Kimber K6s vs Ruger SP101 

I've also owned a Ruger SP-101 for decades (since 1993?). True, it has one less round than the Kimber, but I definitely like the greater wall thickness between the round chambers than most compact .357 revolvers--I have no concerns about shooting full-power magnum loads and do so regularly. Oh, I forgot to mention that mine cost $310 new when Wal-Mart got rid of its revolvers (they decided to no longer sell handguns). What a deal for me!

Bought a "pre-owned" K6s the first time I saw one in the display case. It's been a great gun. Six months ago I purchased an SP101 in 9mm to use somewhat lower cost ammo and because the 9mm version is often available at a significant discount to the .357 Sp101. I've installed slightly longer Hogue grips on both guns so I can get my little finger on the grip. In both cases the grip change has improved the shooting experience. Specifically, the Hogue grip is a major improvement over the stock SP101 grip. They are both excellent revolvers and it would be difficult for me to choose one over the other. And I'm glad I don't have to.

Sp101 is a great gun.I've had mine for over 25yrs.Built like a tank.I enjoy your videos.

Don't dry fire the K6s my firing pin broke off, quality control can be an issue with new guns. The SP101 is ok to dry fire, Ruger just has a lot more experience making revolvers

FYI on the cost difference, that particular K6S is one of the more expensive variants, the "standard" K6S will be around $750, which would be more comparable to the SP-101 featured in the video. Conversely, depending on grip style and finish you chose you can easily end up spending more that $500 on a SP-101. I went with a K6S with the "control core" grips ($730 plus tax) which solves the exposed backstrap issue, and then ordered a set of the rubber grips from Kimber for $30 plus tax. The control core grips are for fun at the range, and the rubber grips are for carrying.

One less ammo, but SP101 over Kimber anytime day or night. If I have a choice, 6 shot .327 Fed Mag SP101. 👍

I vote for my SP101 .327 federal magnum w/ 3" barrel. The flash from a .357 w/ 2" barrel will blind you in the dark and shatter ear drums if you don't have time to put your earplugs in when an intruder breaks in.

How could you have forgotten to mention that the Kimber has one shot more??? That is crucial!!!

If you are strictly looking at 6-round 357 mag revolvers for concealment, nothing competes with the K6S on size and weight. With any 357 snub nose, you quickly realize that "comfortably" shooting a 357 mag is meant for a k-frame size revolver. With that said, shoot any airweight in 357 and then shoot the K6S, it's worth carrying the extra weight (and 1 extra shot)

Ruger needs to buy a k-6 and figure out how to copy the cylinder so they can offer a SP101 model with 6 shots maybe you as one of their custom shop models with the dovetailed sights like they made in the past

Thankyou, as an owner of an sp101 I've been wanting a comparison video to aid my decision in buying a k6s.

I have the K6S and it's a sweet shooter. I want the SP101 as it's backup.

Actually, at the NRA'S annual meeting in Indianapolis they just introduced a version of the K6S that has a rubberized grip that DOES cover the backstrap. It's designed to make shooting of magums more controllable and remove some of the bite. It's called the "control core" grip. Check out their website. The new grip style will also be available for separate purchase if you already have a K6S.

I have the stainless kimber k6s and the k6xs both great guns

FYI: from personal experience with the Ruger SP10 with the factory installed grips. You mentioned the exposed frame on the Kimber giving your thumb web a "love tap" when firing .357. With the SP101, as the grips DON'T extend under by the trigger guard, I noticed that on recoil with .357, the hoop of the trigger guard would come crashing into my firing hand middle finger, right between the first and second joints (from the finger tip)...and, if I think about it, I can STILL summon up the memory of that pain. And, I do mean pain. I immediately went out and bought some Hogue grips that covered that area, bringing rubber up to the bottom of the trigger guard, making it impossible to grip up behind the trigger guard, and problem solved. The Ruger's a nice pistol, but there's that one problem. I now have an SP101 in .357 and a Kimber 4" "Combat" DASA which I've yet to take to the range, but which fits my hand like a dream. I look forward to shooting and carrying it. Thanks for the dandy review.

I vote SP101

Thank you

SP-101 .357 all the way.

I am all about Ruger, so my vote is the time tested SP101. I even think it looks better. If you put the Hogue Tamer grips you can get for it, it would be even prettier. And even though you should practice 10x more with double action, you get the option for single action, which is a huge bonus.

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

I have the Ruger SP 101 with a 3 inch barrel (just under). It’s been a great shooter for my wife and I. My wife keeps it in the bread box in the kitchen. We both normally carry Walther’s but the Ruger Is a gun that just keeps on giving. Have not handled the K6 so can’t comment regarding that particular revolver. Thanks for sharing.

I'm looking fro a comp on the SA\DA Kimber but I can't find one. That would be the real test.

Two of my favorite revolvers want to see someting like that. I believe the ruguer is better to shoot 3.57 magnums that the Kimber.

Action jobs and Wolff Springs will make that SP101 a dream to run the trigger.

Kimber k6 with three finger grip, 2 inch barrel, exposed hammer, blued Is the best J style frame revolver in the world for pocket carry. With a Glock 27 with three finger grip magazine extension 12 rounds one in battery. Both concealed. There is your combo gentlemen. No lose..

I’ve owned both Ruger SP101 and Kimber K6s! I sold the Ruger because this Kimber K6s is a beast too and hammerless and that’s my preference and I’m a Kimber fan! This K6S trigger is the best and got my hammerless 357 magnum with 6 shots! The finest snub nose 357 I have owned!#Kimber❤#K6s

Good shot!

Got the 4 in barrel on my sp101 and can easily conceal it but I'm a bigger guy also

I think the Kimber looks better!

I had an sp101 3” barrel and it is the gun I most regret selling I feel the 3” barrel is the sweet spot for concealed carry, unless you are looking for a pocket pistol. For most people the longer sight radius make a significant difference when it comes to accuracy. The Kimbers are really nice but not worth the extra 400 bucks as opposed to the Ruger

Get the SP101. The working man's gun that stands above the rest. Throw it against a brick wall & pick it up ready to fire. A Kimberly may not function if it's finish is not flawless.

Kimber K6S 2, 3, Or 4 inch barrel.

I am sure the Kimber K6s is a solid reliable revolver but it is simply not worth the $850 price tag. And the trigger on the Kimber is not any better than what is usually found on a Smith and Wesson revolver. Heck, I replaced the trigger return spring on my SP101 with a lighter spring and it's now just as good as the Kimber K6s. I will give credit to the Kimber for having a three dot sight system. It's about time somebody put that on a revolver. But other than that the gun is over hyped and over priced. If the price was more like $600 I could be persuaded to buy one. But not $850.

Ruger has a bobbed hammer for the 101. Makes the gun snag proof and double action only.

He didn't even mention the fact the K6s holds one more round than the SP101.

Kimber for the win. If Ruger had put 6 shots in the SP101, then it might go the other way. With only 5 shots, the Ruger just doesn't justify the additional size and weight over the much lighter J frame.

The Rugers "clean up well" though.

I have the SP101 and basically use it as a truck gun. I have an older video about that. The Kimber doesn't really appeal to me...I think it's the non-traditional design that I don't particularly like.

You can get a kimber of buds gun shop for 650

Sp-101 WC has Novak sights

👍 SP-101

SP101 handles magnum loads better. Shots like a bigger gun too

I have both. The K6 is a better revolver, and I don't think it is even close.

Why you put som non sens shooting images at the beginning? I got to skip part of the video.

Ruger any day of the week.

Take My Sp101 Over A K6 Anyday..

I'll take the K6S

SP101 all the way

Of course the big difference is the Kimber has six rounds 😎

The Kimber is absolutely beautiful. The Ruger is the quality you expect from a Ruger.... low.

Kimbers are known for being overpriced

Kimber looks to me like folded sheetmetal.

I think Ruger is now marketing a “blued” model which makes it look less cheap.

Hi HS, I watch and 👍 all your vids, but you really dropped the ball this time. The biggest difference between them is not the $$$ but that the Ruger is a 5 shot & the Kimber is a 6 shot. This is the Kimber's main claim to fame. The Kimber is the world's smallest 6rd 357 revolver! How could you possibly miss that??? I watched the vid 2X to be sure I didn't miss you stating this fact. Sorry but 👎

The Kimber could have 'patriot missle' accuracy, but dam its fugly!

Bad review bad audio