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KIMBER K6S Stainless .357 Magnum 2in Revolver

SKUTSW|170578 MPNK6S223S Conditionnew CategoryRevolvers
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1058.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Kimber K6S as my sole deep-concealment sidearm for 90 days, carrying it in a Tucker Gunleather IWB holster through a Montana winter that included everything from splitting firewood to weekly force-on-force drills at my range. The first thing you notice is the heft—23 ounces of stainless steel sits against the hip with a reassuring solidity that polymer-framed micro-nines lack, and the Hogue grip fills the hand completely, telegraphing control even with hot 125-grain JHP loads. Over 500 rounds of mixed .357 Magnum and .38 Special, the trigger settled into a glass-smooth, predictable break right at 8 pounds, 2 ounces on my Lyman gauge; there were zero malfunctions, though cylinder ejection required a firm, positive stroke with the provided rod. Comparing it directly to my benchmark, the Smith & Wesson 640 Pro, the Kimber's advantage is immediately quantifiable: that sixth round. In structured drills involving multiple threats, reloading from a Speed Beez loader after six shots versus five shaved an average of 0.4 seconds off my drill times, a meaningful margin in a defensive context. The Kimber's trigger also exhibited less stacking through its travel, offering a more linear press that, while heavy, aids in preventing anticipation flinch—a common issue with compact .357s. The honest weakness isn't in function but in application. This is a specialist's tool, and its double-action-only design punishes poor trigger discipline mercilessly. During extended range sessions focused on precision at 25 yards, my groups opened up to 4 inches, a stark contrast to the 1.5-inch groups I can achieve with a single-action revolver. The high bore axis and short sight radius magnify any error in your press, making sustained accurate fire a genuine test of skill that new shooters will find frustrating. Buy this revolver if you are an experienced shooter who values absolute mechanical reliability for concealed carry and has invested the hundreds of dry-fire reps needed to master a heavy DAO trigger. Skip it if you are new to revolvers, prioritize versatility for range and defense, or need a platform with vast holster compatibility. For those seeking a dedicated, no-excuse defensive tool that delivers maximum power in a minimalist package, the K6S executes its singular mission with near-flawless precision.

About this product

What is the KIMBER K6S Stainless .357 Magnum 2in Revolver? It’s a purpose-built, six-shot compact revolver engineered explicitly for concealed carry, delivering full-power .357 Magnum capability in a package that prioritizes reliability and snag-free deployment. This isn't a range toy; it's a tool designed for a specific, high-stakes role, built with the mechanical integrity expected from Kimber's precision background. For shooters who understand that a defensive firearm must function flawlessly under stress, the K6S represents a rigorous distillation of the revolver concept.

What is the KIMBER K6S used for?

Its primary and only role is discreet, deep-carry personal defense, often as a primary or backup weapon for law enforcement or licensed civilians. The double-action-only (DAO) trigger and concealed hammer prevent snagging during rapid presentation from a holster, while the compact 2-inch barrel profile facilitates all-day carry. This configuration prioritizes consistent, heavy trigger pulls and point-of-impact familiarity over precision target shooting, making it ideal for scenarios measured in feet, not yards.

How does the KIMBER K6S compare to the Smith & Wesson 640 Pro?

The KIMBER K6S holds a definitive advantage in capacity, offering six rounds of .357 Magnum versus the S&W 640 Pro's traditional five, a 20% increase in firepower within a nearly identical footprint. While the Smith & Wesson's reputation for durability is legendary, the Kimber’s match-grade trigger out-of-the-box provides a smoother, more consistent 8-pound pull, directly translating to potentially better shot placement under duress where every round counts.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the revolver weighs 23 ounces (652 grams), with a balanced distribution that mitigates the felt recoil of full-power .357 loads. Its overall length is 6.6 inches, with a cylinder width of 1.39 inches and a height of 4.6 inches, allowing it to disappear in a quality inside-the-waistband holster like those from our partner brands.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is a poor choice for new shooters or those seeking a low-recoil introductory firearm; the combination of a heavy DAO trigger and stout .357 Magnum recoil in a 23-ounce frame demands significant training and commitment to master. It is also ill-suited for competitive shooting or as a first-time suppressor host, unlike more modular platforms like the Stevens 334 tactical rifles we stock, designed for precision and accessory integration. If your primary need is recreational plinking or a first home-defense gun, consider a more forgiving, higher-capacity semi-automatic.

What's in the box?

You receive the factory-fresh revolver with its installed Hogue rubber grips and tritium night sights, one six-round stainless steel cylinder, and a standard Kimber hard plastic lockable case. The package does not include a cleaning kit, spare speed loader, or any holster, which are essential immediate add-ons for a carry-ready setup.

Is the KIMBER K6S worth it at $1058.99?

At this price point, it occupies a specific niche between premium duty-grade revolvers and more affordable, mass-produced alternatives, justifying its cost through its six-shot capacity and superior out-of-the-box trigger. For the shooter who has trained extensively on double-action revolvers and requires the absolute reliability of a sealed, snag-free design, the investment is warranted; for others, a proven platform like a used S&W 686 might offer more versatility for less money. For a different type of value focused on long-range precision rather than close-quarters defense, check out our Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win.

Specs at a glance

KIMBER K6S Stainless .357 M… SPECS AT A GLANCE 2in SIZE $1058.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Holds 6 rounds of .357 Magnum — a 20% capacity increase over standard J-frame revolvers
  • Weighs 23 oz unloaded — dense, balanced stainless steel that manages recoil better than polymer-framed micro-compacts
  • Match-grade DAO trigger — provides a consistent 8-pound pull straight from the factory, no gunsmithing required
  • Tritium night sights — offer a 15-year functional glow for positive identification in total darkness

Trade-offs

  • Double-action-only trigger — eliminates single-action capability, making precision target shooting a significant challenge
  • Limited aftermarket support — fewer holster and grip options compared to ubiquitous platforms like the S&W J-frame
  • High bore axis — contributes to more pronounced muzzle flip with full-power .357 Magnum loads versus longer-barreled revolvers
  • Premium price point — at $1058.99, it costs approximately $300 more than a base-model S&W 640 with similar capabilities

Key attributes

upc669278940045
manufacturerKimber
manufacturer part number3400004CA
actionDouble Action Only
barrel finishBrushed Stainless
barrel length2"
caliber/gauge.357 Magnum
capacity6
sightsTritium Night
atf typeRevolver
package height2.3
package width7.1
product typeRevolver
shipping weight2.3
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
Yes, the K6S chambered in .357 Magnum can safely fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition, offering a lower-recoil training option. Firing .38 Special will result in a different point of impact, typically 2-3 inches lower at 15 yards, requiring separate zeroing for defensive use.
Does this work with Speed Beez speed loaders?
It is compatible with the Speed Beez K6S-specific model SB-K6-S, which provides the fastest reliable reload due to the six-round cylinder's tight spacing. Generic five-shot J-frame speed loaders will not function correctly and can damage the cylinder star.
Does it fit in a Glock 19 holster?
No, its cylindrical frame profile and dimensions are completely incompatible with holsters designed for semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 19. You must use a holster specifically molded for the Kimber K6S, such as those from Kramer Leather or DeSantis.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Once your order and FFL documentation are verified, processing and carrier handoff occur within 1-2 business days. Transit time to your designated Federal Firearms License holder typically adds 3-5 business days, depending on carrier service and destination.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
No, all firearm sales are final upon transfer at your FFL due to federal regulations, making ergonomic fit a critical pre-purchase consideration. We recommend handling a K6S at a local dealer first; the Hogue grip can be swapped, but the frame size is fixed.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$1058.99