S&W revolver frames

[Pinski1015]

what are the differences between a J frame, K frame, L frame, and N frame? I notice it in some threads I read and just want to know what they mean.

 

[Birdmang]

Sizes

 

[Pinski1015]

Could you elaborate?

 

[LensWork]

Size is correct. J is the smallest, primarily found in the .38 special 5-shot revolvers like the Chief's Special (Model 36). N is the largest, primarily used for the .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .41 Magnum. The N frame was also used for the original .357 Magnum. S&W later chambered the .357 in the medium K frame (probably most notably known for the .38 Special Model 10 M&P) due to demand for a smaller/lighter revolver in .357 Mag. In 1980 S&W came out with the slightly larger/heavier (than the K frame) L frame to better handle the recoil and punishment that K frame .357's like the model 66 were experiencing. K & L frame models share the same grip size, but cannot use the same holster because of the L frame's otherwise larger dimensions.

 

[Quiet]

Don't forget the X frame.
Which is the largest frame, it's larger than the N frame.
It's for the .500S&W Magnum.

 

[Smith357]

Then there is also the I frame which is the predecessor of the J frame, The J frame is lengthened a bit so a .38 special and later a .357 cylinder would fit into a frame originally designed for a .32 S&W. The new Governor is built on what S&W is calling the Z frame.

 

[Brian Williams]

Check the sticky at the top of this sub forum
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=356710