Colt King Cobra vs Kimber K6S vs Ruger Sp101 .357 Revolvers
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- This is a table top review and comparison of the Colt King Cobra the Kimber K6S and the Ruger SP101. These are all three very popular snub nose revolvers and are excellent choices for your next concealed carry purchase.
#Revolver #Colt #Ruger - Sport
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.
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.
That's tragic I really liked the look of those windocators. Have my colt king cobra 2inch on the way am very exited how are you liking the colt?
That is why I carry a Glock. If it gets confiscated for a couple of years... Big deal. It's not a $3.500 Les Bear.
@@hatchetwound666 I sold mine tbh.. It had some design issues I really didn't like. The cylinder spring frequently got caught up inside the side plate of the revolver. I remember picking it up one day and I could not get the revolver to function at all. It was all locked up just from sitting on its side for a couple months in the safe. I took the side plate off and delved down to the cylinder spring and it was actually caught up in there. I took it out and it was pretty mangled. So, I kind put it back together and traded it for a Glock 19. Those colts are nice looking but they're mass produced and they used a lot of shortcuts to make it economically friendly and the result is less than what I would expect.
I actually got a new grip for the windicator and it honestly has proven the more reliable choice over time.
@@hanc37 Agreed, I have a few guns and my main carries are going to be my Glocks. I got a few super expensive pieces I wouldn't dare risk, such as my Caspian arms Custom made 1911A1 with all Caspian/Wilson combat parts. Its got a 2-2.5 lbs trigger on it, zero creep on pull. Reset is amazing. Best handgun I've ever shot period. Its got a really rare barrel on it by richard hienie along with a compensator and a perfectly corresponding recoil spring for it. The slide is smooth as can be. All of it finished off with a nice mirror like polish. It's worth around 3k easy. Although ill never get rid of it, its just to big a deal to carry around. I might bust it out at the range and squeeze a couple magazines out but other than that its 100% collector piece.
@@donkeypunch5138 Holster wear is a big concern with expensive guns as well. My dad was a cop back in the 70's and 80's and I remember he had his Colt 1911 re-blued twice.
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.
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 !
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.
I own the Ruger , however the Kimber is poetry in motion ❤
This one is on my wishlist for sure
The Ruger is Hard Rock, the Kimber is Classical, and the Colt is Country 🙂
This vid is one of the best pistol review videos I have ever seen. Thank you very much for posting.
They aren't pistols. They are revolvers.
Love the size comparison with the first bill 👍👍
Thorough and informative review. Thanks for positing the excellent comparison.
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 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
I cannot decide if I like my Kimber or sp101 3". They both are C/H and shoot like a dream. The only thing that might make me say my Kimber is better is the trigger and removable sights but for many people who use this as a carry gun those points are mostly useless
I got the ruger sp101. It's simple easy to carry.
I bought an SP101. Worst trigger I’ve ever pulled. The hammer and trigger springs are way too stiff hurt my thumb and finger. I installed a spring kit and disassembled and polished internals and that made a huge difference but I am shocked that Ruger would sell a revolver like that. But, it’s one of the best looking firearms I’ve seen.
Seems like the SP101 always wins the day.
With a name like iron horse 🐎 of course you did 😍
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.
Kimber period. The King Cobra is a hyped up turd.
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.
That was an awesome presentation! Thank you for posting
Nicely done Chris, nice to meet you today, hopefully I didn’t interrupt you getting your video completed and uploaded!
It was nice meeting you as well! Nope, it is never an interruption when customers come in. Thanks again for visiting and welcome to the area!
I just bought the King Cobra yesterday. Love it
@@McBeakerson I agree. Love mine so far
During covid bruv!
Wow, surprisingly good comparison. Subscribed. I like your Paul Harrellesq way of giving all the pros and cons of each objectively.
The S&W model 60/640 would be right at home on that table. All great guns.
Who makes the best grips??
@@captainamericaamerica8090 for snubbies, typically hogue. If you got some extra cash you can't wrong with crimson trace ladder grips.
Excellent review. Thank you!
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.
EXCELLENT review!
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.
Excellent breakdown!
I love my Kimber K6S 357. I load Hornady 38 special +P hollow points for carrying.
Do appreciate the variety of interchangeable sight options of the Kimber.
“I will spare you those details” *describes boxes*
Good video though
Thank you for this great upload, very helpful.
Great review Mark!
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.
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 👍
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.
Great comparison, thank you!
A smith 649 in 357 would have been a good one for this. Great review!
Great information, thank you!
Nice evaluation. Three beauties.
Excellent review. Thanks for sharing
Nice comparison. Thank you.
Very good comparison video. Keep it up.
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 beg to differ. Ruger can be beat by Charter Arms. What??? Yes sucka its the same design fool! Its just way cheaper... Rugers are overrated overly expensive junk. They got some of the WORST revovler triggers on the planet! I can use Ruger springs in my Ford truck suspenion.
@@nonyabiz9487 "same design" "fool" and "sucka" you're a moron
@@nonyabiz9487 You have no idea what you are talking about, and casting insults doesn't strengthen your argument. Have a nice weekend.
@@tomfile3131 2 words for you fool.. dan wesson!
@@nonyabiz9487 Dan Wessen is who or what to revolvers! You ignorant, senseless shit spewer!
I like the K6 4 in version taking advantage of that 357 power on a October pumpkin. Feel The Power !
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!
Kimber didn't check the boxes for concealed carry? It's the smallest and lightest of the three revolvers, has a factory shrouded hammer, a fantastic trigger, and holds 6 rounds of 357 Magnum. What else could you ask for?
@@LA_Commander I like the Kimber but I like a heavier snub in 357 just my personal likes. I have a Kimber K6 Target and absolutely will not sell it.
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.
Hi again 😂
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.
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.
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.
Superb presentation and video. Thank you.
Great comparisons
I like the extra grip the bottom of the colt I feel that the aim is pretty good for a 2 inch barrel
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
Because you can still put your thumb on it when holstering. With Kimber you can't.
Just helped my mom pick out the 3” King Cobra. Hopefully get to shoot it around Christmas time.
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.
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.
I went with the SP101...The Colt looked cheap in person.
@@erictrippe2778
Colt is relying on their name based on their old reputation. Not good. They better wake up. The gun buying public isn't as stupid as they'd like to think.
Just got the sp101 they had the colt right next to it for almost twice the price and the Ruger felt better in my hands and overall had a higher quality look
@@radiohobbyist13 - S&W are Republicans, Ruger is Democrat... Kind of funny if you think about it because S&W put a lock in their frame. (it's just a joke people)
Brass bead sight on colt and front sight held by a screw very easy to change with Allen key.
You're right. Upon first glance I thought it was a roll pin, but you are right, it is an allen screw. Thanks for commenting!
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.
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.
👍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.
I held all 3 and liked the look and feel of the kimber so i went with that one
Me too, on my 10 day wait... cant wait lol
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.
Never owned a Colt or kimber but I have the sp101 and it’s solid, tough as nails, and sturdy as a rock. And it shoots .357 with ease. This gun is just amazing and for the price is an excellent self defense option. I do like the look of the Kimber but the price is outrageous.
@@library_dork1321 the wiley clapp Sp101 fixes your sight issue I do wish they would make one with 6 round capacity though.
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.
Same here but I like the Colt trigger staging better I think
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!
If you haven’t bought one yet, I suggest the Kimber K6XS.
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.
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.
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.
Colts only been making these small revolvers for like forever
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
Do a review of it bro
Ugh. Those waiting periods would make me crazy. Soon as the FBI is done with you, we get to walk out the door. Now that soooo many people are buying firearms, it isn’t 5 minutes like it used to be, though.
@@joethompson543 it actually took 3 months to get it because they were out of stock then once it got it I had to wait 10 days for a background check
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
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...
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.
Modern smiths are hot garbage. Terrible trigger, Hillary hole, pain in the ass customer service- ruger is the revolver king nowadays
@@mannyfox8089 I disagree..at least with my 19 carry comp. It has a fantastic trigger and solidly built. I do agree with you on the safety lock.
I have all three of these except I like exposed hammers, I'm lucky enough to have these in my rotation, all excellent shooters.
Baller
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.
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.
Thanks Sir Great Info.👍👍
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.
I love mine. The trigger out of the box was phenomenal and it only got easier and easier as it broke in
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
Do you have a compare video that includes these guns and the S&W j frame?
Also didn’t mention the King Cobra 1 set screw interchangeable front sight and there’s a tritium night sight available for it.
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.
I actually am a fan of the LCR trigger. For a hammerless option, the anti-stacking mechanism in the firearm is a nice addition, in my opinion. I think it has a pretty smooth trigger for a DAO revolver... But to each their own. Thanks for watching, Ted!
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.
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.
I've handled all three of these guns in the end I'm team Colt
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.
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.
Kept waiting for you to say “focus you Fuck!” Then realize this is the wrong channel. Awesome review, very well done!
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.
Great review.
Maybe I missed it but what is the difference between cylinder size?
In other words which one is wider ?
King Kobra's is widest. Kimber is in the middle, but closer to the SP 101. Kimber uses an expensive thin metal and claims it is the narrowest six shot .357 ever made.
Hammer bite? I’ve heard of slide bite. Great video review overall.
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.
Anyone have a holster suggestion for the king cobra?
Your thoughts on the Wiley Clapp version of the SP 101 2.25”?
Wayne Meyer
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
Mike 45 thanks for sharing your experience! The Kimber was not on my radar screen. I will take a look at...Again, thanks!
My local shop had the CDP (Custom Defense Package) featuring “superior ergonomics, smooth match-grade trigger, black DLC frame with brushed stainless barrel and cylinder and small parts, checkered rosewood grips and tritium night sights.” $1079.00 and I bought it. I feel you on your updated* review as I wanted to go for the ruger too. I held the sp101 and didn’t think it would measure up to what I wanted with what the Kimber delivers as a CCW. Which is a gun that shows class and beauty on top of all the basics you’d expect. I have a 2 tone custom Beretta elite LTT that has NP3 coating. (Auto loader) This 2 tone Kimber is like the little brother who found an old school style. (Revolver) I even got the Mossberg 590a1 Retrograde (Shotgun) and it pairs well with the Kimber. 🍷🧀 #Squad!
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.
I disagree with your thoughts on staging the trigger on the k6s. On mine there are 2 distinct clicks felt in the trigger. The second click brings you to basically a single action type shot. Trigger on my sp101 was awful out of the box, but easy to polish up and change the springs.
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……
The K6S is almost good, I love the looks but it's missing things that are deal breakers for me if they stretched it out to a 3.5" barrel and made it a shrouded hammer instead of hammer less it would be great
They do have a C/H 3" version for sale and it's very nice. Otherwise they have a 4" but I believe it has a hammer
i wish the colt didn't have that bar code scan thing etched into the metal of the frame.
Con cuál te quedarías y porque ?
I prefer the Colt!
Should have included a S&W model 640 along with these...and that's all Igot to say about that.
Recoil comparison?