The choice of a firearm for defensive carry can't be dictated by mere aesthetics or opting for the "gun of the moment". It is necessary to take into account aspects already widely discussed by many professionals, such as caliber, type, weight, etc., and I would also add the analysis of the context and the actual exposure to the risk to be faced.
Concealability can be decisive just as weight, especially because the gun will follow us over the course of 24 hours and this could create problems in the long run. From this point of view, the choice of an adequate holster is paramount.
The profile of the gun is very important, as it must be designed so as not to interfere with the clothes we are going to wear when drawing, which could prove fatal during an armed attack. Finally, a sufficiently powerful caliber is important.
So we spotted the .357 Magnum Kimber K6s Stainless revolver, with Crimson Trace LG-950 Red Master Series Lasergrips and two-inch barrel, complete with the dedicated molded leather holster.
Kimber K6s – the test
After dry-firing it then testing it on a shooting range using various types of ammunition in .38 Special and .357 Magnum, we proceeded to adjust the point of impact of the laser at a distance appropriate to our needs.
This operation, easy to perform even for the less experienced, is done by means of a key that is provided in the package. A two-screw alignment system is used to adjust for windage and elevation. On the same side of the grip, in the lower section we have the button to activate the laser function. If the button is in the "on" position, it activates automatically when the gun is held in a normal firing grip by pressing the middle finger on a rubber button on the front face of the grip, just below the trigger guard.
We carried the 2" Kimber K6s for two months to test its characteristics in every condition. In order to bring out possible anomalies and check the quality of the materials, it was also exposed to rain, excesses of dust, as well as random stress, abrasions from contact with clothing, etc. The revolver as a whole responded very well. The photos were taken at the end of the shooting tests, and obviously there are clearly visible powder and shooting residues, and slight accumulations of clothing lint under the trigger. The gun was intentionally not cleaned and at the end we took it back to the range and test-fired it. All this to evaluate its real potential.
The Kimber K6s Stainless LG 2" revolver worked perfectly and without any trouble.
We also tested the draw from the holster, both dry- and live-firing the gun, and we never had problems, even using inside holsters or drawing from the pocket. Remember that this small but powerful revolver has an internal hammer that makes it suitable to fire even from inside a pocket in extreme situations.
The famous Kimber double action also allows aimed shots thanks to its smoothness and the lightened trigger pull weight. Shooting in double action only it actually almost feels like a single action.
The shapes are balanced and well designed: the revolver compares in size with many carry handguns, among which however it excels in many technical aspects. Corners and edges are fullly smoothed. Sights are generously sized, their black color contrasting with the brushed steel finish of the revolver. Rear sight and front sight are very visible, with white dots.
The K6s Stainless (LG) is conceived for personal defense: the Crimson Trace Red Master Series Lasergrips are particularly effective when engaging under stress. In addition to the adjustment key, the package also includes the warranty and two brushes for cleaning the lens of the LG-950 lasergrip.
The grip is composed of a wooden and a rubber section. The wooden sections are checkered for an excellent grip and are fixed by an Allen screw, which when removed allows access to the lithium battery compartment of the laser device. The front of the soft rubber grip is ergonomically designed and houses the laser's power button, as well as the entire system itself. Battery life is four hours in the "on" position.
The six-shot cylinder is the thinnest among .357 magnum revolvers, featuring a hand ejector and counterbored chambers.The short 2” barrel still made it possible to produce excellent groupings at various ranges.The trigger guard is wide and also allows the use of gloves. The recoil of the K6s is manageable even with factory .357 Magnum cartridges, and can be barely felt firing .38 Special ammo.
The revolver is very elegant and high-quality, very functional for defensive use and for everyday carry, where it is really discreet and easily concealable, in a caliber that allows the use of various types of ammo.
The Kimber K6s Stainless (LG) comes with speed strips that hold six spare cartridges. Compared to classic speed loaders, the strips are more concealable and with a little training are easy to use.
Kimber K6s Stainless (LG): wrap-up
In conclusion, the new technologies and features enrich and integrate a small and effective tool designed for everyday carry.
This revolver was surprising to say the least, and if needed its use is immediate and safe. With the dedicated Kimber holster you almost forget you have have it, ergonomics and inclination are perfect, and even after many hours you are not fatigued.
Finally, the Lasergrips certainly helps in reactive and instinctive shooting. The Kimber K6s Stainless (LG) 2" revolver in .357 Magnum undoubtedly marks the comeback of revolvers as personal defense handguns.
In the US, the K6s LG is priced at $1284 – Kimber also offers other K6s models with different finishes.
The revolver comes with a cordura bag, a safety lock, laser accessories, instruction manuals, gadgets, lubricating oil sample and a speed strip.
Kimber K6s Stainless (LG) specs and price
| Model: | K6s
Stainless (LG) |
| Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
| Barrel
Length: | 2”/50 mm |
| Cylinder
Capacity: | 6 rounds |
| Sights: | Front
fixed, rear adjustable |
| Action: | Double
action only |
| Gripss: | Wood and
synthetic rubber grip |
| Weight: | 23 oz/660 g |
| Price
(MSRP): | 1284 USD |
