When Kimber launched the K6XS, it quickly caught the attention of the revolver community. Especially those who prioritize weight, concealability, and capacity in their everyday carry (EDC). Having spent the past year carrying this revolver, I’ve been able to assess its performance in multiple scenarios and conditions. I am impressed with what Kimber has achieved with this unique design.

The Kimber K6XS Revolver

As a firearm instructor, Range Safety Officer, and consultant, I’ve tested my fair share of revolvers. This includes the S&W 340 PD, which served as my EDC for years. The K6XS, however, addressed one key difference I couldn’t overlook: capacity.

With its six-shot cylinder chambered in .38+P, the K6XS offers an extra round over many similar-sized revolvers. Likewise, it provides enough stopping power while allowing for more manageable recoil and quicker follow-up shots.

Out of the box, the K6XS presents itself as a revolver meant for serious use, and its construction reflects that. Despite being incredibly lightweight at only 1 lb 3.9 oz loaded, it doesn’t feel flimsy.

The revolver ships with a padded bag, chamber flag, and an ammunition speed strip—a nice touch for revolver fans. While not ideal for rapid combat reloads, the speed strip works well for tactical reloads or topping off the cylinder when the immediate threat has been addressed.

Kimber opted for an aluminum frame with a bead-blasted finish, which has held up well after a year of EDC in various conditions. Despite normal wear from daily use, the finish has retained its appeal. Likewise, the gun still looks impressive for an aluminum-framed piece.

The factory fit and finish were on point, and the revolver exudes a sense of quality that reflects Kimber’s attention to detail in the K6 family.

Recoil Management

One of the most appealing aspects of the K6XS is how it handles recoil, especially for such a lightweight revolver. The grip really helps, but we’ll touch on that in a minute.

With its 7 lb 14 oz trigger weight, I find the trigger pull smooth and consistent. This contributes to accurate, controlled shots without any modifications. The factory action has been perfected over time in Kimber’s K6 lineup. For a defensive carry revolver, it’s best to keep the trigger unmodified to avoid any potential legal challenges, should you actually need to deploy the firearm.

Despite being chambered in .38+P rather than .357 Magnum, the K6XS offers controlled recoil that allows for cleaner follow-up shots and better accuracy under stress.

I selected Federal Punch 125 gr .38+P ammunition, which consistently delivered an impressive 980 fps with my Garmin Xero Chronograph. This combination strikes a perfect balance, providing enough stopping power without sacrificing shootability.

Getting a Grip on the K6XS

The factory Hogue Bantam grip, while functional, didn’t quite fit my preferences. The top has a “knobby” feel that doesn’t allow for a consistent grip, which is crucial for a carry gun. So, I upgraded to a Hogue Piranha G10 grip. It offers excellent texturing that grips the skin yet slides effortlessly under clothing, preventing snagging.

This grip gives a full, ergonomic three-finger hold that feels as though it was made for my hand. It provides comfort and control, especially in follow-up shots. The palm swell on the G10 fits perfectly, maximizing the contact between my hand and the gun without any gaps. Additionally, Hogue’s use of steel indexing pins ensures that the grip remains in place during extended use.

Carrying the K6XS in a Side Guard Holsters Reinforced OWB Snap holster has been a game-changer. The retention is exceptional, and the holster itself is both comfortable and concealable. Even with an outside-the-waistband holster, people are often surprised to find I’m carrying a revolver, as it prints minimally due to its curves.

For deeper concealment, I use Side Guard’s Tuck Clip. This allows me to tuck in my shirt—over the firearm—for a discreet, professional appearance.

Spending a Year with the K6XS Wheelgun

After a year of use, I’ve honed my draw time to an average of 1.40 seconds from concealment. This has proven effective in Tueller drills and other time-sensitive training scenarios. The compact profile of the K6XS, paired with a well-fitting holster, makes it easy to bring it up to eye level and on target quickly, which is critical in defensive shooting.

This revolver lives with me in the Adirondack Mountains and has been tested in nearly every weather condition available in this geographic area. This author and sample haven’t had an issue.

I haven’t run it through a mud test (something that would challenge any revolver). However, I suspect the sharp flutes on the cylinder could potentially collect mud, possibly impacting function. That said, most mud tests are imperfect, and the K6XS performs as reliably as any of its kind in most conditions.

Testing the revolver for practicality in real-world defensive situations, I found it especially effective for close-quarters engagement. This includes shooting from unusual positions, such as lying down flat on my back.

In one test, we discharged the K6XS inside a jacket pocket, firing all six rounds without a failure. The same test, using a semi-auto S&W Shield, resulted in the gun jamming after the first shot. This is due to the gun eating the pocket’s interior fabric—a testament to the revolver’s advantage in unconventional scenarios.

Maintaining the K6XS is simple and straightforward, requiring standard cleaning and lubrication. A quick brush and rub down of the cylinder keeps it running smoothly. Likewise, deep cleaning is easy since the cylinder can be removed with a single Allen screw. The tight fit of all parts minimizes dust and debris ingress, making this a low-maintenance firearm ideal for EDC.

Not Without Limitations

While the K6XS excels in most areas, one design choice stands out as a limitation. The cylinder lacks a locating pin for the star, which, if misaligned during a reload, can prevent the cylinder from closing properly.

I’ve developed a workaround involving a double tap on the ejector rod to ensure the star aligns correctly. But this step shouldn’t be necessary. A simple locating pin could remedy this minor issue and improve overall functionality.

Additionally, Kimber’s choice of gutter sights with an orange front bead is functional but may limit precision shooting at longer distances. Although revolvers are typically designed for close-range engagements, an option for a high-visibility or fiber-optic front sight would enhance accuracy.

I have spoken with Kimber Manufacturing about these observations, and they were noted.

Standing Alone in Its Category

The K6XS stands alone in its category, boasting six rounds of .38+P in the lightest revolver currently on the market. Its only close competitor, the S&W 340 PD, holds five rounds but is chambered in .357 Magnum. So, it caters to a slightly different audience.

Other revolvers of comparable size and capacity, like Taurus models, tend to be steel-framed, weighing significantly more than the K6XS.

This Kimber’s balance of weight, capacity, and ergonomics places it at the top of my list for anyone looking for an EDC revolver. While some revolver enthusiasts may prefer steel for its durability, the aluminum K6XS shows little wear after a year of daily use. As a result, it is a reliable option for long-term carry.

The Kimber K6XS has firmly established itself as my go-to carry revolver. Its capacity, lightweight construction, and reliable performance make it hard to beat in the realm of concealed carry revolvers. Whether engaging targets up close, drawing from concealment, or firing from unconventional positions, it performs reliably and consistently.

Revolvers may seem like a traditional choice in today’s world of high-capacity semi-autos. However, the K6XS demonstrates that this platform still has a unique and valuable place in modern EDC. For those who value simplicity, reliability, and concealability, the K6XS offers a practical, no-nonsense solution that delivers on all fronts.

Shoot safe.

For more information, please visit KimberAmerica.com.