Smith education

[longtooth]

I want a better basic education on the differences in some of the Smith frames & the modle #s that go w/ each. Below is by memory & very open to correction & addition.

J-frame. Small frame guns up to .38sp. 5-shot.

K-frame. 10,13,15,19,64,65,66,67.
6-shot in calibers through .357mag.

L-frame. 581,681,586,686,619,620

N-frame. 25,625,29,629
N Frames are full sized, up to and including .41 mag, .44sp, .44mag, 45LC.
This is the stronger frame designed to attend the supposed problems of many, Many, MANY rounds of full power .357 ammo through the K frames.

X-frame. The big bores, .460 up.

I know K & L frames are only slightly different but what are they?

N- frame Guys help me fill in any modle #s left out on each frame & comments appreciated on the differences between the K & L.
N frame comments too.
I will copy & paste all new info here & save it for reference until I know it all of it by memory.
Thank you in advance.
Longtooth.

[jbirds1210]

Good post LT......the frames are confusing to me too!

Jason

[longtooth]

We will all learn a lot. Young
and old

[txinvestigator]

J frames are 5 shot, I believe .38 or smaller.

K Frames are full sized up to .357 magnum

N Frames are full sized, up to and including .41 mag, .44 special and 45 and the .44 mag.

L frames are medium sized and come only in .357 mag and .44 mag, I believe.

X frame is the huge .460 and .500



Here is a great site, look on the left to find the different frames;

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg76-e.htm

[longtooth]

Thanks txi. Keep adding guys.
I am seeing that it is not as confusing as I thought it was going to be.
Alphabetically they go up w/ size & caliber.
Knowing where the dividing lines are is going to be the key.

[Greybeard]

Your memory is better than mine if able to keep up with all of the S&W revolvers!

FWIW, my daily carry, the 340, is also a 5-shot j-frame, but is chambered for .357.

[HankB]

N-frame. 25,625,29,629
N Frames are full sized, up to and including .41 mag, .44sp, .44mag, 45LC.
This is the stronger frame designed to attend the supposed problems of many, Many, MANY rounds of full power .357 ammo through the K frames.

The large "N" frame was what the .357 Mag was originally introduced in, although it wasn't called "N" at the time. "N" frames have been used for .357, .41, .44, .45 AR/ACP, and .45 Colt. Until the recent introduction of the "X" frame, the "N" was S&W's largest.

It's the "L" frame that was introduced as an answer to the perceived shortcomings of the "K" frame when firing full power .357 Magnum ammo as a steady diet. The cylinder is larger and the frame is heavier - but IIRC S&W kept the grip portion at "K" - frame size. Most "L" frames are .357, but IIRC S&W used this frame in their 10mm guns. (And maybe a few .44 Specials? I'm pretty confident no "L" frames were made in .44 Mag.)

"K" frames include revolvers in .22, .32, .38 Spec., and .357.

"J" frame are .22, .32, .38, and .357.

In the past other cartridges (such as .22 Jet) were available, but never having had one myself, I'm not sure which frame they were built on. And the ".32" revolvers included chamberings in both .32 LC and .32 H&R.

[charlie]

Good info Longtooth.

Remember the N frame Models 57 and 58? They are both 41 mags. The 58 was the M & P Model with fixed sights. The sights were set up for the M & P load which was a moderate power load that was easy to shoot. I think it only came in 4" as it was designed stricly as a police sidearm. It looks kinda like a big model 10 .38 M&P.

It still had more power than the 357 and less recoil than the heavier 41 loads and the 44 mag loads.

I always thought the felt recoil was somewhere between that of a 44 special and a 44 mag. The Model 58 was eventually discontinued.

The Model 57 was the fancier version of the N frame .41. It had adjustable sighes and a prettier finish if I recall.

I think these model #s are right, but its been a long time.

[G.C.Montgomery]

N-frame. 25,625,29,629

Don't forget the 27 and 28, both 357Mag but the primary difference was markings and the quality of the finish. IIRC, 27's were polished to a high luster with deep blueing that almost looks wet even when dry as a bone. 28's were intended as "duty" guns for those who couldn't afford or didn't need the luxurious finish of the 27.

I've got a 28 that is one of the smoothest S&Ws I've ever fired. It's probably the only "Safe Queen" I currently own. Recently, I saw a 19-2 with a pinned barrel, recessed cylinders and a silky action that is calling my name. I've always wanted to buy one to put into a commemorative shadow box for my dad along with his badge from HPD. His original 19 is badly pitted and worn from 32years on the job but still locks up tightly and the action is very smooth.

[HighVelocity]

I took this pic to illustrate the difference in size of the S&W frames. I hope it helps.

[longtooth]

Thank you HV. This is going to help a lot on the board. I will be editing all the info sent in so it is on my original post. That way anyone who needs it can have it all w/o sorting through the many posts.

[jbirds1210]

Somebody needs an X-frame! Don't worry about the ammo cost....its just $!

[longtooth]

U buy. Me

[casselthief]

I got a buddy o' mine that has one a' dem 5hunnerds.
never seen it fahred. looks cooOOOooool, tho.
yep.

[Houston1944]

This will give you a little more info on the changes.
http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp

You left off the only N Frame I own - the 24, a 44spl, 6 1/2" barrel target model.