• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

S&W revolver frame confusion.

flhrci

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2013
Messages
72
Location
Columbus, OH
When I look at S&W's revolvers and they mention what letter of the alphabet the frame is called, I do not see the difference. What am I missing?

David

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 

Fuller Malarkey

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2010
Messages
1,020
Location
The Cadre
Once familiar with them, you can determine the frame size at a glance and even a great distance. Some of this will be enhanced by a fixation / infatuation with the brand. It seems so cold and impersonal to refer to them as a "brand"...


[video=youtube;GwA2oKk1i-4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwA2oKk1i-4[/video]

Sit back and watch, and kiss your grocery money and children's college fund goodby. The allure of the classic lines and performance is more insidious to the brain than crack cocaine. I prefer those manufactured over 20 years ago to the latest offerings.
 

flhrci

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2013
Messages
72
Location
Columbus, OH
Thanks Fuller. Now I get it. Learnt some thin' today.

You are right about the magical S&W revolvers. I have always been drawn to them. I will have one again.

David


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 

bunnspecial

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2012
Messages
154
Location
Kentucky
Here are a couple of photos.

The first shows(L to R) the backstraps of J, K, and N frames. The second shows a K laying on top of an N, and the third shows the cylinder of a K next to that of an N. Both the K and N have square butt frames, and are fitted with standard "Magna" style grips. Larger profile grips-both factory and aftermarket-are available for both. L frames have the same size grip frame as well as grip to trigger distances as the K frame, although the rest of the frame is larger. As said, once you get use to looking at these, you can pick out the frame sizes from a mile away.

IMG_0355.jpg


IMG_0350.jpg


IMG_0351.jpg


By the way, ignore differences such as the ejector rod shroud, as K and N frames are available both with and without these options depending on the specific model. Most(but not all) L frames and some N frames also have a full length underlug.
 

Brian D.

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
937
Location
Cincy area, Ohio, USA
Thanks Fuller. Now I get it. Learnt some thin' today.

You are right about the magical S&W revolvers. I have always been drawn to them. I will have one again.

David


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

David, we would have also known the answer to this at OFCC's forums. ;)

By the way long ago there was an "I" frame as well. Five shot .38 S&W caliber (not .38 special) and .32 S&W Long were the main chamberings of the "I" frame.

And of course nowadays the .460 S&W magnum and .500 S&W revolvers are built on the "X" frame. No, I don't know what happened to frame sizes "O" through "W". :LOL:
 
Last edited:

WalkingWolf

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
11,930
Location
North Carolina
Smith also made break top DA revolvers, long discontinued though. I was eyeing one at a LGS in 32 S&W, sooner or later I will break down and buy it. The gun is still tight and a action like snot on ice, but the LGS wants $400 for it.
 
Top