The Kimber K6S is a double-action-only .357 Magnum revolver with a 3-inch barrel and brushed stainless steel construction. It holds 6 rounds, one more than the typical 5-shot compact revolver, in a package that measures 7.62 inches overall length, 4.46 inches tall, and 1.39 inches wide. Empty weight is 25.1 oz. The grips are large smooth walnut. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: K6S 
• Caliber: .357 Mag 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight (with empty cylinder): 25.1 ounces 
• Overall Length: 7.62 inches 
• Height: 4.46 inches 
• Width: 1.39 inches 
• Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO) 
• Finish: Brushed Stainless Steel 
• Grips Material: Large smooth walnut 
   

Detailed Features 

The stainless steel frame handles .357 Magnum pressure without any corrosion concerns in humid conditions. The 3-inch barrel gives meaningful velocity for defensive .357 loads while keeping the overall length manageable. The non-stacking DAO trigger has a consistent 9.5 to 10.5 lb pull from start to break, heavier than most semi-autos, but deliberately staged in the DAO pattern. White dot sights on the front and rear allow quick sight picture in low light. The smooth walnut grips absorb recoil less than rubber panels do, which may prompt some owners to swap them. 
 

Target Audience 

The K6S suits shooters who want the simplicity of a revolver for carry or home defense and don't want to give up the sixth round that most compact revolvers sacrifice. The .357 Magnum chambering also accepts .38 Special for practice at lower cost and recoil. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

For carry, the 3-inch barrel balances concealment against velocity. .38 Special loads keep recoil mild during practice; .357 Magnum is available when the application calls for it. At competition, the non-stacking trigger allows consistent double-action splits once the shooter learns the pull.

Discussion around the Kimber K6S Elite consistently returns to the same themes.

Craftsmanship and aesthetics lead the conversation. The stainless and walnut combination is genuinely distinctive among compact revolvers, and most owners mention the fit and finish as exceeding expectations. Kimber's attention to machining detail is frequently cited.

The trigger is well-regarded for a DAO revolver. Owners describe it as smooth through the pull without the stacking sensation that makes some DAO revolvers harder to shoot accurately. This matters in double-action-only guns where there is no option for a lighter single-action shot.

The 6-round capacity gets steady appreciation. Going from 5 to 6 rounds in a compact .357 frame is a meaningful practical difference, and it's one of the K6S's main selling points versus J-frame competition.

On the practical side, weight and size occasionally come up. At 25.1 oz empty, the K6S is heavier than the smallest J-frame options. Whether that's a problem depends on how the buyer carries and what holster they use.

The smooth walnut grips get mixed reactions. Many owners appreciate the look but find the slick surface less effective under recoil from Magnum loads. Aftermarket grip options are widely available.

Price is a recurring topic. The K6S sits at the higher end for compact revolvers, and most buyers conclude the quality justifies it, though a portion of the discussion compares it to S&W and Ruger options at lower price points.