S&W revolver frames

[Keola]

I've been thinking about buying a .357 Mag an I think I narrowied it down to a S&W. What's the difference between the different frames (K, L, J etc)?

[Neil]

it has to do with the shape of the grip butt I believe. but I'm sure a Poo&wesson fan will be along shortly to fill you in more.

[Marlin]

I'm not an expert but they mean, roughly, J-small or light weight, K- medium or medium weight, L- heavy weight and X- extra heavy weight. The stubby, short barrel revolvers are usually j frame, 4" .38 Special and .357 Mags are K,
.44 Mag and larger, but not .50, are L and the new 500 mag is built on an X frame.

That is the simple way of thinking about them. Someone else more knowledgable may have more details, though.

[HI-5-O]

Just a little correction. I have a S&W 629 44 Magnum and it's a "N" Frame.

[mtnboomer]

J-frame; small frame .38 and .357
K-frame; medium frame .38 and .357
L-frame; medium-heavy frame .41
M-frame; obsolete
N-frame; heavy frame .44
X-frame; extra-heavy frame .46 and .50

[Colonel Plink]

J-frame; small frame .38 and .357
K-frame; medium frame .38 and .357
L-frame; medium-heavy frame .41
M-frame; obsolete
N-frame; heavy frame .44
X-frame; extra-heavy frame .46 and .50


With the exception of the models 27 & 28 which are .357 AND N-frame. There may be other exceptions, too, but I'm hard-pressed to remember them.

[stash247]

S&W also had an "I" frame revolver, in .32, and .38 S&W (not SPL), which preceded the "J" frame of 1957.
In general terms, the later the letter, the bigger the frame, and handle; the "N" frame is the exception, with an "N" frame attatched to a "K" Handle.
Hope this helps...

[Sackett]

Got a N- Frame Mod. 27 .357. Fits real nice in my hand. Probly a variety of frame sizes for hand sizes. Either that or for calibers. Sorry I can't be much help.
Yol Bolsun.

[wundudnee]

Here are my N frames, .45 Model of 1950. 10mm 610, 27-2
http://www.fototime.com/{4A159112-C394-4DED-9667-13DA54F77782}/picture.JPG
Here's a couple of K frames, .22 617, .22 18-2
http://www.fototime.com/{3B172E13-899B-4B02-AE5D-1B192E63415D}/picture.JPG
My only J frame, Pre 36 Chiefs Special .38
http://www.fototime.com/{CDFEFBED-A20E-4E45-8ACC-0BE14993720D}/picture.JPG
The nickle one in this picture is a first model hand ejector I frame
http://www.fototime.com/{A692F4DE-3F3E-4CE1-BFE8-26F0D99290FB}/picture.JPG

[john fox]

By the way, K frame and L frame grips are the same. Same grips fit on both. The L frame is a little stronger. New member-john fox