Not much new has happened since the advent of the snub-nosed, double action-only revolver. Regardless of brand or chambering in typical choices of .38 Special or .357 Magnum, the design of the carry-friendly revolver has stayed the same for decades. That is, until recently, when Kimber America re-imagined wheelgun design and released the K6 and subsequent variants.
Kimber’s first contribution to the revolver community was different from the outset. Their reinterpretation of a normally round or fluted cylinder into a circle made from segments of flat sides created room for an extra round. In the case of the test gun I have in hand, chambered in .38 Spl, that means six rounds instead of five. That in itself is a big innovation, but they didn’t stop there.
Firing the K6 XS, for “extra small” in comparison to other K6 revolvers, is a different experience from other double action wheelies. The J shape is familiar, of course, but there are other differences that make the K6 XS a standout. In my estimation, here they are, in order of importance.
Author Shooting the Kimber K6 XS
Standout Features
Chief among the unique and practical features of the K6 XS is capacity. It holds six instead of the usual five rounds. For anyone carrying it for self-protection, that’s peace of mind.
A close second to improved capacity is the K6 XS trigger function. As a person who spends most of her handgun hours behind a semiauto, this trigger is as close as it gets to familiar. It has about a 12-pound pull, typical for a double action wheelgun, but there is a definite “wall” that offers repeatable, easy manipulation when shooting for accuracy. Shooting rapidly, it’s not detectable, but during slow fire, it’s there and as refreshingly smooth as a sip of good bourbon.
Six Rounds! Yes, please!
Then there’s the comfortable grip. Kimber chose a rubberized Hogue sleeve-type rather than wood or synthetic panels. The rubber extends past the trigger guard/grip junction, eliminating the sometimes painful aspect of that interface. It’s also angled up at the bottom rear for concealability. Overall, it’s not a traditional look, but it’s entirely functional. I’ll take that any day.
HOGUE grips enhances control of the K6 XS
Equally thoughtful is the front sight. It doesn’t have tritium, which would be ideal for a defensive revolver, but it does have features that compare favorably in the DAO category. First, it’s not dark. It bears the stainless steel color of the rest of the barrel into which it’s molded, so it’s more visible in low light. Second, Kimber was kind enough to put an orange dot in the post. These features make it so much easier to shoot both in defensive and practice venues as compared to the typical plain blued front sight. The rear sight is simply a channel cut into the barrel, typical of others in its class. This is great for concealment but can be challenging for beginners who, in my experience, can have a tough time remembering to use the channel as the rear sight. That last comment may draw scoffs from experienced shooters but, since DAO revolvers are (too) often recommended for first-timers, and since most classroom instruction refers to a distinct rear sight, it can be easy for new shooters to literally and figuratively overlook the rear sight channel. Unlike other, larger guns in the K6 series, the XS sights are not replaceable.
Slight crown protects barrel grooves
The final feature I think is advantageous isn’t a component of the K6 XS but is really handy is the unique six-round speed strip that’s included with the gun. Those aren’t exactly something you’ll find at any store. And it just makes sense to have a strip that matches the XS capacity. Longtime holster manufacturer DeSantis Gunhide of New York contributes this accessory and it’s simply a perfect companion for the gun.
DeSantis Gunhide speedstrip–useful accessory
Range Test
Usually, I operate revolvers with a grip that puts my support hand thumb over the firing hand thumb on the left side of the frame, as a right-handed shooter. But the XS feels more controllable to me behind the frame, with the support side thumb in the “V” of my firing hand. It’s snappy like any .38, especially with hollow point ammo.
The XS is rated for +P ammunition. I ran a cylinder of Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain +P through it as my first live fire on the gun. It wouldn’t be a lie to say I only used six rounds because this ammo is pricey and replacing it would be a challenge. But it would be the whole truth to say I was glad when that group was behind me as the felt recoil was significant.
Shooting for groups, I also burned a cylinder of Sig Sauer Elite Performance 125 grain FMJ. It delivered a nearly identical-in-size group compared to the Critical Defense, each measuring about 2.7 inches from six yards. Elite Performance delivered that group much more comfortably, though. Tighter groups are the norm for me, but so is shooting semiautos, so maybe some of the scatter is my doing. There’s probably a limit to the accuracy to be expected from a two-inch barrel. The little Kimber is, for certain, consistent in operation and grouping.
During general testing and sharing with associates to get their impressions, we shot a ragtag assortment of other FMJ and wadcutter ammo, sometimes mixed in the same cylinder. At no time were there problems with dropping spent brass. At no time did I feel or, when others were firing, observe tiny fragments of jacket hitting my or the operator’s faces. On any given class that includes revolvers, I expect this to happen, but it didn’t with the K6 XS. That was a nice way to not have my expectations met.
Concealed Carry with the K6 XS
Rare is the occasion when I don my Springfield Armory-branded Alexo concealment tights outfitted (for trigger safety and retention) with a holster sleeve from DeSantis Gunhide. But after realizing the loaded XS weighs in well under the 23-ounce maximum recommended for this athletic wear, I decided to try this combo on a trip to the feed store. The gun is a little longer and taller than other DAO 38s out there, and concealing it under a semi-fitted shirt proved iffy. The grip made a slight bulge that made me uncomfortable standing with my arms at my sides in public. But the tell was subtle enough that carrying my purchase items at waist level or just pushing a shopping cart was sufficient to keep my concealment-related confidence intact.
Barrel is slotted for weight reduction
Shooting and carrying the Kimber K6 XS in .38 Special reminded me of why some people actually like revolvers. It’s enjoyable to shoot little if not used for high round count sessions. It conceals well enough. It’s made for using, not for visual appeal. Nevertheless, its nickel-color KimPro II finish looks good. Unlike most other DAO designs, Kimber doesn’t insult the user with an inadequate front sight and pain-inducing grip. The inclusion of a speed strip made for the gun is a very nice touch. This is a serious revolver for serious defenders. Market prices currently ride only $40-50 less than the MSRP of $679, an indication that consumers agree with my assessment that this is a desirable DAO revolver.
Specifications: Kimber K6 XS Revolver
Caliber: .38 Special (+P rated)
Action: Double action only
Capacity: 6
Frame: Aluminum
Barrel: 2.0 inches, stainless steel with glass bead finish and 5R rifling
Weight (empty): 15.9 ounces
Height: 5.5 inches
Length: 6.8 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Sights: Fixed, with front orange dot
MSRP: $679
To locate a dealer near you visit www.lipseys.com/dealerfinder
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eve is a defensive shooting and lifestyle student, practitioner, and instructor based in the American Southwest. Flanigan holds numerous NRA Instructor certifications and is licensed to instruct New Mexico’s intensive Concealed Carry course. She regularly designs, conducts, and co-teaches classes on concealed carry, introduction to pistol, defensive pistol, basic rifle, last-ditch medical, and use of force for civilian students. Flanigan enjoys competing in run-and-gun biathlons that include carbine and pistol.