Kimber K6S Thoughts and Modifications.

[MDFA]

Let me start off by saying that when Kimber released the K6, my thought was NO Way! My several previous experiences with Kimber 1911's was less than positive... and I wasn't going down that road again. Then recently I saw the K6xs thread and started reviewing the other K6 threads. Not really being impressed with S&W's workmanship and the lock, canted barrels etc. and liking the idea of 6 shots, I decided that further research was in order. (The issues with Smiths does not extend to older pre lock versions).

While I was looking for a K6xs and found several on GB, I wanted to trade a 365 I had as I had several on hand. I checked a LGS which I know is not great for trades, but had some K6s in stock, but no K6xs. They wanted to give me $225.00 in trade on a LNIB 365X with Wilson Combat grip module and 2 mags, on a $1200.00 K6s DLC, thanks anyway, but I'll pass guys.

I went to another LGS that I've had good luck with on the off chance that they had some in stock. They didn't but they said they did have a used K6s. It was in excellent condition and had Crimson Trace Laser Grips for $795.00. I told the owner I wasn't crazy about the Grips. I walked out the door after the trade for $200.00 out of pocket, and sold the grips later.

I replaced the CT Grips with the Hogue Bantam K6 grip. (I think the search for K6 grips should start and end there). The stock white 3 dot sights are good, but I prefer a Tritium Front with a hi viz green or orange ring and plain black rear, so I replaced the front with an XS Tritium Front Sight with Green Ring and blacked out the rear sight, which is a great improvement for me. The trigger pull was over 12 lbs. with a defined step if you wanted to stage the trigger, which I don't. I opened it up and lightly polished the rebound slide and cleaned the factory grease and re greased it. This brought the pull down to 11 lbs. 13 oz. I also found that it had the version 1 firing pin which had some breakage issues. I installed the TK Customs Firing Pin and Spring Kit, which brought the pull down to 9lbs. 4 oz. and smoothed out the step.

While it's a little heavier than the xs version, I'm very pleased with the K6s with these minor and easy to do modifications. I've been wearing it in a Galco Horsehide Pocket Holster in Duluth Firehouse Flex Shorts and a Mastermind Specialist belt. (You won't just throw it in a pocket of your board shorts). Get some HKS DS-A speedloaders and or speedstrips. Standard pressure .38 is very pleasant to shoot, +P can be trained with, and .357 magnum can be shot enough to train with to check POI/POA. (My hands are getting so they talk to me if I do that too much)... It's more accurate than I am. I have to say that I'm impressed and Kimber has done an excellent job with the K6s, or at least with my sample.

10 @ 25yds. 12 @ 10yds.

[awp_101]

I enjoy my 4" Target but thanks to compromised grip strength I'm struggling to find grips that "work" for me. It currently wears LOK Veloce palm swells but I'm going to try a set of those Hogue Bantams.

I see TK Customs has a spring and firing pin kit available. I'm not unhappy with the trigger on mine but if the Bantams work, I may throw one of those sets into it and see how it feels.

[MDFA]

I enjoy my 4" Target but thanks to compromised grip strength I'm struggling to find grips that "work" for me. It currently wears LOK Veloce palm swells but I'm going to try a set of those Hogue Bantams.

I see TK Customs has a spring and firing pin kit available. I'm not unhappy with the trigger on mine but if the Bantams work, I may throw one of those sets into it and see how it feels.

That combination of grips and the TK Customs Spring Kit made a huge difference for me.

[HeavyDuty]

I really love the Hogue Bantams on my 3”. They are by far the best grips I’ve found.

[42Willys]

Great thread @MDFA

Well written with loads of details and observations.

And good shooting with a snub revolver!

[luckyman]

I really love the Hogue Bantams on my 3”. They are by far the best grips I’ve found.

Yep same same here.
I also just purchased a k6xs yesterday. Went looking to compare that against a Taurus 856 ultralight but nobody had an ultralight in stock. The xs comes with the bantams standard plus a pretty decent front sight.

[awp_101]

That combination of grips and the TK Customs Spring Kit made a huge difference for me.

Ha! If I'd read a little closer, I'd have seen you mentioned the spring kit in your post!

[MDFA]

For those of you who have K6s or K6xs revolvers, here's what I've found that's made specifically for them or which will work well with them.

Desantis OWB Speed Scabbard, and the Flex Tuk AIWB and their 2x2x2 Pouch, which works with or without the rounds being in a Speedstrip.

Galco Horsehide Pocket Holster.

Safariland Split Six Speedloader Pouches. ( Modified mine to better fit a 1 1/2 inch belt).

And as others have found HKS DS-A Speedloaders for a Colt Detective Special.

(As an added note, I found that the DS-A loaders work great with my Smith M66 F Comp, however the Safariland Comp 2's for it don't work in reverse with the K6). (Anyone want 10 practically new K Frame Comp 2 Loaders PM me).

Hope this helps anyone looking for gear for their K6. I have no doubt these items would work fine with the K6xs as well.

[awp_101]

Just got my Bantams installed and my first impression isn't hopeful. Part of my problem with the factory wood stocks is they are too short and the Bantams seem to be just about the same length. For 2"-3" barrel they're probably fine, for the 4" I'm not so sure.

On the plus side, they are more comfortable than either the factory wood or the LOK so that's nice. Next time I can get to the range I'll try them with an open mind because I'd like to be pleasantly surprised.

If only someone would make something like the old Pachmayr rubbers! If nothing else, I have a bunch of that pluck-able foam for Pelican cases, etc and I might hockey tape some of that onto the front and/or back of the LOKs.

[luckyman]

For those of you who have K6s or K6xs revolvers, here's what I've found that's made specifically for them or which will work well with them.

Desantis OWB Speed Scabbard, and the Flex Tuk AIWB and their 2x2x2 Pouch, which works with or without the rounds being in a Speedstrip.

Galco Horsehide Pocket Holster.

Safariland Split Six Speedloader Pouches. ( Modified mine to better fit a 1 1/2 inch belt).

And as others have found HKS DS-A Speedloaders for a Colt Detective Special.

(As an added note, I found that the DS-A loaders work great with my Smith M66 F Comp, however the Safariland Comp 2's for it don't work in reverse with the K6). (Anyone want 10 practically new K Frame Comp 2 Loaders PM me).

Hope this helps anyone looking for gear for their K6. I have no doubt these items would work fine with the K6xs as well.

I’d add in the dark star gear 3” AIWB holster to that list.