Ruger SP101 327 vs Kimber K6XS

[liv4spd]

I'm trying to buy a 6-shot revolver that is around $600. Right now, I'm torn between SP101 327 Fed Mag and the Kimber K6XS.

Here are some major differences:
1. The SP101 uses 327 Fed Mag, so that ammo availability is not as good as the K6XS which uses 38 spl.
2. I kind of like the exposed hammer spur of the SP101 vs. the shrouded one for K6XS.
3. The SP101 is 28 oz, while the K6XS is only 16 oz.

Anyone has own these two revolvers? Thanks.

 

[JasonD67]

I have a Ruger LCRx in .327 mag. While you won't walk into Wal-Mart and buy the ammo it's available easily online. Much more expensive as compared to 38 special, though. I also like shooting 32 Long in it for training...same recoil as a 22LR.

 

[liv4spd]

I have a Ruger LCRx in .327 mag. While you won't walk into Wal-Mart and buy the ammo it's available easily online. Much more expensive as compared to 38 special, though. I also like shooting 32 Long in it for training...same recoil as a 22LR.

Thanks for sharing. Wow, the recoil seems to be a major advantage compared to 357 mag / 38 spl revolvers.

 

[ohen cepel]

Can shoot 327, 32mag, 32long (and usually) 32acp from a 327 revolver.

That said, one can also get a mild 38 target load and go up to +P for more power.

Both good revolvers, bit different though so a bit hard to compare. The Kimber will carry easier but light guns like that will be a handful with hot ammo.

 

[Bullfrog]

I'm trying to buy a 6-shot revolver that is around $600. Right now, I'm torn between SP101 327 Fed Mag and the Kimber K6XS.

Here are some major differences:
1. The SP101 uses 327 Fed Mag, so that ammo availability is not as good as the K6XS which uses 38 spl.
2. I kind of like the exposed hammer spur of the SP101 vs. the shrouded one for K6XS.

To complicate your decision, Kimber makes an exposed hammer model, K6 DASA. Most are longer than what you seem to be looking for, but it comes in 2" as well.

 

[joppaj]

The guns themselves aren't so wildly different, but the ammo sure is. I love the idea of .327, but I'll never pay for enough of it to become proficient. I have plenty of target grade .38 though and it's pretty commonly available. Is this a gun you're planning to carry?

 

[liv4spd]

To complicate your decision, Kimber makes an exposed hammer model, K6 DASA. Most are longer than what you seem to be looking for, but it comes in 2" as well.

Thanks. The price is kind of steep for the DASA models though.

 

[liv4spd]

The guns themselves aren't so wildly different, but the ammo sure is. I love the idea of .327, but I'll never pay for enough of it to become proficient. I have plenty of target grade .38 though and it's pretty commonly available. Is this a gun you're planning to carry?

Not so much. I love guns but not a big fan of carrying a gun around.

 

[joppaj]

Not so much. I love guns but not a big fan of carrying a gun around.

Fair enough. For what it's worth, I have a 5-shot Sp-101 in .357. It's absolutely one of my favorite range guns. It's a hefty, solid, well built little handful of dynamite. I can load it with paper punching .38s and a new shooter can try a revolver, or I can load the gnarliest Buffalo Bore .357s and watch fireballs. I think you'd be very pleased with the Ruger if you decide on that.

 

[Defense Initiative]

I'm trying to buy a 6-shot revolver that is around $600. Right now, I'm torn between SP101 327 Fed Mag and the Kimber K6XS.

Here are some major differences:
1. The SP101 uses 327 Fed Mag, so that ammo availability is not as good as the K6XS which uses 38 spl.
2. I kind of like the exposed hammer spur of the SP101 vs. the shrouded one for K6XS.
3. The SP101 is 28 oz, while the K6XS is only 16 oz.

Anyone has own these two revolvers? Thanks.

Why not get the SP101 in .357? They are just over $600, while the Kimber is much more.

 

[308Scout]

Why not get the SP101 in .357? They are just over $600, while the Kimber is much more.

The Kimber model he looking at is available for $600 on the nose.

 

[BurkeM]

Not so much. I love guns but not a big fan of carrying a gun around.

Suggestion- get your Handgun Permit, so you have the freedom of choice NOT to carry, but may do so if the need arises. (like having a spare tire)

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Last updated 11/28/2023We've brought a lawsuit against the enforcement of parts of SB 1 and other current carry restrictions. Learn about Novotny v. Moore here. See our guide here for how newly enacted laws affect your right to keep and bear arms.IntroductionPermit EligibilityTrainingApplication...

www.marylandshallissue.org

 

[deathracer]

One is clearly designed as an everyday carry (Kimber) the other is an all-around revolver. Kind of apples and oranges on the comparison. What are you looking for the most, should be a much better determining factor between these two.

 

[liv4spd]

Fair enough. For what it's worth, I have a 5-shot Sp-101 in .357. It's absolutely one of my favorite range guns. It's a hefty, solid, well built little handful of dynamite. I can load it with paper punching .38s and a new shooter can try a revolver, or I can load the gnarliest Buffalo Bore .357s and watch fireballs. I think you'd be very pleased with the Ruger if you decide on that.

Good to hear this. If the SP101 series is that good, I might take the 327 version. I prefer the one extra shot, and less recoil.

 

[Biggfoot44]

The guns themselves aren't so wildly different, but the ammo sure is. I love the idea of .327, but I'll never pay for enough of it to become proficient. I have plenty of target grade .38 though and it's pretty commonly available. Is this a gun you're planning to carry?

I'll make a case that the guns are more widely different than the ammo .

A better pairing would be to ask about. 38/ 357 SP101 vs ultralight. 32 .

 

[joppaj]

I'll make a case that the guns are more widely different than the ammo .

A better pairing would be to ask about. 38/ 357 SP101 vs ultralight. 32 .

Yeah, you're right. I wasn't considering the weight difference when I wrote that.

 

[Crosseye Dominant]

Not so much. I love guns but not a big fan of carrying a gun around.

If this is not for carry and you want 6 (or 7) shots at $600 or below in a lower recoiling somewhat compact revolver, just get a ruger gp100 with the 2.75 or 3" barrel. I like the gp100 trigger much better than the sp101 trigger.

 

[308Scout]

I'm trying to buy a 6-shot revolver that is around $600. Right now, I'm torn between SP101 327 Fed Mag and the Kimber K6XS.

Here are some major differences:
1. The SP101 uses 327 Fed Mag, so that ammo availability is not as good as the K6XS which uses 38 spl.
2. I kind of like the exposed hammer spur of the SP101 vs. the shrouded one for K6XS.
3. The SP101 is 28 oz, while the K6XS is only 16 oz.

Anyone has own these two revolvers? Thanks.

What is the primary use - i.e., range gun or HD? I know that you mentioned that it wouldn't be a carry gun. If it's not a carry gun, I'd go with a heavier gun/longer barrel (3" or greater) and rule out the K6XS. Smaller .38s can be really snappy and less than fun to shoot beyond a few rounds at the range. My 13.5 oz LCR beats the hell out of my thumb if I shoot a box of 50 .38spl+p during a range session.

 

[[Kev308]]

If this is not for carry and you want 6 (or 7) shots at $600 or below in a lower recoiling somewhat compact revolver, just get a ruger gp100 with the 2.75 or 3" barrel. I like the gp100 trigger much better than the sp101 trigger.

I would love to try your GP100 cuz the spurless 357 sp101 I have has a really smooth trigger.
I also have a 22lr sp101 and the trigger on that doesn't even come close to the 357.

 

[Crosseye Dominant]

I would love to try your GP100 cuz the spurless 357 sp101 I have has a really smooth trigger.
I also have a 22lr sp101 and the trigger on that doesn't even come close to the 357.

Rimfire, regardless of brand is generally going to have a heavier trigger.

I ended up with a smith performance center instead of the gp100.