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Although best known for producing higher end 1911 pistol models and rifles, Kimber entered the revolver market at the 2015 SHOT show when they introduced the Kimber K6S revolver. This model is designed for the concealed carry and home defense market, and will compete in the small to mid-size revolver space that is currently dominated by S&W and Ruger. The K6 will focus on the same snub nosed revolver market as the S&W J frame series, Ruger SP-101, and the new Colt Cobra series.
The Kimber K6 is produced from stainless steel, and features a 2” bull barrel. Chambered in .357, the K6S can also shoot .38 Special loads. Now here’s where the K6S differs from most of the other competition in the snubby market: the K6S is one of the few snub nosed .357 models that has a true 6 shot capacity, and, with a weight of 23 ounces, is touted as being the lightest 6 shot .357 model currently on the market.
As the K6S was designed for the concealed carry market, it also features an internal hammer for two important reasons:
(1) The internal hammer equals a smaller overall footprint and size
(2) The internal hammer means no exposed hammer spur to possibly get snagged during the draw or during pocket carry
This wheel gun is a DOA (Double Action Only) model with what Kimber markets as a “match grade” trigger with a 9.5 to 10.5 lb pull. The trigger is described as a “non-stacking” trigger that is smooth and easy to operate.
The K6S comes equipped with low profile 3 dot sights that can actually be replaced if desired, which is another feature you don’t usually see on snubby wheel guns. Most have fixed sights that can’t be adjusted or replaced without extensive gunsmithing work.
Although the K6S was introduced at the 2015 SHOT show, availability has been hit and miss for a mass produced revolver with only a few showing up in gun shops here and there, and most are selling at top dollar. Kimber has indicated that they plan to ramp up production and make more available in the upcoming months.
Currently, Kimber has introduced more Kimber K6S variants to the market, including the following:
K6S First Edition – This model comes with a mirror polished finish, special grips, and is a limited run with special serial numbers.
K6S LG – The “LG” designation stands for “Laser Grips” as this model is equipped with Crimson Trace laser grips.
K6S 3” – This model features a 3” barrel instead of the standard 2” barrel on the standard models.
K6S DCR – The “DCR” designation stands for Deluxe Carry Revolver, and this model features special grips and a fiber optic front sight.
K6S DC - The “DC” designation stands for Deep Cover. This version has a black DLC finish, black G10 grips, and tritium night sights.
K6S CDP – The “CDP” designation stands for Custom Defense Package. This model features a two tone finish with a black DCL frame mated to the stainless steel barrel, along with special grips and night sights.
Here are some commonly asked questions that we see regarding Kimber K6S holster styles:
Based on the test fitting that we’ve done with a K6S, they don’t/won’t fit well in a gun holster made for either of those wheelgun models. Remember the K6S is a 6 shot while the SP-101 is a 5 shot, so there is a difference in the frame sizes between the two. Your best bet is to find a holster made for the K6S.
Honestly, it’s hard to say as it really depends on the holster brand and style. Our experience has been that some holsters that are cut high on the gun won’t fit as the Crimson Trace T laser grip interferes with the handgun fully seating into the holster. That being said, we can help in that area as most any holster listed below is available in a version to fit the K6S with the crimson trace grips. Those holsters will feature a space cut out to fit the crimson trace laser grip area.
We understand how that could be confusing so let us explain. Most all the MTR models are available in a configuration where an optional thumb break can be added. However, the K6S models feature an internal hammer, so there really isn’t anything for the thumb break to wrap around or over to secure the revolver in the holster. That’s why the K6S holster models have a note saying no thumb break is available.
Since the revolver holster models for the K6S are molded specifically off a K6S mold, the fit is very close and tight. As a matter of fact, the holster will most likely have to broken in some before you could carry the K6S as it will be a little hard to draw without being broken-in first.
We do not currently carry any kydex holster brands, so we only deal in leather holsters right now.
Given the larger size of the K6S, we don’t offer a pocket holster for it at this time.
The best paddle holster option that we carry for the Kimber K6S is this one: MTR Custom paddle holster.
While we do offer a few shoulder holster models, we do not currently carry one that is made to work with a K6S from Kimber.
Our top selling leather IWB holster and concealed carry holster models are:
MTR Custom Inside the Waistband Holster with Sweatshield
MTR Custom Tuckable Holster with Sweatshield
Currently we offer a few holsters that will fit the 3 inch Kimber K6s, and all are OWB styles. Those models can be seen here: Kimber K6s 3 inch holsters.