Colt King Cobra vs Kimber K6S vs Ruger Sp101 .357 Revolvers 

I own and carry king cobra in a 2 inch barrel 357 mag I absolutely love it,

So, I bought a cheap EAA windicator revolver instead of the Colt King Cobra I had my eye on. The price difference was substantial. In my mind, as a carry revolver the reason I chose the Windicator was I like having something blued as a EDC and lets say you actually have to use it one day to save your life or someone else from some kind of attacker. The first thing that's going to happen is your probably gonna spend a couple nights in jail even if it is justifiable. You might be released on your first court date when evidence is presented that it WAS justified. But the other thing is the police are going to seize that firearm. Unless you know someone, its gonna sit in a evidence locker for 1-2 years. Not being maintained. Having other guns piled on top of it. Now would you rather lose a 350 dollar revolver for 2 years or a 1000 dollar revolver for 2 years? So I bought the Windicator. I buy a holster for it. I put it in said holster and go to draw it just to test the holster out and the whole grip came off on the windicator and the gun stayed in the holster LOL. I'm just imagining that happening in a life or death scenario. SO, I went out, and bought that colt king cobra in the end. Moral of the story. Fuck it, spend the money. You get what you pay for.

I just bought the Ruger SP 101 (.357 Magnum) yesterday. I immediately took it to the range and it performed flawlessly! I love the accuracy of it! The trigger is smooth as well. I'm quite pleased with it.

Kimber is definitely the best looking and best trigger. Plus 6 shots! It’s expensive but worth it

This video is very informative and detail oriented. Well done and much appreciated.

Excellent close up camera work and attention to detail on the overall video, especially the triggers. Well narrated, I wish more gun videos gave the viewer those views just like you were handling the gun yourself.

Love the size comparison with the first bill 👍👍

great review, thanks so much for posting ! I love my Kimber and have owned the sp101 in the past as well.. maybe someday the colt too !

Thorough and informative review. Thanks for positing the excellent comparison.

I own the Ruger , however the Kimber is poetry in motion ❤ This one is on my wishlist for sure

That was an awesome presentation! Thank you for posting

This vid is one of the best pistol review videos I have ever seen. Thank you very much for posting.

Nice review Chris. I prefer the models where the hammer is internal. Of course they all have hammers or they couldn't fire. Also a double action only revolver is a safer firearm when facing a threat. Accidental discharge is much less likely. This is a key factor in a court case. Another advantage is an internal hammer is not exposed to lint and dirt.

“I will spare you those details” *describes boxes* Good video though

EXCELLENT review!

I played with the Kimber at the legs and it is by far the best production out of the box trigger I have felt on a revolver. Jim.

Excellent review. Thank you!

I opted for the SP101 A full disassembly, minor polish internally, and was good to go. Smooth action, easy to conceal, and built like a tank. Perfect

Thabk you for this review. This is the first review ive seen that talked this much about the Colt's trigger. I've also been considering the K6S, so this review helps a lot.

Excellent breakdown!

Wow, surprisingly good comparison. Subscribed. I like your Paul Harrellesq way of giving all the pros and cons of each objectively.

I just bought the King Cobra yesterday. Love it

I love my Kimber K6S 357. I load Hornady 38 special +P hollow points for carrying.

The S&W model 60/640 would be right at home on that table. All great guns.

Nicely done Chris, nice to meet you today, hopefully I didn’t interrupt you getting your video completed and uploaded!

Great review Mark!

Do appreciate the variety of interchangeable sight options of the Kimber.

Thank you for this great upload, very helpful.

Thank you for this review. I have been looking at these three guns. I like the King Cobra, but your info gave me points I did not consider.

09/2019 I just purchased NIB SP101 Wiley Clapp model, and I have to say the trigger pull was really gritty and hard, it sounded like a 1970’s Clunker definitely wasn’t impressed but I purchased it anyway. The guy at the gun store put a few drops of oil and it seemed like it smoothed out just a little bit. At home I already had new trigger and hammer shims , and new Wilson Combat trigger and hammer springs, both #10’s , ( all parts where under $25 )so I got to work immediately. After taking the gun apart I used 1500 sandpaper and gently smoothen out any rough edges without taking off any metal of course, and also used some stainless steel polish, as I was putting everything back I applied some oil with a Q-tip. Now it feels much better and hopefully I can go to the range and I have no lite primer strikes . I understand that after paying $716 for a firearm you shouldn’t have to work on it , but I do enjoy working on my firearms , and also I did choose it over the $1000 plus Kimber K6. Update: After shooting 38 and 357 the firearm ran with no problems . If I could do it all over it would be the Kimber

The most important details are price & capacity as all other points are equal. The Colt doesn’t have enough of a track record. The Kimber costs twice the price of a SP101 but I would buy another one tomorrow. The SP101 is the more comfortable to shoot full house magnum loads & shoots like a larger gun.

Great comparison, thank you!

Excellent review. Thanks for sharing

Very good comparison video. Keep it up.

Nice comparison. Thank you.

A smith 649 in 357 would have been a good one for this. Great review!

Great information, thank you!

I just couldn't decide, so I bought one of each. My favorite is the Kimber. However, I did put a set of Hogue grips on it.

I didn't know they were making snub King Cobras. That's cool. I really would like a 3 inch with bobbed hammer and old style wooden panel grips.

That's odd, I have no problem staging the trigger on my Kimber K6s. Two clicks and little take-up and bang. A nice smooth trigger. With it's better sights I'll bet it is the most accurate of the 3 snubbies. Anyway, good review and thanks.

Nice evaluation. Three beauties.

Absolutely awesome review Chris, my second time watching this comparison, My choice here would be the King Cobra 🐍 just a better overall package the larger grips is a must for the .357 round and a more refined trigger as well just puts this in my needs list. Kimber is nice but for a snub just didn't check all the boxes. All three are quality handguns but Colt takes the No 1 spot in this review. Thanks!

For the money, the Ruger can't be beat. One feature of the Rugers I really appreciate is their modular nature, so they can be easily disassembled and detail cleaned.

I’ve fired all 3 revolver, and prefer the Ruger SP-101. It’s easy to clean, maintain, and is built like a tank. The grips can be exchanged for a Hogue rubber grip (which I highly recommend. I was disappointed with the Colt. I was expecting better quality, and a better overall feel. I was hoping the Kimber was going to impress me, but it was probably the least enjoyable of the three.

I like the K6 4 in version taking advantage of that 357 power on a October pumpkin. Feel The Power !

I picked up a “used” unfired sp101 from my lgs. It was never fired and they acquired from a family of older man that passed. I got it out the door for $415 and it’s been a fantastic revolver. I do wish I could find the panels they put on the blued version as I don’t care for the black ones. Great comparison 👍

Great comparisons

Kimber k6s is the best all around. No debating. Can’t believe I’m saying that after being a die hard cobra fan my whole life

The Cobra is the sweetest with it's nice trigger. I like the looks of the SP101 best. The price point on that one makes it the most attractive to me.

Definitely good video, the SP101 just fits me the best. I did change the grip to a more rounder tacky grip. The gun is built like a tank and it's my point and shoot take down the danger close range gun.

The sp101 is the best revolver I’ve ever own’d say what you want about Ruger but they dominate the revolver world. I’ve owned 3 rugers like them all more than my S&W Taurus & Colt. I’ve never own’d a K6 because I’ve always been on the fence about Kimbers. But the Ruger Sp101 will not disappoint I promise you.

never thought I'd ever say this but I prefer the Kimber I never could understand bobbing the hammer. if you're gonna do that then just get the hammerless model or shrouded model......both won't snag when firing from inside the pocket while a bobbed hammer will

I've handled all three of these guns in the end I'm team Colt

I like the extra grip the bottom of the colt I feel that the aim is pretty good for a 2 inch barrel

I own both an SP101 (Wiley Clapp) and a Cobra (not King) and honestly, I prefer the Ruger more. Nothing wrong with my Colt, it's just not quite as comfortable to shoot.I have been toying with the idea of buying a Kimber in the not too distant future, but after my latest purchase (a PSA frankenbuild), it will have to wait a while.

I have the same Ruger. I have larger hands with semi short fingers , the pistol fits my hand perfect and the weight is nice and heavy.

Brass bead sight on colt and front sight held by a screw very easy to change with Allen key.

Kimber K6 for me! I had the Ruger SP101 with Badger grips in past and got rid of it because of 5 shot revolver instead of 6 and it’s hammer was not wanted “for me”! K6 for the win!#JustanOpinion#Kimber#Lust/Envy

I just bought a 3 inch Ruger sp101. As is, It is the worst out of box, but best after market support. Ive got hogue grip, a night sight, and a spring kit coming.

I held all 3 and liked the look and feel of the kimber so i went with that one

These guns are built for the most critical kind of 'competition - a defender versus an assailant. Statistically a majority of assaults take place at less than 10 yards. Good sights for longer range engagements are still appreciated. Still prefer Baughman front sight ramp design as opposed to a square back Patridge sight, with or without a gold Call bead. A small spot of White Out on a ramp makes the front sight easier to acquire bringing the gun up for more precise aim.

Thanks for a very informative video. Personally I like the looks of the Kimber and the durability of the Ruger. However I think I will be buying the Colt.

👍That Colt in my opinion is by far the nicest. Although it has a long reset and some cry over the short stroking. You failed to mention how easy it is to swap out that front sight blade for a fiber optic or tritium and how easy it is to swap out the bobbed hammer for spurred hammer. I know exactly what each of those 3 weigh.

Thank you first of all, as you have the very video I was looking for. Never fired one nor owned one. And was a click away of purchasing one of these online, then decided to sleep over it. I just wondered why there's not a video with women doing the illustrations. I am a petite and a senior and never thought I will find myself needing one. But today's climate and some personal experience, I definitely need one for self defense. And not having any experience, my best bet is to buy one that I will use for training as well as the first and only one, that I will not ever have to use. Great video!

I do believe you can get a longer grip for the kimber. The gun I would pick is the kimber k6s with a open hammer and 3" barrel. I don't like the sight on the other 2.

I can only imagine that Ruger is concerned about cannibalizing sales of their GP100 (a much bigger and heavier stainless steel revolver), but still - I'm surprised that they haven't decided to offer a 6-round SP101 in .357/.38 Spl. to directly meet their competition from Colt and Kimber.

Just helped my mom pick out the 3” King Cobra. Hopefully get to shoot it around Christmas time.

I have all three of these except I like exposed hammers, I'm lucky enough to have these in my rotation, all excellent shooters.

Thanks Sir Great Info.👍👍

Thanks for a very excellent and objective review of 3 fine guns. I have to say the SP101 has some benefits that can't be matched. First would be a 30 year track record of reliability and Ruger customer service. Overall variety of sizes, calibers and aftermarket support are beneficial. Lastly would have to be affordability.. You can easily find used models around the $400 range.. The onetime thing that you can't change is it's a 5 shot vs 6.

I missed the part where you filmed yourself shooting the three revolvers back to back with some insight as far as controllability and perceived recoil with the same ammo.

You should have included the S&W 640 Pro, probably the best revolver out of the lot! Nice review on what you did decide to look at.

SP101 for me, all day. Hell the LCR 1¾" & SP101 3" .327 Federal Magnum is the best snubnose pistols and caliber cartridge ever developed. Hot take. Ruger does revolvers right, big fan of a .357 GP100, and IF i had the mind to, id get a 2 or 3" .41 Magnum snubnose GP100. But that LCR .327 Federal Magnum is a small, small but controllable with a cartridge that cooks ar 45K PSI. Big recommend, Taurus makes a couple too. You get 6 shots in a 5 shot .357 size cylinder.

Surprised to hear your thoughts on the k6s trigger. Within the first 100 rounds, I felt that staging was easy. After 300 rounds, it felt natural.

Never thought about a Kimber anything, let alone notice them moving into revolvers. Lightest/smallest for 6 x.357 is appealing. Now I see the "DASA" (exposed hammer) version, without this ugly straight angle hammer-shroud at the back, especially in the 3" barrel (no real interest in the short "snubbies"), all of a sudden that's a pretty good looking gun! Ooh, lookit over there... Hickok's got a review up on exactly this DASA 3" that's interesting me. Wonder what he'll have to say about that trigger, which is my only worry...

Do you have a compare video that includes these guns and the S&W j frame?

Good evening Ted from Texas. Excellent video my friend. What do you think of the Ruger LCR in 357 Magnum. I do not like the trigger on mine. I'm told nothing could be done about it though. It's a good gun, but I'm not happy with it. Your opinion thank you and have a wonderful day.

Own an SP101 that I did a trigger job on, polish, shims, springs. The other stock guns I handled are nowhere near as smooth or light. Have handled a King Cobra, and I appreciate the extra 357 it holds. It had a very heavy pull that stacked until the break. I like the crisp break, but very heavy and not as smooth as a worked-over trigger. Also handled a K6S recently. The trigger was heavy, again not as smooth as worked-over gun. What surprised me was how long the trigger pull was, the cylinder locks so early in the pull and it felt like forever before the hammer fell. Not a big fan, but it gets you 6 shots.

I have just 3 days left until I can pick up my Kimber. I must tell you it has been the longest 10 day waiting period for any of my guns. Usually the 10 days blow right by. I feel I’ve been waiting a year for my Kimber K6s

You shouldn't stage double action triggers. The 'staging' of revolvers can actually make the gun less accurate because when that cylinder stops rotating but you still have more trigger to pull it can throw off your sights. Just pull all the way through at a consistent speed.

Also didn’t mention the King Cobra 1 set screw interchangeable front sight and there’s a tritium night sight available for it.

Hammer bite? I’ve heard of slide bite. Great video review overall.

I prefer the Colt!

Your thoughts on the Wiley Clapp version of the SP 101 2.25”?

Great review. Maybe I missed it but what is the difference between cylinder size? In other words which one is wider ?

Kimber also has a 4" version as well....but the 4" is not really CCW. Also, Kimber has a hammered-option, for DA/SA option.

You just cant beat the triggers on those DA Colts. I didn't believe they could be better than a polished up S&W until I handled a Python (wasn't willing to pay $2800 for it). Now I want a Blue King Cobra.

Kept waiting for you to say “focus you Fuck!” Then realize this is the wrong channel. Awesome review, very well done!

For a proven do it all utterly dependable revolver the sp101 wins and for the right price it’s just as good or better than the other two.

Cobra all the way. Love it.

Should have included a S&W model 640 along with these...and that's all Igot to say about that.

I’ve seen this before on the hammer striker channel. Without a doubt, any doubt the Ruger SP 101 wins

Doesn’t everyone know that a 357 cartridge is wasted in a two inch barrel? Now if you want a very impressive, blinding flash, thus losing much of the generated energy, go for it. Kimber makes a 38 model, lighter, takes plus P, less expensive. But of course a real man would only carry 357 or perhaps a 44.

One would be amazed at how much smoother a new gun's action and cylinder can be with a field strip, cleaning and a little lubrication.

i wish the colt didn't have that bar code scan thing etched into the metal of the frame.

Well done.

The King Cobra appears to be roughly the same size as the Smith and Wesson model 19. It is said that the model 19 shouldn't be given a steady diet of 357 magnum ammunition. There is a danger of the forcing cone breaking. What is the story on the King Cobra? Does it have the same issues or is it capable of taking a steady diet of 357 magnum ammunition? Thanks for your reply.

If you buy the Colt King Cobra, just make sure you check for machining grooves in the cylinder strap right above the forcing cone ! I first read about it…..then actually found it on one I was about to buy. It is a very obvious machining error and looks horrible. Bought a Kimber DASA and never looked back……

I love my kimber k6s 2 inch barrel

I just bought the colt in this review. It has a polished trigger and it is so smooth. Also have the tuarus 605 357 but doesn't come close to the cobra.