Self Defense

Kimber K6S CDP .357 Magnum Snub

 
By Massad Ayoob

The most accurate small-frame revolver in existence?

If you’re under the impression that all snub-nosed revolvers are inaccurate, difficult to shoot, knife-fighting-distance handguns, chances are you have not fired a Kimber K6s yet. Our CDP shot this awesome 25-yard bench rest group with Black Hills .38 wadcutters.

Are you up for a six-shot pocket size revolver, capable of firing .357 Magnum? The Kimber K6S pretty much has the corner on that market. K6S prices start at $919 for the NS version, and run up to $1,155 forb the CDP (Custom Defense Package). Here we test the CDP, with brushed stainless barrel, cylinder, and cylinder latch and DLC finish elsewhere, Tritium night sights, and rosewood stocks in the “boot grip” style pioneered by Craig Spegel.

A Brief History

Kimber’s surprise entry into the revolver market a few short years ago was the result of intensive research that showed, contrary to common wisdom, the revolver was far from obsolete and were, in fact, remarkably popular for concealed carry. Kimber had reached out to one of the gurus of the compact defense revolver, Grant Cunningham. Here’s what Grant told me happened next:

Similar in footprint to a 5-shot snub-nosed revolver—like the S&W J-frame and Ruger SP101—but different in round-count, the Kimber K6s platform lays claim to the lightest 6-shot .357 Magnum in the world. The guns large, checkered and extremely-smooth-operating cylinder-release button all but guaranteed expedient and fumble-free cylinder opening.

“It started when a representative from Kimber contacted me and said ‘We want to make a revolver. Would you like to help?’ Naturally I said yes! They wanted to know what my ‘ideal concealed carry revolver’ would look like. I told them it should be the size of a Detective Special, have a 6-round cylinder, the best factory trigger available, good sights, a concealed hammer, and fit small hands well. From there we spent the next 3 years getting the details ironed out, shooting prototypes, etc.”

Grant continued, “As you might imagine, there was a lot of attention paid to getting the action right. The first production test run was remarkably good, and I hope that level of quality continues as they ramp up production. I have to give it to Kimber: they really stepped up to the plate to bring this product to reality. Their engineering and product development people were top notch and great to work with.”

Offering a classy-looking contrast, the stainless-steel 2-inch barrel and 6-shot cylinder of the CDP model remain in an attractive, low-luster brushed finish, while the frame is treated to a tough, black DLC.

There are simply no better sights factory furnished on a small carry revolver today (though the ones on the S&W 340 M&P are a “tie”), and the Kimber’s action continues to be excellent as Grant predicted.