses on Ruger's part to ignore this request any longer.

ETA: For folks also interested in seeing Ruger finally offer a 6 shot .38/.357 SP101, use their "tell the CEO" feature on their website and let them know.

 

[Triggernosis]

One change I would like to see from Kimber is a slightly longer ejector rod on the three and four inch versions.

Why is that?

 

[JWintergreen]

Why is that?

Kimber uses the same snub length ejector rod on all of their revolvers. One of the advantages of going to a slightly longer barrel, is getting a slightly longer ejector rod. This is one of the reasons why three inch carry revolvers have a dedicated following.

 

[sodacan]

Kimber uses the same snub length ejector rod on all of their revolvers. One of the advantages of going to a slightly longer barrel, is getting a slightly longer ejector rod. This is one of the reasons why three inch carry revolvers have a dedicated following.

The uniform ejector rod length is a cost saving thing. Keeps costs down and parts interchangeable. That gun is pretty pricey anyway and doesn't need anything to make it more expensive. That being said, a longer ejector rod would be better.

 

[sparkyvega]

I'm really wanting a K6S Combat (4" DA/SA).

My Dad got the K6S Target GFO which is similar except for the front sight. He's a S&W revolver guy, and really likes this Kimber.

 

[dave1918a2]

I'll take a 2 1/2 inch 66.

 

[Triggernosis]

Kimber uses the same snub length ejector rod on all of their revolvers. One of the advantages of going to a slightly longer barrel, is getting a slightly longer ejector rod. This is one of the reasons why three inch carry revolvers have a dedicated following.

But is it really an issue?
A perspective here:

Much Ado About Ejector Rod Length - RevolverGuy.Com

 

[JWintergreen]

There is no "need" for Kimber to offer a "full length" (I realize this term varies) ejector rod on the 3" and 4" K6S revolvers. However, it would make them both a better product. I enjoy the Revolver Guy Blog, but most folks that have ever used a snub and a longer barrelled revolver will notice a difference in ejector rod length.

Colt has had their own ejector rod woes on their new small frame revolvers. The new rods are a tad bit on the thin side, and the knurled knob on the tip tends to get stuck in the yoke/crane channel when used with authority. Colt has claimed that they have went to a slightly larger tip, but the difference is so miniscule that the end consumer might not be able to tell the difference. I am also still reading complaints about the rods on new production Cobra/King Cobra revolvers.

One of the things Taurus did right on the D frame sized 856, is the ejector rod. Both the 2" and 3" "Defender" models have hearty ejector rods with a wide, smooth tip (sorry about the phrasing there). The three inch version also has an extended ejector rod. If Taurus can do this, Kimber and Colt can do this.

Here is an article from the Revolver Guy blog that discusses the ejector rods on the new small frame Colts:
Revisiting the Colt King Cobra - RevolverGuy.Com

 

[Chukar60]

Had a chance to handle a K6 Combat in 4". Was sorely tempted to buy it. Very nice gun.
As for the length of the ejector rod, I had a 3" 66 and did not notice much difference between it and my 2.5" 66. Sold the 3" to someone who thought a 1/2" of barrel was going to improve their life.

 

[Mainsail]

I drove up to the mountains today to shoot the K6S for the first time, and see if I fixed the Detonics.

First impressions of the K6S are, wow, what a great shooting gun!

I started with some tame 38 Specials that were given to me from a gun shop- they came in with a used gun they bought and they aren't allowed to sell them as they're commercial reloads. 50 rounds of those went very quickly.

Next up were my reloads; 130gr bullet on top of 7gr of HS-6. These were noticeably hotter but still nothing to flinch about. I also ran few Buffalo Bore 357 Magnums- these are their "19G/20 - Tactical Short Barrel Lower Recoil Low Flash 357 Magnum Pistol and Handgun Ammo" so not powerhouse 357s but still gets your attention.

All in all 150 rounds of 38 and 20 rounds of Buffalo Bore. I had to take some breaks because the gun was so hot the cylinder was burning my hand. The stocks grips were replaced with the Hogues shown in the picture, but before I shot it so I can't say what the wood factory grips feel like. They were too small- the Hogues are perfect. The gun shot to POA with everything, but I still need to play with the gun some more to narrow down a 'best' load for it.

The Combat Master seems like it's ejecting better. It only liked the one factory magazine I have and the Wilson 47D. It wasn't 100% with the aftermarket Combat Master magazines or the 8-round Wilson. It's a handful, but easily manageable.