SHOT Show 2016: Kimber Revolver

Here is a quick post of a neat item from Kimber we found at Industry day.  Normally I am not a big fan of Kimber due to their 1911 line of pistols.  Simply because I think they are overpriced for what they are.  But this time, I think Kimber has a possible winner.
Kimber has introduced a revolver.  The K6s.  It is a snubnose revolver.  2 inch barrel.  Stainless steel body. 23 ounces.  And a 6 shot cylinder instead of the more traditional 5 shot cylinder.  The overall size does not appear to be bigger than a comparable Ruger or Smith snubnose revolver.
It is chambered in .357 magnum.  Will also shoot .38 Specials. 

What sets this revolver apart is the 6 shot cylinder and more importantly, the trigger.  Factory revolvers are notorious for heavy, crunchy triggers.  Typically in the 12 - 16 pound range and desperately need the loving touch of a good gunsmith to smooth them out.
Kimber's specification for this revolver is 9.5 - 10.5 Lbs.  This is a very good trigger weight for a revolver.  To top it off, the trigger is very smooth.  Smooth  is very important in a revolver.

I only had limited time to test fire this revolver.  But after 18 rounds, I was impressed for a Kimber product.  The trigger was smooth, not too heavy and easy to press.  Kimber representatives claimed we were firing full power, 158 grain .357 magnums.  Didn't feel like it.  This pocket revolver was very easy to manage.  My Ruger SP101 can be a handful with full power loads.  First, impression, I like it.   

Now the bad news.  MSRP is $899.  OUCH!  This is very high for a snubby revolver.  A comparable Ruger or Smith will retail for $550 - $750.  But, they have stock triggers and typically need some TLC.  This is where the Kimber shines.  I don't think additional work is necessary on the Kimber.  If you combine purchase price and a trigger job, you are at or almost at the same price as the Kimber.  I do think you are paying a little more for the Kimber name.  But the performance was very nice.

Definitely take a look at the Kimber revolver if you are in the market for a pocket revolver.  The price is high, but the additional work most revolvers need has already been done for you by the Kimber factory.

01/19/2016

By: Mez